“Are you ready darling?”

“Almost, I can’t quite get my hair to cooperate.”

“Well, don’t take long,” he winked. “We don’t want to keep our guests waiting.”

I looked defeatedly into the mirror. We’d been planning this dinner for months now, and I was going to make us late. I haphazardly throw it into a bun and decided that would have to be good enough. Our guests wouldn’t want to wait forever.

I strode out of the bathroom with an air of confidence that was more bravado than how I actually felt. I knew we’d planned this party perfectly, but I still felt a bit of unease. If everything didn’t go according to plan, it would be mine and my partner’s asses on the line.

Upon entering the dining room, I saw our guests in their respective seats. My partner was walking behind them, ensuring everyone understood how the party was going to play out. I couldn’t help but smile at him, so much more confident than he had been when the fat bastard at the head of the table fired him and ruined our lives.

As I cocked the shotgun in my hand, I decided tonight was going to be great.