Sirius Zero: Building A Corporate Kingdom After Being Expelled
Chapter 19: Guns and Private Investigators

Chapter 19: Guns and Private Investigators

"We are terribly sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Zakhrov," said the IRS agent, a middle-aged woman with a no-nonsense demeanor.

"Let me guess, an anonymous tip-off?" asked Ivan, as he and Annette sat in the living room.

"Not so anonymous in our case Mr. Zakhrov, we were able to trace the tip to the Clarke estate," said the agent.

"Senator Sarah Clarke? But why? I’m a proud supporter! In fact, I’ve donated to her campaign!" exclaimed Annette.

"Well, I was pulled over by CPS on a tip that I was illegally holding a minor against her will, I suppose this is her way of doing a background check on me," growled Ivan.

"Well, regardless of her reasons, everything checks out. Your tax records are in order, and we have no reason to believe that you are involved in any illegal activities," said the agent, standing up.

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Zakhrov. We’ll be on our way now," she said, shaking Ivan’s hand.

"Thank you for your understanding," said Ivan, as the IRS agents left the house.

"Ivan Zakhrov, just who is Daisy Eddington that we’ve had visits from the IRS and CPS in one day?" asked Annette, her voice trembling with anger.

"A victim of abuse and bullying, Annette. And somebody who needs our help," said Ivan, his voice firm.

"I don’t like what you’re implying, Ivan. Are you saying that a state senator who is a vocal advocate for women and minority rights is abusing her own employees?" asked Annette, her voice rising.

"All I know is that Daisy came to me for help. And I’m not going to turn her away until she rescinds her request," said Ivan.

"Fine, but you better know what you’re doing, Ivan. I’ll not tolerate the besmirching of Sarah Clarke," warned Annette.

----

"Wow Aaron, you sure pick things up quickly," marveled Daisy staring at the bullet holes clustered in the center mass and head of Aaron’s target paper.

"Well, I seem to do better with this rifle rather than handguns," said Aaron holding a Kalashnikov SR-1.

"Well. I do think that rifle suits you better. What do you think? Do I look badass with this pistol?" asked Daisy posing with the Sig-Sauer P226 Equinox 9 mm pistol she was practicing with.

"Well yes, you look beautiful and dangerous," said Aaron, as Daisy blushed.

"And I must say you look very gangster like with that mean looking rifle," she told Aaron.

"Those were stationary targets. Let’s see how you kids do with moving ones," chuckled Sgt. Rodriguez, the instructor at the shooting range. He had been impressed by Aaron’s and Daisy’s aptitude.

"All right Mr. Rodriguez we’re ready," said Aaron, taking aim with his rifle.

Rodriguez activated the skeet shooting machine, and Daisy and Aaron took turns in trying to shoot the ceramic discs down.

Daisy braced herself and fired her 9 mm pistol shooting down the discs one after another. She missed a few, but still managed to get an impressive score.

Aaron racked up an impressive score as well, even taking into account the semi-automatic and anti-recoil features of his rifle.

"Very good. You both have excellent aim," said Sgt. Rodriguez.

Daisy beamed with pleasure at Sgt. Rodriguez’s praise. "Thank you sir," she said.

"Well I must admit I was reluctant to bring you two here, but it looks like you both know how to handle guns responsibly," said Ivan.

"Mr. Zakhrov, can I speak to you for a moment?" asked Sgt. Rodriguez, beckoning Ivan aside.

"Of course, Sergeant," said Ivan, following him to a quieter corner of the shooting range.

"I’m frankly a little worried about Aaron. He’s actually really good with that rifle, and I don’t think it’s just because of the anti-recoil features," said Sgt. Rodriguez.

"Don’t worry, Sergeant. I don’t have any guns in my house, and I don’t plan to get any," said Ivan firmly.

"That’s good to hear. I just wanted to make sure that you were aware of the potential risks. I did a couple of tours in Syria, and I’ve seen child soldiers. The scary part is Aaron’s way better than they were," said Sgt. Rodriguez, his voice low.

"I understand, Sergeant. I will keep a close eye on him," said Ivan, his voice serious.

"Good. I don’t want to scare you, but just be safe and careful," said Sgt. Rodriguez, clapping Ivan on the shoulder.

----

"So Natasha, do you have anything to report?" asked Sarah Clarke.

"It appears that the rumors about Aaron Zakhrov and his family are just that. Rumors. From my investigations he is a normal, albeit socially awkward boy." said Natasha.

Sarah’s mouth twitched in annoyance. "And his newly acquired marksmanship and driving skills are not a cause for concern?" she asked.

Natasha remained calm. "No they are not. He is still a minor and cannot obtain access to firearms or vehicles without parental consent. His parents are both cautious and strictly control the access to such activities," she said.

"I see, and my Emily’s claims -" began Sarah, but Natasha coldly cut her off.

"Emily’s claims come from a place of envy. Daisy is not being abused or exploited, in fact she is well cared for and has achieved remarkable growth over the winter break," said Natasha, her voice firm.

Sarah’s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Very well, continue to investigate," she snapped, tossing Natasha an envelope full of cash.

Natasha picked up the envelope, nodded and left the office.

---

"The award for best improving student in the 9th grade goes to Daisy Eddington!" announced Vice Principal Catherine Davis, to polite applause in the cavernous auditorium of St. Ignatius Academy.

Daisy walked confidently up to the dais and gratefully accepted the shining gold medal and rolled up certificate.

"Congratulations my dear you’ve earned it" said Catherine in a low voice as Daisy politely curtsied and left the stage.

Unbeknownst to Catherine and Daisy, Sarah Clarke was looking at Daisy with a very ugly expression, and her fists clenched.

----

Michael Eddington lay quivering on the cold concrete floor of a basement. His naked body covered with welts and bruises. Sarah Clarke stood over him with a thick, mean-looking leather bullwhip in her hands. "Let this be a lesson to you. My Emily does not get upstaged by the daughter of a filthy limey servant! Know your place!" she spat in cold fury, unleashing another barrage of lashes on him. Michael’s screams of agony echoed futilely around the concrete basement.

After what seemed like an eternity, Sarah finally got tired of whipping him and left him bleeding and quivering on the floor.

Michael painfully staggered to his feet and stumbled for the basement door.

"Need to get out of here," he panted, fumbling for the latch.