The Black Dahlia

04. First Move

SC base was located in diverse city, and there was one near Merrymont High School. He usually worked in headquarter as a major member, but an undercover mission was an exceptional  one. The 31st base, the one he was driving to, was going to be his workplace for a while. It took about 30 minutes from the hotel he was staying. That was the thing about being an agent of government: you get to stay in one of the fanciest hotels for free.

And he was here, in the office of 31st base. Carl, Manager of 31st base and a Deputy Director of SC, glared at Black. His voice echoed in the room.

"Agent Black, explain the reason you called for a meeting."

Carl questioned him. Black knew that it was not normal to call his Director on the first day of the mission. Still, he had no choice. After agreeing to the target's absurd deal, he decided it wouldn't work out as easily as they expected.

"Reporting the present situation. Attempt to eliminate the target has failed. The target had a weapon, and was highly skilled. She gradually fell unconscious, and had no memory about the previous incident. But she was very strong, even considering that she was armed. I believe other attempts would be meaningless, too."

He calmly spoke. None of it sounded fake. And the fact that Black was a major member of SC made it more reasonable. He never failed, nor left a trace. It was enough to convince him. Carl looked up sharply and asked.

"Understood. What is your specific requirement?"

Black exhaled. It was only thing he could ask for.

"I request backup."

Carl stared at him for few more moments, then nodded. It meant that he was letting go of Black's mistake. Generosity was not the type of thing valued in SC. However, Black was aware that he was the only one suitable for the mission. They can't resign him. Not now.

"How many?"

"One or two. I need who can cause a distraction to the target."

Carl typed in a lightening speed. Probably sending a message to the headquarter.

"Your request has been granted. You may go now. And choose your actions carefully in this mission. Remember your deeds require responsibility."

He formally said. Black simply bowed and walked out. Yes, that ridiculous deal would make things pretty annoying. Difficult, even.

But not impossible, if it were for him.

-

Dahlia tied her cherry-brown hair into a high ponytail. When she was young, she had an auburn hair. Now it was a shade of cherry and chocolate. Everyone assumed she dyed it. The thing was, she didn't. Her hair color somehow naturally deepened as she grew up. Just like her life, that has deepened its color throughout the years.

She yawned lazily as she crossed her legs. As always, she arrived school a bit too early. People don't really know how creepy the empty school is. She liked it this way, quiet and motionless.

The door of the classroom cracked open. She thought it was Liv and put her phone down. But it wasn't Liv that walked through.

"Hey, Agent."

Black moved to the seat beside her, wiping away his fake-friendly-smile. She almost smirked at that. He was perhaps sitting next to her because of the deal she offered. What a pity.

"Don't call me that in public."

"We have no audience now, so you can't call it a public."

"Someone could be eavesdropping. You don't want our conversation to be leaked out."