Sorry for the long wait, had some technical difficulties. Enjoy!
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"Focus Duncan!" Gary told me for what felt like the thousandth time. "Keep both eyes open, and don't fight the recoil." I tried to follow the directions he was giving me. It was no use. I pulled the trigger, feeling the heavy pistol power through my hands. I rolled my head in annoyance as I missed my target once again.
"Damn It. Gary this is useless." I said in frustration.
"At Least you didn't hit yourself in the face with the gun this time."
"Hey that only happened once." We shared a long look. "Okay twice." He nodded and laughed before taking the gun from me and reloading it. "Do we really have to do this?"
"Duncan, you're going to meet members of the Russian mafia. If it were up to me you wouldn't go at all. If you're going to go, I need to make sure you can handle yourself. To some degree." He said handing the newly loaded handgun back to me.
"I know. Just can't seem to get the hang of this."
"You can do this. I won't set up the meet with my C.I until I know you can shoot."
"Alright." I told him before taking aim again. I tried to remember all of the tips Gary had been giving me since we started these lessons. I used both of my hands to get a better grip on the weapon. I pressed the trigger, making sure to hold my stance. I watched as the bullet hit the target. Quickly followed by two others. I emptied the clip into the fake target, trying to keep my aim focused. When the gun was empty, Gary brought the target back towards us.
"Not bad. Much better. You're shooting pattern is all over the place, but you're hitting the target. I think that's enough for today." He said patting me on the back before once again taking the gun away.
"Thanks Gary. I really appreciate this." I told him as I took off the goggles and took a swig from a bottle of water.
"You're welcome. Just keep practicing."
"How are you doing on the money trace?" I asked him as we walked out of the gun range and towards our cars.
"I found quite a bit of his hidden funds. Those documents you brought in were a huge help. I knew that guy was an asshole. Didn't think he'd be crazy enough to steal from the Russians as well."
"Hopefully, once they know what he's been doing. They'll cut him loose and we won't have to worry about them anymore. Did you check out more of those names?" With all of the documents about Stamps financial indiscretions, we also found a list of names. It was populated by a few celebrities. Some in music, some in film, but with no direct connection except one.
"As we suspected they are all either clients of Stamps or they use to be. You called up a few of them already right?." Gary asked.
"Yeah, i have a couple of meetings set up for tomorrow. I'll let you know where we are then."
"You got it. See you tomorrow."
"Oh and Gary. Thank you for doing all this. I know you had your reservations. But this means a lot." I told him through the window.
"Stamp is a bad guy. It'll be much safer if we can get the Russians out of the equation."
"We will." I said before walking back to my BMW parked a little farther.
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Early the next morning, I arrived at the sizeable mansion outside L.A. I parked my car by the gate and stared in awe and disbelief at the sight before me. I had seen pictures online but seeing this immense property with my own eyes was something else. I pulled up my car to the main gate and pressed the intercom button.
"Hello?"" Said a sweet voice through the speaker.
"Hello, Miss Spears. It's Duncan Bryant. We spoke on the phone." I answered, unable to hide my nerves.
"Oh yes of course. Right on time." With that the gate opened and I was able to drive my car through. I drove up to the main entrance, trying my best to keep myself from dropping my jaw at the beautiful residence. I parked my car, and out came someone even more beautiful than the mansion. Britney Spears walked towards my car in a simple blue dress that hung on her wonderful body. I gulped as I opened my door and joined her.
"Hello Miss Spears. How are you?" I asked shaking her hand. Her megaton smile made it's appearance.
"I'm fine thanks. I'm sorry for having to make you come over so early. I am flying back to Vegas this afternoon." I saw her eyeing me and for a fleeting second thought that the pop princess was checking me out.
"Oh no trouble at all. I'm glad you agreed to see me." I told her as we entered her wonderful home. "I really love your house. It's incredible." I told her as she led me into the living room. I couldn't help but marvel at her great legs.
"Thank you. We just moved in a few weeks ago. The boys love it here." She said as she sat on the couch in the living room.
"I would imagine. I would have loved growing up in a place like this." I replied sitting down in a chair across from her.
"Congratulations on your Emmy. I'm a big fan of yours." She told me.
"Oh thank you very much. That means quite a bit. I'm a big fan of yours as well."
"Really? You don't seem to be the type of guy who listens to my music." She questioned.
"Oh since I was a kid. I know most of your songs by heart to this day. I obviously don't sing them as well. But I feel i hold my own in the shower." I joked. She laughed tossing her hair back.
"That's a show i'd like to catch." She said flirtatiously. Compounding the look that she had given me outside.
"Well let me know the next time you're in town. We will work something out." We both laughed. "How are you enjoying performing in Vegas?" I continued.
"I love it. It's so great being back on stage. I just miss my boys while I'm away."
"I can imagine. They seem like good kids."
"Yeah they are. It's just hard for them sometimes. You know they hear all of the things people say about me. Kids make fun of them. Especially about some of the things I did during my crazy phase."
"And soon they'll be teased about having the hottest mother on the block."
"Thanks. That's sweet of you. I don't get nearly as many compliments as I used to."
"That's crazy. You're gorgeous." I said honestly. She smiled and I could have sworn that she had blushed a little.
"Thank you. It's nice to hear that." She told me looking away.
"You must hear it all the time."
"Yeah, but with people you never know if they actually mean it." She looked at me again. "With you I can tell it's genuine."
"Must be hard. Never knowing if people are being real, or just pretending in order to get something." I continued.
"It is. It can get very lonely at times. Never knowing who to trust. Expecting everyone to stab you in the back. Even people you thought you knew, and trusted. They change too."
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault. It's just this damn business. It changes everyone."
"I haven't been here very long. But i've seen the effects it can have. It shouldn't have to be this way." She smiled sweetly at me, clearly relieved to see me agreeing with her.
"Would you like some coffee?" She offered standing up.