C529 A Surprise

At Lucia Goods, the arrival of the Lions immediately disrupted the usual quiet working atmosphere. The employees were surprised to see us, especially when Alicia and I appeared carrying an unexpected collection of supplies. We arrived with large packets of beef, chicken, and pork. There were also crates of beer, other drinks, and five new braai stands. Everyone stared at the supplies, clearly wondering what was happening. Chris was the first to approach us. "Brother, what's going on? Are you two planning a braai?" I smiled at him. "Something like that." Before he could ask another question, Alicia smiled and walked inside, leaving me outside with the others and the supplies. She gathered the employees' attention and addressed them. "Everyone, could I have your attention for a moment?" The conversations gradually died down as the employees turned towards her. "Today, my husband and I decided that we want to thank you for your dedication and for everything you've done to support our family. We know how hard you've been working, and we don't take your efforts for granted." She gestured towards the supplies outside. "We've brought enough meat, drinks, and everything else needed for a proper braai. As far as today's work is concerned, you can consider it cancelled. Today, Lucia Goods is hosting a braai for all of you. Relax, enjoy yourselves, and don't worry about work for the rest of the day."

For a moment, there was silence. Then cheers erupted throughout Lucia Goods. Some employees clapped, others laughed, and a few immediately began discussing who would take charge of the cooking. The atmosphere changed almost instantly, replacing the usual seriousness of the workplace with excitement. Watching them celebrate, I couldn't help smiling. Once the initial excitement had settled, I raised my voice. "Everyone, you can start preparing the braai. We've brought enough supplies for all of you, so make yourselves comfortable. Alicia and I still have something to take care of, but we'll join you later." "Thank you!" several employees called out. "Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Smith!" Alicia smiled at their reactions before returning to my side. "Well," I whispered, "I think that went better than expected." She laughed softly. "What did you expect? Complaints?" "With this many people, I was prepared for anything." She shook her head, amused, and we headed towards the training hall, where the rest of the Lions were waiting. The moment we entered, the mood became more serious. The excitement outside was a welcome change, but we still had an important mission to prepare for. Alicia stood before the group. "Guys, we have some new information. The Mayor has given us the location where Ann Smith is expected to be this afternoon." Everyone immediately paid attention. "Where is it?" Chris asked. "At a warehouse on XXX Street. The meeting is scheduled for 17:00." Amanda leaned forward slightly. "So, does that mean our mission has become easier?" "Only to a certain extent," Alicia replied. "We now have a location, but that doesn't mean we know what we're walking into. Our primary objective remains the same, Identify Ann Smith and take photographs. We're not going there looking for a fight."

She paused before continuing. "However, we must also protect ourselves. We don't know whether she has arranged security or whether someone else will be waiting for us. Everyone must carry at least one handgun, and you must remain alert throughout the operation." We all nodded. Laura looked directly at Alicia. "Do you have a plan for how we're going to approach the warehouse?" Alicia shook her head. "Not yet. I've never been to that warehouse, so I don't know the layout or the surrounding area. We'll arrive early enough to inspect the surroundings before the meeting begins. Once we understand the location, we can decide how best to proceed." "That makes sense," I said. "We shouldn't make assumptions about a place we've never visited, especially when we already suspect that something might be wrong." "Exactly," Alicia replied. "The Mayor gave us the information, but we still don't know why he's so interested in having us investigate Ann Smith. Until we understand his intentions, we need to be cautious." Sarah nodded. "And if we discover that it's a trap?" "We withdraw if the situation becomes too dangerous," Alicia answered. "Our priority is to identify Ann Smith and gather information. We won't risk everyone's lives just because the Mayor expects us to complete a mission." Nobody objected.

Alicia looked around the room before her expression softened. "There's one more thing. The braai outside is for the Lucia Goods employees. You're all welcome to join them for a while, but nobody is to drink alcohol today. We have a mission this afternoon, and I don't want anyone making mistakes because they weren't taking their responsibilities seriously." Chris raised his hands innocently. "Who said anything about drinking?" I looked at him. "Chris, you're the first person I suspected." The others laughed. "That's because you don't trust me," he complained. "I trust you completely," I replied. "I just don't trust you around free beer." The laughter grew louder, and even Alicia struggled to maintain her serious expression. "Enough," she said, smiling. "Enjoy the braai, spend some time with your families, and make sure you're ready when it's time to leave. We have several hours before the mission, so use them wisely." We agreed, and the meeting ended. For the next few hours, we joined the employees outside and enjoyed the braai. The smell of meat filled the air as the employees took turns tending to the fires. Conversations and laughter spread throughout the grounds, and for a while, Lucia Goods felt less like a workplace and more like a gathering of friends and family. It was a welcome break from the constant tension surrounding our lives. Chris spent much of the time joking with the employees, while Sarah and Amanda joined conversations near one of the braai stands. Samantha was also in good spirits, although I noticed that she occasionally checked her phone.

Alicia stayed close to me for most of the morning. "Are you happy with how everything turned out?" she asked. I looked around at the employees enjoying themselves. "Definitely. Sometimes we get so caught up in our responsibilities that we forget to appreciate the people helping us carry them." She slipped her hand into mine. "That's exactly why I wanted us to do this." I kissed her forehead. "And I'm glad we did." We stayed a little longer before the approaching afternoon reminded us of our responsibilities. Eventually, we said our goodbyes and began preparing to leave. The employees were still enjoying themselves, but the Lions had a different task ahead of us. By the time we departed, everyone knew what they needed to do before the mission. The braai had given us a few peaceful hours, but that peace would not last forever. At the Wood family residence, Sarah and Samantha returned home to collect a few things they needed for the afternoon. As they entered the house, they found Tracy in the living room. Sarah looked around. "Mom, where's Dad?" "He's at work," Tracy replied. Sarah nodded, but Samantha had something more important on her mind. "What about the matter I asked everyone to think about?" Tracy's expression became thoughtful. "We've discussed it, Samantha. However, I'd prefer to wait until Kelvin returns so that we can explain our decision to you together." Samantha considered this for a moment before nodding. "Fine. I'll wait." She didn't press the matter further. Instead, she explained why they had returned. "We're preparing for something this afternoon, so we came back to collect our guns before leaving."

Tracy's expression immediately became concerned. "Another mission?" "Something like that," Samantha replied. "We need to be prepared, just in case." Tracy looked between the two women. "Then both of you need to be careful. I know you have responsibilities, but that doesn't mean you should take unnecessary risks." "We will, Mom," Sarah assured her. Samantha gave Tracy a reassuring smile. "We'll be fine." After that, Samantha picked up Monica and carried her towards her bedroom. Once inside, she settled Monica comfortably before taking out her phone and starting a video call with Faith. The call connected almost immediately. "Honey!" Faith greeted her. Samantha smiled, but a moment later, her cheeks turned slightly red as she remembered something. Monica had a habit of telling everyone everything she heard. It was one of the reasons Samantha had to be careful about what she discussed around her daughter. Still, she wasn't going to let that stop her from talking to Faith. "Faith, how are you?" she asked. "Guess who wants to talk to you." Before Faith could answer, Monica leaned towards the phone. "Aunt! Aunt!" Faith's expression brightened. "Monica! How have you been, sweetheart?" Monica smiled excitedly. "Aunt, Mom said you'll go shopping with me! I want a big doll, and I want a phone so I can call you!" Faith burst out laughing. "Really? Your mother agreed to all that?" Monica immediately turned towards Samantha. "Mom, you agreed, right?"

Samantha shook her head, trying to look serious. "I don't know anything about that." Monica looked back at the phone with a triumphant smile. "See, Aunt? Mom agreed! We must go tomorrow. I also want to eat KFC!" Faith laughed even harder. "Monica, sweetheart, how are you going to eat KFC when you don't even have teeth?" Monica didn't appear to see any problem with that. "You'll help me, Aunt!" Samantha covered her mouth, trying to suppress her laughter. Faith shook her head affectionately. "You're becoming very clever, aren't you?" Monica nodded proudly. "Yes!" Samantha finally intervened. "All right, that's enough for today. Monica, go downstairs and spend some time with your grandmother." Monica's smile faded slightly. "But, Mom..." "No buts. Go on." With a small pout, Monica climbed down and left the room. Samantha watched her go before turning her attention back to Faith. "You see what I have to deal with every day?" Faith laughed. "She's adorable. Besides, I don't mind taking her shopping. We can discuss the doll and the phone tomorrow." Samantha narrowed her eyes playfully. "Don't encourage her. If you promise her everything she wants, she'll expect me to agree to it all." "Then I suppose you'll have to negotiate with your daughter." "You're enjoying this far too much." "Maybe a little." Both women laughed, and for a moment, the concerns surrounding their lives seemed far away.

Eventually, Faith's expression softened. "Anyway, how are the preparations going?" Samantha smiled. "Everything is ready." She paused, looking at Faith through the screen. There were many things she could have said, but one mattered more than the rest. "Thank you, Faith." Faith looked at her curiously. "For what?" "For loving my child the way you do. You don't have to treat Monica as your own, but you do. That means more to me than I can explain." Faith's smile became gentle. "Monica is my child too, Sam. I love her, and I love you. You don't have to thank me for that." Samantha felt warmth spread through her chest. "I love you too." "I love you too, Sam. Just promise me you'll be careful today." Samantha nodded. "I promise." They continued talking for a little while longer before ending the call. After putting her phone away, Samantha remained seated for a moment, thinking about Faith's words. She knew the afternoon could bring unexpected complications. Whatever awaited them, she wanted to return home safely, not only for herself but also for Monica. She rose from the bed and headed downstairs after finishing her preparations. The afternoon was approaching, and soon, everyone would have to leave the comfort of their homes and face whatever awaited them.