Prologue.

Leandra’s POV

I am getting ready for my first day at my new job. I finished university while working as a waitress. I grew up in an orphanage. My life was not easy. However, I am happy because many people have it worse than me. It taught me to be tough. I am not anybody’s little bitch. I am street smart, but I am also very smart when it comes to my studies. I have been in the orphanage ever since I can remember. There, you have to fight for everything you want. Well, I was born a fighter. I think I can’t remember when I was born. I am sure I was born a fighter because I would never let anyone bully me. I am finishing my last shift at the restaurant today. There is only one day left, and we have flickered the lights already twice to make them realize that we want to close. But they keep sitting there as if they are paid to be there.

I cannot wait to put this place behind me. Man, it was hard working here and kissing ass for decent tips. Sometimes, I wish I could tell the people that I served and who always complained to go to hell.  However, I sucked it up because I needed the money. I didn’t need any money for our studies because I got a bursary from a very nice woman called Aurora Angela. She paid for all my studies on one condition. I had to work for her for five years after my studies ended. Hence, I am starting my new job tomorrow. I am getting a decent salary, so I will not be needing this job anymore. I am thankful for this job because I got a place to stay and I got food here. I did not have the money to stay on campus. I’m glad I did not have to stay on campus. I wish these people would go. It is almost three o’clock in the morning, and I have to be at my new job at eight.

However, the man with the hat on his head sits at the table, not looking to be in a hurry to go anywhere. There are three other men with him, and I think his name is Don because everybody keeps calling him Don. I am about to kick Don out on this street. I walk over to the table to see if there is anything else they want. They already had three cups of coffee. They finished their dinner long ago. Why do they have to be here tonight? It is my last night. I just want to go home, sleep and be fresh for tomorrow’s work. I have saved a lot of my money. I spent it on clothing for my new job and a new apartment. After my first paycheck, I will be able to pay the rent on the apartment. However, I could pay for a key deposit and a month in rent. I still have so much left for food during the month. Also, I’m saving for a new car. Don’t get me wrong, I love Daisy, my little Mazda, but she is having problems lately. She’s getting old, and she’s having trouble stopping.

“Listen, Don, I know you and your friends over here are having a wonderful time, but it is three o’clock in the morning, and I need to go home. You don’t have to tip me. You can just pay your bill and leave,” I say. I've had enough of this Don guy and his friends sitting here as if they own the place.

“Do you know who you are talking to? Show some respect,” One of his friends says. His friends look like bodyguards. Is he supposed to be a famous person?

“Yeah, I don’t know who he is. I don’t care who he is. Unless he is the president. I don’t care. You guys need to go. We are closed,” I say.

“What is your name?” Don asks.

“Oh, so we can’t talk for himself. My name is Leandra Smith. Maybe you need glasses. I do have a name tag. Listen, guy, I don’t know why you are still here at this time in the morning, but I am not going to entertain you. You can stay, but I am leaving. There are no other waiters, so they will not be serving you,” I say.

“Listen, Leandra. I am waiting for someone. I will give you a ten thousand dollar tip if you keep serving us and pretend nothing is wrong,” Don says. Ten grants are a lot. I will say year until tomorrow morning, five o’clock if I have to. And still be at work at eight. I can buy myself a car, and I can give Tommy money to buy that stupid motorcycle he wants.

“I will stay. Ten grand is a lot of money. However, I do think your date stood you up,” I say. I walk back to the area where I wait. I pick up my phone to call Tommy. Tommy is my boyfriend. He must be worried sick that I am not home yet. However, he did not answer his phone, so I just left him a message saying that I was working late. Tommy is a tough guy. he is a part of a street gang, and although I tried to get him to leave the gang and find a job, he laughs at me and tells me I am not his boss. I want a better future for us, but Tommy is under the influence of his friends. I hope you will change someday and turn into a responsible husband. Maybe when we get married, he will become more responsible. As I am sitting in my corner, I see a car driving by slowly.

Now, if there is one thing I know, it is a hit. I am used to stay in the shitty areas of town. Those guys in that car are up to no good. I have a feeling that they are targeting Don. I saw the gun coming out the window. I jumped up and I ran. I’m not going to lose my ten grand if Don gets killed. I tackle him the same time that the bullet goes through the window and shutters it. I was just in time, or it would have been a headshot.