"Enter." I have heard that word so many times over the years, my reaction is almost involuntary. Like a robot I automatically stride to my seat across from Boss, head held high but never making eye contact. Unauthorized eye contact with any superiors, especially Boss, is grounds for stepping off a high dive into the shallow end, if you know what I mean. It's an unspoken and understood agreement between employeer and employee. I sit, expecting to hear a date, description, location, and the words "take care of it, doll." But today is different. Boss isn't as cold as he normally is; his tone of voice even expresses a little concern, which never happens.
"Amia... this assignment is the hardest one I've ever given you. I'm reluctant to risk your safety, you've become a... a daughter to me. I don't wish to see you meet an untimely end, and..." I turn my head away from his as he looks directly at me, "... look at me, Amia. look me in the eyes and tell me you can handle this. PROMISE me you'll come back safely. I need to hear you say it. I don't trust anyone as much as you; you're the most capable assasian I've got. I can't lose you. This family, we're your family now, and we need you to be safe. I don't doubt your skill or your loyalty, I know you'd never go against us. I just have to be sure that you will be alright. We won't be able to send backup if you get in a bind. You know what to do if worst comes to worst."
"Boss... I swear on my life that I'll fulfill your wishes. No questions asked, no hesitaitions. Like always." I say, hoping that I'm hiding the worry in my voice. " Just give me the instructions."
He hands me a familiar portfolio and a plane ticket, the same procedure as always. And just as normally, I walk out of the room and head straight to the car. I never look at my assignments until the plane is underway, that way there's no going back. No chance to change my mind. My associates think I'm just fearless, but the truth is I don't want them to see me hesitate. Weakness is death in this profession. I've seen that lesson learned too many times, taught that lesson to too many people, to let it happen to me.
As I climb the steps onto the first class section of a commercial jet, I shudder from the nerves. I keep telling myself that this is just another mission, but I have a feeling there's more to the story.
YOU ARE READING
The Fatal Price
Mystery / ThrillerAmia is the picture of perfection- beautiful, intelligent, and successful. To hear her voice is to fall in love with her, and maybe that's why she seemed to so easily adapted to her new life. Forced to leave everything she once knew behind by a dark...
