Ms. Zackary shot to her feet. "You can count on me! I'll get it done!"
She suddenly lifted her head. "Esteemed executives, I need to ask for something."
"Ask for what?" one executive said icily.
Ms. Zackary clenched her jaw. "I need a transformation pill..."
The room went quiet. Then came a cold voice. "For your Heaven Swallowing Python?"
"Yes..." Ms. Zackary dropped her gaze.
An executive spoke with frost in his tone. "Ms. Zackary, you've worked for the Capital City Martial Arts Association for years. You know better than to get attached. It compromises the entire organization."
"Exactly. When your heart's tied down, your blade gets dull," another added.
Ms. Zackary looked up, desperation in her voice. "I've given everything to the Association. Never married, never had kids. Leticia is all I have left."
"Please, considering everything I've sacrificed, grant me this pill!"
The executives seemed to waver.
After a pause, one said, "Pick it up in three days."
