When all of our things were packed away Viper came to the cabin to begin our training. She introduced us to our teacher, a heavily scarred man that was blind in one eye. He didn't have a name. He was a kind man that quicky got a soft spot for the both of us. We spent half a year doing physical training before Viper took us into the basement. We went down a spiral staircase to an armory and a shooting range. We were ordered to train for two hours a day for five days a week unless we were on a mission. Ray and I stayed in college since what we were learning was relevant.
It had now been a year since we broke in and I was getting dressed before the mirror. I wore a pair of shorts and a crop top. I turned to look myself over. The muscles in my arms and legs were striking and I now had a six pack. I was average height with a small frame so to a lot of people my strength was surprising.
Vince had noticed how I changed. Mom invited me over every weekend for food. She'd mentioned my muscles but Vince didn't say anything. I thought he might be getting suspicious.
I walked out of my room and knocked on Ray's door. She called me in. I shut the door behind me and sat down on the bed while she finished her makeup at the vanity. When she was finished we left together.
We were given orders to gather information on a suspected terrorist. We lived in Prosfin. It was a medium sized continent with a relatively high crime rate but not a noticeable amount of terrorism.
The target's name was Jackson Clifford. He was a middle age former investor that recently lost most of his wealth in the stock market. He had been staking out the company he invested in. He was also seen following the workers at the company, some high and some low level. It was a low risk job so I figured that was why Viper chose it for us.
We entered the city where he lived. When we got to his neighborhood we pulled into the driveway of the safehouse. Once we were inside Ray turned on the computer while I slipped into my jumpsuit. It was called the camellian. It was skin tight and changed color to blend in with the environment. It came with a mask that did the same thing. I tucked the mask into a little pocket on my side.
I pulled on my floor length dress and high heel boots. Ray quickly changed the color of my camellian to match my skin tone.
I was cute. I had a diamond shaped face, almond green eyes with long lashes, tan skin, and plump circular lips. My hair was like a lion's mane. My ears were pierced. I'd painted my nails red to match my dress.
"Do you think this guy actually poses a threat?" Ray asked.
"Maybe. Why?"
"This might be a test."
"Of course it's a test," I plopped down next to her.
"I mean completely fabricated."
"Wouldn't make much of a difference," I opened my makeup bag and set up the mirror, "Are you in his accounts?"
"He's been spending a ton. He's definitely planning something."
"Where's he spending his money?"
"Most of it came out in cash."
"Maybe he's hanging on to it."
"He took out eight hundred thousand and left a dollar."
"Okay, that's odd," I finished my foundation and began to apply my lipstick. It was the same blood red as my dress.
"You look beautiful."
"Awe," I lean to the side to nudge her.
I pressed my lips together. After putting away my makeup I tucked my legs under me and looked over Ray's shoulder to watch what she was looking at. She'd closed his personal banking page and was looking through his texts. His wife was fraught with worry. She called multiple times a day and sent about thirty messages and emails every day.
My phone vibrated on the table. It was Vince. I picked it up and brought it to my ear as I made my way into the kitchen.
"Hey, what's going on?"
"Nothing, really. Why?"
"Just checking in."
It was a lie. I turned to see Ray watching me with the same dark, knowing expression and my heartbeat picked up speed.
"Thanks. How's mom?"
"She's gone for work. Where are you?"
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Just in the area and wanted to bring you a treat."
"Ray and I are on a drive. Thanks, though."
He paused, "Tell me if you need anything. Okay?"
"Of course. You, too. See you."
"Goodnight."
I hung up and finally I could breathe. I put my cell on silent and pulled up my dress to slide it into its compartment. I grabbed the device I could use to talk to ray and clipped it onto the strap of my dress. I put the speaker in my ear.
"I think he knows."
"I don't know. Since I moved he's been extra worried about me."
"I'm glad he cares."
"Yeah but it makes it hurt to lie to him," I came to her and leaned against the back of the couch.
"I'll look out for you. I'll just be around the block."
"I know. I trust you."
She shut off the computer and grabbed her keys. I waited for her to get ready and soon we were back in the car. She parked in the parking lot of a gas station. I got out into the frigid air and began my walk down the street.
"Can you hear me?"
"Yeah."
"Remember the number?"
"Thirty-two. Shush."
"I'm just trying to be helpful."
"You suck at it."
"Fine, I'll go home."
I giggled. I could see in my mind her toothy grin. When I approached Jackson's house I forced a tired look onto my face. I started up the walkway and climbed the steps to knock on his door. When he opened I met his gaze. He had bloodshot eyes. He wore pajamas that looked to have been hanging from his body for days.
"Hi, I'm sorry to bother you," I hugged myself, fidgeting with my dress as I did, "My boyfriend dumped me. Can I use your phone?"
"Of course."
He stepped aside and I walked into his home. I asked if I should take off my shoes and luckily he said it was fine.
He grabbed his cell and handed it to me. I sat on the couch and dialed Ray. I called three times before burying my face in my hands.
"No answer?"
I shook my head. A tear fell from my eye, "I don't know what to do. I left my wallet and phone at home."
"Hey," He set his hand on my shoulder, "It's okay. I can drive you home."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course."
I smiled, "Can I just use your bathroom first?"
"Of course."
"Thanks."
He pointed me to the bathroom and I locked myself inside. I turned on the water and slid the window across just enough to let Ray inside.
"Window open," I whispered into the mic.
"Gotcha. Be careful."
I flushed the toilet and washed my hands. When I got out of the bathroom I followed him into his car. I gave him the location of the safehouse.
He was silent for the ride. When we got to the safehouse I invited him in for a snack. I ordered a meal for us and while we waited we sat on the couch to talk.
"Guilty," Ray soon whispered in my ear, "Wait for me."
I checked my phone, "The food should be ten minutes away."
"That's fine. I like sitting here with you."
I smiled and playfully rolled my eyes, "Are you trying to flirt with me?"
"No. You can do better than me."
"Oh, come on. You're handsome and smart. Who wouldn't like you?"
"You're very sweet."
"So, what do you do for work?"
"Don't touch that!" Ray hissed, "I'm five minutes away!"
"I used to invest."
"And now?"
"Now I have some opportunities on the horizon."
"That's exciting."
I heard a knock on the door but when I began to stand Jackson held out his hand to stop me. He took the food from the delivery driver and laid it out on the table before us. He handed me a container of sweet and sour chicken. I grabbed the chopsticks and began to nibble on my meal.
"What about you?" He asked.
"I'm in college."
"What are you studying?"
It was then Ray announced her presence and I stood to let her in. Once inside she locked the door.
"This is my sister," I said, walking back to sit before him.
I continued on about her, stopping when her needle sunk into Jackson's neck. A look of shock crossed his face before he sunk against the back of the couch.