ASSASSINS

ONE

"Washington, D.C. has fallen into anarchy," said the news reporter from the TV. "The death toll has reached over a hundred as the police are now using sheer force to calm the crowds of violent protesters. It is now confirmed that the President of the United States has fled the District of Columbia. His whereabouts are unknown, but one thing we know for sure, Brian, is that the government has been shut down once again. I'm standing by the Washington Memorial, and you can still see the absolutely massive throng that's formed here. They're all protesting the recent assassination of Senator Reece, as well as the tax configuration that makes it even harder to find a job in these hard times. Unemployment has jumped to fifteen percent, and these people are angry, Brian. Police brutality has reached a whole new level. Who is behind it? An assassin who goes by the code name Raven." A black box with a question mark replaced the reporter's face with the text underneath: RAVEN. "Back to you, Brian."

I pressed the power button on the TV. It turned off with a beep. I could see my reflection in the dark screen. Curly blond hair and troubled grey eyes stared back at me.

"Goddammit," I muttered. "He couldn't stay in town for a few more days? Honestly. Damn politicians." I sighed, rubbing my temples and wincing as I accidentally turned on my labeled vision.

"You know, talking to yourself is the first sign of madness," a male voice came from the doorway.

I immediately rolled my eyes. "Go away, Riptide. Leave me alone."

Riptide entered the break room and sat down on the couch next to me. He tossed a manila file folder onto my lap. I fingered it cautiously.

"Your next assignment," he explained. "Alecto told me to give it to you." He chuckled lightly. "You've been in a bit of a — mood lately. I was the only one brave enough to talk to you." He shot me an arrogant grin.

"Am I supposed to be impressed?" I grumbled.

He laughed again. "Oh, Raven. You sure do keep my ego in check." He threw his arm across my shoulders, ignoring the dirty look I gave him.

"What's my mission this time?" I asked, flipping through the folder.

He slapped my hand away from the folder. "You can't look yet. It's a surprise."

"Do you know what it is?"

His smile turned smug. "Yep."

"Tell me."

"No."

"You suck." I turned and made eye contact with him, narrowing my eyes slightly.

But he just shook his head and tossed me a smirk. "I know your games, Raven. I know what you're trying to do."

"What was I doing, then?" I challenged.

"Don't try to read my mind, Raven. It won't work out in your favor." With that, he stood, gave me a small smile, and grabbed a coffee before heading out the door.

I sat there in silence for a moment, then turned the file over in my hands.

"Fuck it," I muttered and opened it. What was the worst thing they would do to me if I opened it early?

The first page contained a picture of a man who looked familiar. He had soft features, but a hard look in his eyes.

TARGET: Reginald Dionysus

TIME FRAME: 2 days

COVER: News reporter for the local high school's paper

"What's that?" a happy voice called.