EIGHTY FOUR

TODD'S POV

I watched my kids as they walked alongside Zenith and Zendaya, their laughter blending with the sounds of the park. My wife was keeping Sylvia distracted, making small talk while our kids subtly drew hers away. I had already briefed my kids on our plan and what we needed to do. Our contractor had laid out all the necessary information: hurt and frustrate her kids until they wanted to leave New York.

As I observed them, I couldn't help but think about the secrecy surrounding this job. We still didn't know who had hired us; they kept their identity hidden, which told me they meant serious business. It also meant that we absolutely couldn’t afford to fail.

"Hey, Todd," Sylvia called out, pulling me back to the present. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, just making sure the kids are having fun," I replied with a smile, masking my true intentions.

I watched as my kids executed the plan, nudging Zenith and Zendaya towards a more secluded area of the park. This was just the beginning, and