Bullets And Roses

Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

"You're going to exhaust yourself beyond the point of revitalization if you keep working out at this rate." One of the trainers at Anonymous warned me. I replied with a snarl. I could barely remember my younger self when I hated to get sweaty in the fear of ruining my hair or dress. During one of my task, someone once asked me to mention one of the greatest miracles that I witnessed in life "My changing from a fragile girl to a cold blooded killer would be the one." I had replied with a hint of smile. The man never spoke to me again, probably because of the knife that I had struck his heart with.

The training week was a blur. I could only remember sleeping with sore muscles. While the investigation team was trying to locate Duncan Barrows, my fighting skills were being tested in every possible way. Different scenarios were created for me and I had to pass each one of them. The sessions usually ended with blood but ultimately victory. My mind was filled with satisfaction when I didn't fail a single test. 

I had memorized every name in the file that was given to me along with the little details. I read Duncan's available bio-data. I was astonished by how little information Anonymous had acquired about him. The man was definitely not like the ones the organization dealt with before, with the number of people he had killed, any other person would've been caught and convicted at least once but not him. His sins could not be traced. As much as I hated to admit it, I was eager to meet this fascinating man. 

I did not get any calls after my training was over. I was to be informed when my mission was going to start. I did not hear from the organization for another week. I was on the verge of losing my patience which was a rare circumstance for me. I was filled with curiosity and excitement for the upcoming mission. 

A card was received by me that was sent by Henry wishing me good luck. I couldn't process the unexpected gesture. I couldn't understand why he expressed such concern for me. He obviously wanted something; I just had to figure out what it was. I had enough time to think about it. But in the end, I chose not to dwell on it and tried to appreciate the gesture instead.

It was sliding into August and the temperature in New York was heating up. I slipped into a comfortable long t-shirt and started gorging on the Chinese takeout I purchased that evening. The much awaited call finally arrived that night. I deeply exhaled as I pressed the green button on my phone. 

"It's time! Get ready."  

"Yes Sir!"  

The call was short but I understood what it meant-Duncan Barrows was finally tracked.

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"And what's your name?" The pretty blonde girl at the airport security desk asked me. 

"Mia Sanchez." I took my sunglasses off with a smile as I answered.  

"I hope you have a nice time in Philippines, Miss. Sanchez." She handed over the passport to me with a genuine smile. 

"Thank you!" I reached for my hand bag while a dark lock of hair fell over my forehead and a tiny drop of sweat trickled down my throat. Am I really ready? I asked myself as I made my way to the airport terminal.