Black Card, Black Ops Chapter 1

My mom called me on the secure line at The Agency to tell me she’d set me up on a blind date.

All I knew was that her last name was Sterling, and she was the daughter of the richest man in D.C.

To pick out a decent greeting gift, my Director pulled some strings and got me into an exclusive charity gala.

During the preview, I spotted a vintage Romanov Emerald necklace. Just as I reached for the display case to get a closer look, a guy in a cheap suit shoved me hard from behind.

"Hey, pal! If you value your life, keep your hands off the merchandise."

I stumbled, straightened my jacket, and turned to glare at him.

"This is a public auction, not your living room. Who died and made you king?"

The guy sneered, looking me up and down like I was something he stepped in.

"You’re asking me who I am?"

"I’m the guy telling you that this is D.C. If Miss Sterling wants something, nobody else touches it. Capiche?"

I stared at him for a few seconds, processing the audacity. Then I pulled out my burner phone and dialed my "fiancée’s" number.

"I hear you’re running this town... pretty aggressively."

01

If it weren’t for my mom, I wouldn’t have even bothered making the call.

D.C. is a shark tank, but money isn't the only thing that makes you an apex predator here.

If she apologized, I figured I could be the bigger man and let it slide.

"I’m busy. Make it quick or get lost," a sharp female voice snapped on the other end.

"Miss Sterling, I suggest you put a leash on your dogs, otherwise—"

Click.

She hung up on me.

I stood there, phone in hand, blinking.

Is this standard operating procedure for billionaire heiresses?

Seeing my stunned expression, the guy who shoved me—Brad, the assistant—grinned so wide his face looked like it might split.

"Oh, look at that! I thought you actually knew Miss Sterling. Turns out she won't even give you the time of day."

"Listen, kid. You’re trying to snatch something from the Sterlings in this town? You got a death wish?"

He saw I was in my early twenties and wearing off-the-rack clothes. He didn't see a threat.

"Sir, let me be clear. This is an auction house. It’s not the Sterling estate."

"The rule here is simple: Highest bidder wins."

"Highest bidder?"

Brad burst out laughing.

"Kid, is your brain lagging? Do you need a reboot?"

"Look around. Half of D.C. is built on Sterling money. You really think you can outspend us?"

He was getting in my face now, spit flying as he yelled.

I clenched my fist, my eyes going cold.

"We’re in the capital of the free world, and a merchant thinks he’s royalty? That’s rich."

The crowd around us started whispering.

"Whoa, this kid has a death wish. Disrespecting the Sterlings?"

"It’s just a necklace. Not worth disappearing over."

"If I were him, I'd apologize right now. Maybe kiss the ring. He might even get a job out of it."

The crowd’s murmurs only fueled Brad’s ego.

"You little punk. You dare look down on the Sterlings? You’re done."

I didn't flinch. I actually found it funny.

"I suggest you rinse your mouth out with soap."

"If you actually manage to piss me off, your boss won't be able to pay the repair bill."

"Repair this!"

Brad swung at me.

I dodged effortlessly. He threw three more punches, hitting nothing but air.

"Quit moving, you little rat! You want me to call Miss Sterling right now?"

I didn't fight back. Not because I was scared, but because before I left the Black Site, the Director gave me strict orders:

"You represent the Department now. Do not engage in physical altercations with civilians."

Besides, I don't brawl.

I neutralize.

Brad thought I was scared. He wound up for a haymaker.

Just then, someone shouted from the entrance.

"Miss Sterling is here!"