The Company is finally up and running. Be sure to read Heart of Gold first, as The Company will make so much more sense if you do. It's more of a tie-in than a sequel, but it will make a world of difference if you read Heart of Gold first.

The story is broken up into three parts, that I've put in order here, so you can begin reading the next entry after this and it will all be fine as you continue going down. Don't forget to read the Epilogue either. That one will clear up many, many questions about Heart of Gold, for those of you who weren't entirely thrilled with what a cliff-hanger ending it had.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

         “The goal of discipline is not to influence behavior through fear of punishment, but to support development of self-control and problem-solving skills. When one can learn self-discipline, the possibilities are endless as to what that individual can accomplish. It is required in almost every avenue of life, and a developed sense of self-control can offer great advantages over those who do not have it.”
        Cindy and Ashley sat and listened with interest. College courses weren't always so interesting to them, but this class had their attention. They were students of human nature, both in class and in life. It was only natural that they paid attention in psychology.
         “A certain personality type might lead an individual to be more aggressive, angry, or hostile. By maintaining self-discipline over one’s actions, the individual’s tendencies are secondary and insignificant as opposed to what he knows he must do or, in many cases, what he must restrain himself from doing.”
        "He certainly does like the sound of his own voice, doesn't he," Cindy whispered.
        "I have no doubt, but it works out for me. I like the sound of his voice as well," Ashley said with a smile. She had an outspoken weakness for her psychology teacher. She would tell Cindy it was something about the way he talked, and how he seemed to know everything about how the mind worked. They both knew it wasn't true, as he was young and at times it seemed his students knew more about human behavior than he did. But they also both acknowledged if anyone sounded like he knew what he was talking about, it was Professor Langden.
        "At least today, he's talking about something worthwhile. I was about to fall asleep."
        "Cindy, you couldn't fall asleep if you tried, you're too busy trying to find some fault with my beautiful professor. You're just jealous because he prefers me over you."
        "Ha. Somehow 'you wish' just doesn't seem to convey the truth behind the situation. Anyway, you're just upset because this is the last day we'll hear him speak with any illusion of intelligence."
        Ashley sighed. It was true, the fact that it was the last day of class did have her spirits down.
        "Don't worry, Ash, there will be plenty of professors for your feasting eyes and ears next semester. For the time being, let's just get this class over with. We've got a busy day ahead of us."
        Professor Langden continued with his lesson, just as always. When he was finished, he asked the students to turn in their final papers.
        Cindy and Ashley had worked quite hard on their papers. Cindy had written hers on the four personality types and how much, as well as to what extent, they affect a person's individual behavior. Ashley's topic of study for her paper was how effectively training, conditioning, and discipline can influence a person's individual behavior despite their predetermined personality type. Both papers, when read together, offered very interesting points. They were both equally fascinated with their results, and wasted no time in applying the results to everyday life. They were passionate students of human behavior.
        The girls walked up to their professor, Ashley with stars in her eyes, and Cindy with impatience. The professor smiled at both of them, just as always. Despite being a young professor, he took notice of their efforts and attention in class. He appreciated how hard they worked and that they were truly listening when one half of the class was asleep while the other was daydreaming about him.
        "I look forward to reading your papers, girls. It's been a real pleasure having you in my class. I'm loathe to be losing you this semester."
        Cindy smirked.
        "Well if you go back to your office with Ashley and have a 'meeting' with her about her inner feelings, I have a feeling she would be the one losing something."
        Ashley's eyes practically fell out of her head as she immediately opened them as wide as possible. Her face was almost as pink as her sweater. She very slowly turned around to meet Cindy's mischievous smile. Before she could say anything to defend herself, Cindy grabbed her by the arm and tugged.
        "Perhaps another time, Professor. We've got a lot of work to do, so if you'll excuse us..."
        "But it's the last day of the semester, how could you two possibly have work to do?"
        "Ah, it seems you've sparked his interest," Cindy whispered teasingly.
        "Cindy, I swear, if I had a gun on me right---"
        "Have a nice life, Professor Langden!" Cindy yelled over her shoulder as they walked away.

        Ashley made certain they were out of anyone's earshot before she began berating Cindy.
        "And just what exactly was that all about? How am I ever going to look him in the face again?!"
        "Don't get your panties in a twist, I was just having a little bit of fun. Besides, with all the tension between the two of you --and yes, there has been tension-- someone had to break the ice."
        "Well, from now on, when I want the ice broken, I'll let you know." She sighed heavily. "You know, if he knew how I old I was, he might have been a little more passionate about his interest. Now, I don't ever want to see his face again, and I certainly don't want him to see mine.
        "Give it a rest. I think you would have had a better chance with him if he knew you were eighteen, and not eight years older. Then again, he’s not necessarily the type to jeopardize his career over a woman. His research with the university is very important to him. And anyway, after he reads those papers, he's going to know we're not just eighteen. It's pretty obvious that we've already taken that class, and other psychology classes. Even with his blinding pride, he will notice that right away."
        "I guess I just wanted to have a little fun for once. You know, take advantage of the time we do have. It couldn't hurt to spend just a little more time with him."
        "You're sick, Ash. Very sick. But hey, you can have all the fun you want when we arrange the meeting. I guess his little crush on you will work to our advantage."
        "Leave him to me. I'll worry about getting him there, you get everything ready for us."
        "Here's his number. When we get to the mall, call his cell phone. I'm sure he'll be glad to hear from you after today's little scene. Now that you're no longer one of his students, he might not object to meeting you somewhere for a little talk. And I doubt he knows that you're a married woman.”
        "Ah, hey, only technically married. And you can get off your high horse now Mrs. Perfect Husband. You've got no room to talk."
        "You make it sound like it's my fault he acts that way. I didn't want someone whose goal in life is to get me to talk about my feelings. It isn’t my fault that he wears his heart on his sleeve. Although, him being a bleeding heart does make him more fun to play with." Cindy once again flashed her sly grin.
        Ashley was aghast.
        "And you call me sick?"

        The two friends retreated to their car, quickly avoiding anyone who might want one last shot at them before the semester was officially over. It couldn't be helped, though, everyone was naturally drawn to their suave personalities and classic beauty.
        Ashley dawned long, black hair that shot straight down her back. Her ice blue eyes tended to hold anyone's gaze, and her olive skin was soft both to the touch and the eyes. Cindy's bright red locks tended to stand out among most girls around her. Straight and just passed her shoulders, it captured the sun's rays in a way few women could boast. She had deep green eyes and pale skin which added to her smooth appearance. Both were considerably tall and kept themselves physically fit as much as possible. When they went anywhere together, they never ceased to turn a few heads.
        They soon found their way into the garage parking of the local mall. There was a wide staircase that led directly to the lobby of the first floor. The girls could not understand why the mall left such an open exit to the parking garage, as the Plexiglas doors located halfway down the stairs did little more than keep the cool air inside the building and the car exhaust in the garage. It was by no means secure, but then again, a mall doesn't need the security of Fort Knox.
        Cindy parked the car next to a white van, not far from the main staircase. She turned to Ashley while putting on a pair of latex gloves.
        "It's been long enough, try to reach him now and set up the meeting." Cindy ordered. She stepped out and moved toward the van while Ashley dialed Professor Langden's cell phone number. Cindy quickly unlocked the driver side door and unlocked the other doors of the van. Just as she was opening the side door of the van, Ashley heard the professor answer his phone.
        "Hi, Professor Langden? Hi, it's Ashley."
        Cindy opened the back door on the Suburban she had been driving. Ashley, still in the front seat, kept talking.
        "Oh no, I'm just fine. I was actually calling to ask you something."
        Cindy took a small aluminum case from the van and placed it inside the back of her car.
        "Yes, well, actually I was wondering if you'd meet me at the mall tonight, say around seven?"
        There was a large aluminum case inside the Suburban. Cindy then took it and placed it inside the van where the smaller case had been.
        "To be perfectly honest, I wanted to get to know you a little better. And now that I'm not one of your students, I thought we could spend a little more time together, alone. No strings, I promise."
        Cindy took a duffle bag from the van and placed it in the back seat of the Suburban. She then got in the driver's seat and started the van.
        "That's wonderful. Maybe we can have dinner or something."
        The white van quickly started and Cindy drove it under the lower end of the staircase, between the foot and the supporting beams. She parked as closely to the building's secondary gas lines as possible. Another major building flaw. Cindy mused at what a dunce the architect must have been.
        "Well, why don't you meet me on the big staircase on the first floor, the one that goes to the parking garage? I always park down there anyway."
        Cindy cut the engine and dismounted the van. After rechecking everything, she locked the doors and made her way back to the Suburban.
        "Perfect. I guess it's a date. See you tonight, Professor Langden. Oh...ok, see you tonight, Alex."
        "I take it that all went well from the chipper sound of your voice." Cindy was going through the duffle bag as Ashley hung up her phone.
        "Are you finished already? That was fast, even for you."
        "I had everything more or less ready before. I just had to switch cases, grab the bag and park the van. I've got the remote for the cameras and the gates, but that doesn't come until later. Everything else is in the bag, I'm just double-checking. How long do we have?"
        "ETA three hours, fifty-four minutes."
        "Fantastic. We have some time to shop."

        It was just after six o'clock when they made it back to the cars. Cindy took out two pairs of black pants and two black sweaters, two pairs of black leather gloves, two black belts, and two pairs of black boots. They began to change their clothes inside the Suburban.
        "Contact The Company. I'm going to prep the van." Cindy took her laptop, walked over to the van and unlocked the door once again.
        Ashley took her own briefcase and opened it. She took the earpiece from the briefcase and placed it inside her ear. She then opened her own laptop and began running her encryption program. Once completed, she logged on to her designated secure line and waited for instruction.
        Identity confirmation required
        Ashley placed her left thumb up against the LCD screen. The encryption program verified her thumbprint and sent the information to their Company contact.
        Identity confirmed. Company Agent 02 "Ashley"
        Establishing contact...
        Line secured
        Directing to Agent 02 for voice confirmation...
        Ashley's ear piece buzzed softly. She began speaking.
        "Agent 02 voice confirmation code: zero, two, zero, niner, foxtrot, alpha, three, zero."
        "You've been confirmed. Report, Ashley"
        "The target is en route to our position. We are finalizing preparations now, sir."
        "Witnesses?"
        "This location is most heavily used by students at the university. The dean is holding a major social event that both current students and alumni are attending. Witnesses will be minimal. Any problems will be handled with the same care as the target."
        "Opposition?"
        "The device will cut off the main walking entrance, and we have tapped into the gate and camera control. It will be locked immediately before the...commotion. The camera will be looped on a tape until the explosion, when they will be cut off completely. The gates will be disabled after the explosion as well. Any security or emergency personnel will arrive long after we have completed our mission."
        "Firepower?"
        "The device is of minimal yield, and any remaining elements will be consumed in the flames. We've designed the device to trigger a gas explosion immediately after the initial explosion, and that explosion will dispose of any evidence of the device itself. Both agents are armed with incendiary grenades, a blowtorch and four-inch blades."
        "Exits?"
        "There will be two left after the gates and staircases are no longer an option. Both are maintenance exits, and the one we are not using will be secured immediately after transmission. Our chosen exit leads to the sewer and we will emerge two streets over, our outer-uniforms discarded. There are no employees scheduled to be in our path, but any problems will be taken care of."
        "Story?"
        "A van hit the gas line, rupturing it, causing an explosion resulting in the death of at least one innocent patron. The architect's trial will start on Monday."
        "Excellent work. Give my regards to your partner. I expect a full report when you return to the House. Good luck, Ashley."
        "Thank you, sir."
        Ashley ran her encryption program one last time, masking the source of the call.
        "Agent 02, disabling secure line."
        Cindy had been doing some work of her own. She opened her laptop and remotely accessed the camera and gate control. She had hacked the feeble security system and placed an invisible control on the video feed. They had been taping normally until she tapped into the program. She had taped 5 minutes of inactivity in the parking garage when she first set up the camera control, and as they neared the deadline, she looped the camera feed to show only the previously taped video. After it was confirmed, they began their work.
        Cindy then began working on prepping and arming the bomb. The majority of the device was plastic, which had been designed by The Company in recent years to be not only highly flammable but also extremely sensitive to intense temperatures. A small amount would melt and even partially evaporate in a frying pan. Cindy chose it specifically because of this attribute. It would leave no traces, and the metal components of the device would be so mangled that they would seem like more wreckage from the van. She had complete confidence in the device, the choice of untraceable plastic, and the effectiveness of the explosion. She had planned and designed the bomb herself.
        The bomb was set to detonate on command from a remote detonator that Cindy carried. There was a secondary system that would allow for a key code and a detonation time to be entered, but it was only used if necessary. If all went well, there would be no need for it.
        After she armed the bomb, Cindy joined Ashley and they moved to cover the exits. There was one door not far from the base of the staircase. The girls walked over to it and began sealing it off. Ashley had the duffle bag with her. She proceeded to take out a welding torch, mask, and pair of gloves. Cindy took the equipment and prepared to use it. Ashley walked a few yards away and began watching for any onlookers.
        "Hey, Cin, make it look sloppy. It has to seem like a result of the explosion."
        Cindy adorned the mask, placed the gloves on her hands, lit the torch, and looked at Ashley.
        "You are looking at the welding master."
        Ashley looked her over and stifled her laughter as best she could.
        "You certainly look it."
        She welded two sections of the frame to the door itself. They were not very strong bonds, but it would be enough to keep anyone from using the door without a battering ram. Unless thoroughly inspected, the door would appear as though fused to the frame because of the heat from the explosions.
        After completing the welding of the door, Cindy began removing the equipment, and Ashley subsequently placed it inside the duffle bag once again. They passed the Suburban on the way to the other exit, and Ashley quickly traded the duffle bag for two tote bags with Hawaiian print. She handed one to Cindy, and they began their final walkthrough of the chosen exit, to insure once again that no one would be in their way.
        After they descended the ladder that lead to the sewer tunnels, Cindy began casually looking through her tote bag.
        "A pink bikini? You don't seriously believe I'm going to wear that, do you?"
        "Come on, Cin, you look great in pink."
        "What happened to changing and just getting back to The House? Don't you think I'm going to be noticed in this bright pink excuse for a swimsuit?"
        "That's the idea. Our exit is just around the corner from East Beach. Trent invited us to a frat party they are having tonight, and I figured showing up would give us a perfect excuse for being outside at night."
        "Ash, don't you think they'll be wondering about the explosion?"
        "It will be essentially underground, and the beach is more than three blocks away. And with all the noise I know they'll be making, I doubt they'll hear much.”
        They reached the ladder they would be using to gain access to the street. They checked their suits and pairs of sandals, and then put them out of sight. Before the bags were put away, Cindy noticed the more subdued color of Ashley's bikini.
        "I see you gave yourself a blue suit. Any particular reason you gave me the hot pink triangles and half a bikini bottom? You're the exhibitionist around here."
        "Because I know how much you love the attention," she said with a sweet smile. "After the mission is complete, we'll head back here and change. The tote bags are big enough to carry the clothes and boots. And the Suburban will already be parked at the beach. I'll take care of that right now."
        "Why do I get the feeling that you want to go to this party more for fun than for cover?"
        "Maybe because that's the case."
        When they reached the garage, Cindy handed the Suburban keys to Ashley.
        "Exit is confirmed. Go prepare transportation. And Ash, keep a low profile."
        "As you wish."

        After ten minutes, Ashley returned through the maintenance tunnel carrying a shopping bag.
        "Oh, Ash, for me? You shouldn't have..."
        Ashley took out the incendiary grenades and the knives from the shopping bag. She handed half of the arsenal to Cindy.
        "There's a good chance the explosion will throw him but not kill him. We can use these." They both attached the knives to their left ankles. Cindy looked at the grenade and handed it back to Ashley.
        "I'll be getting closer to the flames than you. Why don't you hold on to both of them for the time being?"
        Ashley nodded, took back the grenade, and continued.
        "We'll need to get his graduation ring first, preferably not charred. I'd suggest using the blade. After that, you can do what we do best."
        "Ash, I'm disappointed. You don't want to do the honors? He is your favorite professor."
        "No, he is just my most attractive professor. And you always were more creative when it came to confirmation retrieval. I'll leave it to you."
        Cindy smirked once again at her partner.
        "As you wish," Cindy said with that mischievous smile found so often on her face. "How are we doing on time?"
        "ETA eighteen minutes and counting."
        "Let's take our places then. He should be here soon."
        And soon he was there. Right on time, Professor Langden reached the top of the large mall staircase precisely at seven o'clock.
        "What do you mean he’s been sick lately? No, I don't care what his secretary says! Those samples should have been cultured and sent to my lab last week. Well you tell him that if those samples are not on my desk or in my lab by next week, there will be hell to pay. You understand me?!"
        He didn't wait for an answer. Instead, he quickly hung up his cell phoneand pulled out a cigarette.
        "Excuse me, sir? You can't smoke in here."
        He turned to see a mall security officer standing behind him.
        "You can go down the stairs and through the door, but you can't smoke inside."
        He exhaled a long, irritated sigh before complying. He walked down the long staircase and walked outside the doors located halfway to the garage. He pulled out his lighter and struck it four times before it lit. He lit his cigarette, took a long drag and exhaled a sigh of relief. Smoke poured out of his mouth as he sighed.
        After a few more drags, he noticed someone walking away from the foot of the staircase. From the figure and the way she walked, he knew it was a woman. She had long, black hair. He resumed his descent down the stairs.
        "Ashley? Hey, Ashley, it's Alex. Wait, where are you going?"
        Ashley turned around and flashed her sweetest grin at the professor.
        "Hi, Alex. I have to do something first. Why don't you come down and join me?"
        She retreated out of his sight before he had a chance to answer her. He quickened his pace and started after her, cigarette still in hand.
        "Smoking is hazardous to your health, you know."
        The sound of a new voice prompted Alex to stop walking and look up.
        "I would think that someone with a doctorate would have figured that out by now."
        Alex paused on the step and stared at the owner of the new voice.
        "Cindy? What are you doing here?"
        Without another word, she too receded from his line of sight. He was all too quick to follow. He almost began running down the stairs to follow the two girls.
        "What are you talking about? Ashley, what's going on?"
        His answer came swiftly and without warning.
        Before his mind could register what had happened, he found himself plunging towards the floor of the parking garage at an alarming rate. He tried to land on his feet, but they did little more than make his landing worse. He knew he had broken one leg, the other he could no longer feel. He could hear nothing except his own heartbeat and a loud ringing in his ears. It was gradually losing volume. There was fire everywhere. He felt as though his skin were on fire as well. He had been burned, badly. An explosion.
        He scrambled to bring his thoughts together. He could not move much, and what little he could feel could very accurately be described as excruciating. Ashley and Cindy were down here. Were they safe? Had they been hurt?
        Again, his answer came swiftly. Both girls walked up to him, seemingly unharmed. It took great effort to speak.
        "Ashley! Are you alright? You and Cindy?"
        Cindy paid no attention, she merely reached into her pocket and pulled out a pair of thick, black gloves. Ashley began smiling at him. She moved closer and looked over his current state.
        "Oh, Professor, your concern touches me! I think that you would have made a fine man were circumstances different. But, in any case, it's not me you should be worrying about. Have you seen yourself lately? You look terrible. One side of your face is red and blistering, the other side is black as coal."
        "What's going on?! Why aren't you getting help? Help me! HELP!" His voice was getting weaker.
        "Your right leg has suffered a severe compound fracture at the thigh, and it's gushing blood everywhere. It seems something has punctured your femoral artery. That can't be good. And your left leg? Well, let's just say that I don't think you'll be running any marathons any time soon."
        She pointed to her left, and Alex followed her finger. He almost lost consciousness as he saw what she was referring to. Instead, he screamed.
        "I can only assume the explosion severed your leg. It looks like you lost it just above the knee. You won't last much longer. Aw, you poor thing. I really am sorry. If it were up to me, I would have just poisoned you. Quick and painful. But Cindy's the one in charge."
        Alex quickly looked back at Cindy. She had put on the gloves, and was now reaching for something attached to her ankle. When she stood back up, he could see she was carrying a small knife.
        "What are you doing? Are you crazy?"
        "Some might say so," Cindy finally said. She kneeled down next to him and grabbed his left hand. Some of his scorched flesh stuck to her gloves. He screamed again. She tried to dislodge his college graduation ring with one hand, and found that his finger was too swollen to allow it to come off.
        "I thought that might be a problem." Cindy stretched his hand on the ground, and he began whimpering because of all the movement to this wounded arm. She placed the serrated edge of the knife just passed the base of his ring finger.
        "Stop it! No! NO!"
        Cindy ignored his pleas and his flailing. She applied pressure on the knife and it cut through to his metacarpal. With a few sawing motions, the knife scraped the concrete of the ground. His screams were elevated to blood-curdling cries for a few moments, and then his responses lowered to sobs and sharp intakes of breath.
        Cindy replaced the knife on her ankle and placed the finger, ring still attached, into a plastic bag. She walked over to Ashley where she exchanged the plastic bag for an incendiary grenade. After the exchange, Cindy raised the volume on her walkie talkie. It was set to the frequency of the mall security guard channel. She looked over at Ashley.
        "They'll be at the gate soon."
        Ashley nodded and continued talking to Alex.
        "I'm surprised you're still conscious and have some feeling left in you. You must be very strong, but you must also be in a great deal of pain. Cindy's going to give you something to help with that."
        Cindy walked over and kneeled down to him once again. She held the grenade in front of his face. He struggled to talk.
        "....why...are you..."
        Cindy was all too ready to answer.
        "Have you ever seen Three Days of the Condor, Professor? I think Joubert said it best. ‘I don't interest myself in why. I think more often in terms of when, sometimes where, always how much.’ “         His sobs lessened. He was close to losing consciousness.
        "Anyway, I'm going to put this by your neck. When it goes off, you won't even feel it. The grenade will incinerate everything around it before your brain has a chance to send any pain signals to your body. A special formula. It burns almost as hot as napalm. After the pin is pulled, you'll have ten seconds."
        Immediately following her explanations, Cindy pulled the pin and quickly laid the grenade on the ground next to Alex's head. The two briskly walked away, but Ashley turned for a moment.
        "I'm sorry, Alex. I wish things could have been different."
        She blew him a kiss, and resumed her place beside Cindy. There was one last explosion before the girls exited the parking garage.

        Less than fifteen minutes later, the girls, in their respective bikinis, were mingling with other college students as though nothing had happened. There were, of course, sirens in the distance, but they were too far away for anyone on the beach to take much notice. Ashley dragged Cindy onto the outside dance floor. Knowing full well that Cindy would never consent to dancing with anyone else, Ashley decided to take matters into her own hands. She danced with Cindy for one song, and by doing so, grabbed the attention of many of the other dancers and onlookers. Cindy admitted to Ashley long ago that she enjoyed dancing every now and then, but didn't do it very often. That was the main reason Cindy consented to one dance. After the song was over, however, she immediately left the stage and headed through the crowd in the direction of the water.
        "Hey, Cindy, where are you going?" Ashley stopped her before she got anywhere. "You don't want to dance anymore?"
        "I'm tired, I'm hungry, I need a bath, and I'm almost to the point where I actually miss Nicholas pestering me about my feelings. So no, I don't want to dance anymore."
        "You don't have to get testy about it. Just a few more dances and we'll go. I want to see Trent, after all. To solidify we were here and all that."
        "Right."
        Cindy barely had time to give Ashley an unconvinced look when Trent walked up to both of them.
        "Well, it certainly seems like you two lovely ladies are having a good time. You had every guy out here staring at you two dancing. And now, I've got every other guy jealous that I'm over here talking to you."
        "Well why don't you make every other guy feel better by going away,” Cindy snapped.
        "Oh, feisty. I like that. A harsh word from a lady is better than no word at all."
        Cindy was not amused. She was indifferent to most pursuers, but something about Trent elicited the slightest amount of anger from her.
        "Let's find out, shall we?" Cindy scoffed as she turned to walk away.
        "Oh, come on, I was just playing." As Trent spoke, he put his hand on her shoulder to stop her. She looked at his hand on her, and gave him a look as if to say, "I couldn't care less about what you have to say..." Ashley decided to step in.
        "Careful, Trent." She turned Cindy around and held up her left hand. There was a huge diamond ring around Cindy's ring finger. "She's a married woman." Trent seemed unphased.
        "Hey, we all make our little mistakes. That shouldn't keep us from having some fun." He then proceeded to wrap both his arms around her waist. She didn't seem to protest his actions, so he continued. He let one hand trace her spine while the other slowly descended to her lower back, passing the outer edge of her bikini. He leaned in and whispered in her ear.
        "May I have this dance?"
        Cindy put her right hand on his shoulder and ran it down the length of his arm to his left hand. Trent was encouraged by her actions and let his remaining hand descend further still. He then pulled her closer to him using this hand. Cindy used her other hand to pull his ear down to her mouth, and she too began whispering in his ear.
        "No."
        Trent looked at her with confusion just before he yelled in pain and pulled his hand back. She had taken a hold of one of his fingers with her hand and bent it as far back as she could before he pulled away.
        "What is your problem?! I was just trying to have some fun!"
        Cindy smirked yet again.
        "So was I."
        Trent narrowed his eyes at her, glaring.
        "You sadistic slut."
        "Trent, is your finger broken?"
        "No."
        "Would you like me to remedy that?"
        Ashley chuckled a bit at Cindy's aggressive comments, and Trent immediately turned his glare to her.
        "I warned you, Trent."
        "Right." He shook his head and once again glared at Cindy. "I'm outta here."
        As he walked away, Ashley giggled a bit more.
        "It wouldn't kill you to be sociable for once, you know. He was just flirting."
        "I didn't want him to walk away. I was hoping he'd take me up on my offer."
        Ashley couldn't help but laugh.

        After the incident with Trent, which everyone seemed to take notice of, both Ashley and Cindy decided that it would be a good time to retire back to The House. Cindy had desired some long overdue rest and relaxation, and Ashley never ceased to love the attention her mate gave her.
         “You know, Cin, I wish The Company would let us choose our own husbands. You’d think that with how important we are, they would allow us that. I mean, we got to choose The House, why not the men we are supposed to be living with?”
         “Give me a break, Ash, you’ve got it great. All Garrett ever does is what you want him to do. He lives and breathes “Ashley”. He never asks questions, he waits on you hand and foot, and he’s the type you like, the romantic type. He’s wrapped neatly around your finger and you’re still unhappy? Perhaps they should have given you Nicholas and me Garrett, then.”
         “Cin, don’t give me that. At least Nicholas seems to really care for you. He goes to all that trouble to get you to open up, to try to make you fall in love with him, to make you at least responsive in a positive way. And all you ever give the poor guy is what you gave Trent back there.”
         “A sore index finger?”
         “Grief, you monster. You just give him grief for all his troubles. He seems genuine in his concerns for you, but all you ever do is brush him off. Cut the guy some slack.”
         “For heaven’s sake, Ash…you know, I already get this psychobabble from him about how I need to open up and let him in and respond to his advances because it’s healthy and all that jazz. I certainly don’t need it from you. It’s not like he’s in it solely for me, anyway. Have you forgotten that this is what they do for a living? The Company pays them a serious amount of cash to keep us happy.”
         “Maybe Nicholas is attempting to make the best of his circumstances. If his job in life is to make you happy, perhaps he’s just trying to enjoy his job. Your little games do make it hard for him to enjoy anything.”
         “They essentially work for us, you know. I don’t think he’s paid to enjoy himself, he’s paid so that I enjoy him. My idea of fun is just a little different that his.”
         “I guess I just think it’s sweet that he goes to such trouble to get your attention. Garrett seems more programmed than anything. He’s nice enough, but it’s contrived. In the end, it’s just a job to him.”
         “And you have a problem with that? You’re always out with other guys, you barely notice him anyway. You never were a one-man kind of girl.”
         “Ok, I’ll give you that. But I suppose I want his full attention when I do notice him.”
         “Ash, you are never satisfied. You want the world.”
         “And Nicholas wants to give you the world, why don’t you let him? Just be nice to him, just once. For me, please?”
         “I don’t see why this has to be the topic of conversation every time we talk about them. You’d think with as much as we argue about things that we were the married couple.”
         “Don’t give them any ideas.”
        The girls laughed as they pulled into their abode.

        The House, along with its male inhabitants, were among the many perks of being an asset to The Company. It had over 5,000 square feet of living space which included a large foyer, a den, a formal living room, a family room, a breakfast room, an island kitchen, an indoor pool with atrium ceiling, two fireplaces, a bedroom and two bathrooms on the first floor. The second floor contained three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a game room, a training room, and an outdoor balcony overlooking the cliff just behind the house. The third floor held a sitting room and the two master bedrooms, each with its own master bathroom and office. The basement was used for storage for weapons, chemicals, sensitive materials, and anything else the girls used on their missions. The basement also had another door that lead to the side of The House, well-hidden in case a quick exit was needed. It also served as a panic room and had a holding cell when required. The House also had a patio and a courtyard just beyond it. Immediately past the courtyard was the cliff drop-off. Because of the location of The House on the side of a cliff, the view from every window was magnificent. This was one of many Houses Ashley and Cindy had stayed in during their time with The Company. Each House progressively became more exotic and more expensive. They indeed lived in the lap of luxury.
        Ashley and Cindy’s Company-assigned husbands were another added feature, but the two young men had more than one purpose. They were, indeed, employed to keep the girls happy, but they also had a more realistic service. Should the girls ever need backup, able bodies or protection, Garrett and Nicholas proved to be more than helpful. In addition, should the authorities ever question Ashley or Cindy’s whereabouts due to their connection to a murder or catastrophic event, they served as reliable alibis. They were selected by age, appearance, strength, intelligence and personality. To be assigned to such high profile employees of The Company was an extremely coveted job, and always paid the best.
         “Garrett” was assigned to Ashley. He had dirty blonde, dark blue eyes, and a surfer’s tan. He stood at 6’4” and had an athlete’s physique. Very physically fit, he was twenty six years old, and had started out as a model. He was very self-conscious about his appearance, and he knew how to handle a woman. He was infamous for being a ladies’ man and as such, was assigned to Ashley who enjoys being swept off her feet. He was an excellent actor, and could feign emotion, feeling, and interest whenever necessary. Because of Ashley’s fickle nature, someone who could act devoted was chosen.
         “Nicholas” was assigned to Cindy. His hair was a light brown and his eyes grey. His height was 6’5” and his build was lean but muscular. The Company recognized immediately that Cindy’s needs were far different, and more complex, than Ashley’s. She responded emotionally only to Ashley, and mainly because of the closeness they had as partners. Other than Ashley, Cindy was emotionally attached to no one and showed no signs of wanting such an attachment. She did, however, show signs of being slightly sadistic. Her sadistic nature was more accurately described as an animalistic instinct to kill or be killed. She lived for the hunt, and found nothing more enjoyable. This part of her personality spilled into many avenues of her personality. Nicholas was chosen as her mate because he would prove a worthy adversary. She showed no signs of letting anyone into her life, and had no intention of trusting anyone, and that’s precisely what Nicholas wanted from her. They were both independent, tended toward leadership, and preferred having control of any situation. The constant battle for dominance in any given situation intrigued in Cindy, and as such, kept her entertained.
        Garrett was fixing himself a sandwich and Nicholas was reading through a book when Ashley opened the front door. She dropped her tote bag in the foyer and walked to the kitchen to join the boys. Garrett spotted her walking in and gave her a warm smile.
         “Hello, beautiful. How did class go?”
         “Eh, it was fine. We turned in our papers and that was that. We did have some fun at the mall and the beach after class, though. You both should’ve been there. Especially you, Nikki, I finally got Cindy to dance again.” She walked over and hugged Garrett from behind.
         “Oh, how sweet, you made me a sandwich!”
        She immediately took the sandwich off his plate and ran across the kitchen with it.
         “Hey, I was going to eat that!”
        They proceeded to chase each other around The House until Ashley finally gave up when Garrett tackled her on the couch. They split it and came back into the kitchen laughing together. Ashley felt eyes on her and looked over Nicholas. He was staring at them. She knew what he was thinking.
         “You know, Cindy is still outside, unloading a few things from the car. Nikki, why don’t you go help her?”
         “Yeah, get him off my case. He’s been moping around all day waiting for her to get back. He’s depressing me. I kept telling him I would share you, but he doesn’t seem interested.”
        Ashley playfully punched Garrett’s arm before resuming her talk with Nicholas.
         “Go on and talk to her. Who knows how many more times you’ll get the chance? Don’t stay upset. She’s been in an emotional fast for the last ten years of her life. We’ve only been here four months, it takes time to break down all those walls she’s built over the last decade. Go for it, she just might surprise you.”
        Garrett stole the last bite of her sandwich.
         “Who died and made you the family therapist?”
         “I guess all those ridiculous classes are starting to pay off.”

        Nicholas ventured outside and into the garage. He found Cindy washing off what looked like a bloody knife. He was used to seeing things like that around her. What really caught his attention was the swimsuit she was wearing. Cindy very rarely wore any color in her wardrobe. In fact, she rarely took the time to look very feminine. She more little makeup and never wore skirts or dresses. To see her in a pink bikini was certainly something he wasn’t expecting.
         “I don’t want to hear it, Nicholas. Not today.”
         “What are you talking about?”
        He began walking toward her, hoping that if he walked slowly enough, she would allow him to get closer to her.
         “Any comments you have about this ridiculous bathing suit. It was not my choice, and I plan to discard it as soon as possible. I’m not in the mood to deal with another argument today. I haven’t gotten any food or sleep in the last eighteen hours, so any endeavors to woo me on your part will not be met well.”
        He stopped walking. He had to be careful when she was irritated. He was very much aware that she could easily kill him if she so chose. It both scared and excited him.
        Cindy noticed that he had stopped walking. She faced him, and he looked as though he were waiting for something. She remembered that Ashley had asked her to be nicer to him. She sighed loudly.
         “What did you want, anyway?”
         “I just wanted to see if you needed help with anything.”
         “Well, now you’ve seen that I don’t. I don’t need you for anything.”
        He just continued to look at her, determined he wasn’t going to let her scare him away with her harsh manner.
         “What are you staring at?”
        The question caught him off guard. It took him a moment to think of answer she would not be able to tease him for.
         “You’re so beautiful. You look wonderful in pink.”
        Cindy laughed and walked toward him. He tensed, as she very rarely allowed physical contact between them that wasn’t painful. She put her arm around his neck and slowly pulled his face to hers. She moved passed his lips and lightly brushed her lips over his cheek, leaving a bit of lip gloss from her soft kiss. She pulled away just enough to look at his face.
         “Thank you…” She ran her fingers through his hair once, and he closed his eyes. “…for reminding me just how much I need to burn this outfit.”
        His eyes snapped open and she dug her nails into his scalp just enough to tense again. He knew these were challenges. She always pushed him to see just how much pain he could withstand. It wasn’t what he would have liked, but she not only initiated interaction verbally but also physically. It was better than her normal routine of ignoring him altogether.
        He took her challenge with determination. In a bold move, he did not pull away from her hand. Instead, he very slowly took her wrist and pulled her hand out of his hair. The slight shock on her face let him know why he was not met with resistance. He brought her hand around to his face and kissed it. He then quickly pinned her body between his own and the Suburban and looked down at her playfully.
         “Well, then, I must say I did enjoy admiring you in it.”
        The shock wore off quickly after his comments. She hooked his right leg with her foot and pulled it towards herself, causing him to go crashing down on his back, with Cindy following. She held his hands above his head with one of her own and used the other to place her knife at his throat.
         “I should kill you for that,” Cindy said venomously.
         “No, you shouldn’t. But I can imagine you want to. Go ahead. Do it. Finally allow yourself to do something you want to do. You’ve denied what you want for too long,” Nicholas replied.
         “Are you in some ridiculously obvious way implying that I want you, that I want your affections?” Cindy spat back.
         “Shouldn’t you know? It is ridiculously obvious.”
        She was growing increasingly furious with his every word. Her knife began to draw blood from his throat. She noticed and relieved a bit of the pressure. He didn’t seem to notice.
         “Are you mad? Do you want me to kill you, is that it?”
         “I want you to feel something,” Nicholas said, sincerity obvious in his tone.
        His face took on a more serious look. She subsequently released his hands and withdrew her knife from his neck, but did not allow him to sit up. She remained straddling him, maintaining her show of control.
         “And you think by provoking me, you’re aiding your cause?” She still wasn’t sure what he was talking about.
         “Anger is better than apathy. You’ve talked more today than you have in the last two weeks. To me, anyway. What is it about me you hate so much?”
        She proceeded to roll her eyes and rub her forehead. He was in a talking mood.
         “You think I hate you, Nicholas?”
        He was not about to let her get out of it by answering his questions with more questions. It was time to lay his cards on the table and let the chips fall where they may.
         “I’ll tell you what I think. You, Cindy, high and mighty top-of-the-line hired gun for The Company, think that I can never understand you.”
        Cindy immediately adorned a puzzled look. Nicholas just kept going.
         “You’ve adopted this mentality that the only way you can survive is alone. Your idea of making friends is forming profitable alliances, and anyone who doesn’t seem to serve a foreseeable purpose is either a hindrance or a threat. All your other affiliations with people are for pure entertainment, sadistic or otherwise.
         “You have this ‘kill or be killed’ way of thinking. Everything to you is a hunt, and you’ve always played the predator. I don’t think you know how to be the prey. You’re in a constant struggle for power or knowledge or experience, and you take great pleasure in showing arrogant people just how insignificant and powerless they are.
         “You don’t accept my pursuing you because you feel that I cannot understand your nature. You think that my opinion of you is bought and paid for and that is the only reason I show interest. You also believe that I wouldn’t be able to accept you as you are specifically because of your primal nature, simply because I am not like you. You think it would take another predator to understand who you are.”
        Cindy was once again induced into another state of shock, this one much lengthier. She slowly moved off of Nicholas and sat across from him. He sat up and moved closer to her, his face no more than six inches from hers. She sat staring into his eyes, trying to figure out how he could see so much about her, and where he found the courage to bring it up in front of her.
         “But because you think you are alone, that no one is like you, you have a different opinion of what you want. In a man, you think you want someone to obsess over you, to shower you with love and affection so you can shove it all back in his face and play your little cat and mouse games with someone more sheepish. You think that I’m a walking bicep and couldn’t contend with you in a game of brains or brawn, or at least you’d like to think that.”
        Cindy wanted to know where he was going with this. She was slowly inching closer to his face with her own, looking deeply into his eyes. He simply continued.
         “Do you know what I think, Cindy? I think that whether you admit it or not, you enjoy when I defy you. You like sparring with me, and you wish that I would do it more often. It ruffles your feathers when I don’t roll over and give in to you, but I think it caters to the predator in you when I do. Too often I let your threats scare me into letting you have your way. You try to intimidate me or distract me in order to get the upper hand.
         “And as for your questions? You do want my affections. Whether or not you choose to respond does not affect the fact that you do indeed want them. No, I don’t want you to kill me. Although it adds a certain…risk to interactions with you that makes you even more alluring. Provoking you does, in a way, aid my cause. It allows you to release some of those emotions I know you have for me, however few there are. And I don’t think you hate me, not all the time anyway.”
        Cindy just stared at him. He certainly had a lot on his mind.
         “I guess it’s just difficult for you to understand that I could have feelings for you that don’t have anything to do with The Company. You are always on your guard when I am around. I wish you would relax more. You are so beautiful when you smile. I’ve only ever seen you smile when you sleep. That’s really the only time I’ve ever seen you look peaceful.”
        Cindy shot him an untrusting look. He knew what she was thinking.
         “I know, I know. No, I do not come into your room at night. You would hear me coming a mile away anyway. I watch you sleep when you take naps by the cliff. Sometimes you even talk in your sleep.” He smiled and blushed slightly. “I heard you say my name once. I always wonder what you were dreaming about.”
        Cindy had had enough. She quickly pulled away from his face, which had come much too close to her own. He shot her a very confused look as she stood up and began walking out and back to The House. He scrambled to get up and follow her.
         “Wait, where are you going? Please, I haven’t finished yet.”
        She stopped and slowly turned around to find him on her heels. She slowly placed her hands in his hair and then wrapped them around his neck. She didn’t seem to move and thus he proceeded to put his hands gently around her waist. He held her loosely, not knowing what to expect. She brought her mouth to his ear once again.
         “I haven’t finished with you, either.”
        He relaxed a bit, but tensed as she took his ear between her teeth and bit down, rather hard. He wasn’t sure if it was another game, or her unique way of showing her own affection. Perhaps both.
        She quickly disentangled to two of them and resumed her quick stride to The House.

        Cindy came into Ashley’s room and found her polishing her new Smith and Wesson .45 Magnum Revolver with a bright pink cloth. How very appropriate.
         “Hey, Cin. You two were out there for a while. Did you finally decide that he is handsome enough for you?”
        Instead of receiving an answer, Ashley was knocked to the floor with quite a blow. Before she had a chance to get up, she felt a smooth arm curl around her neck while a hand pushed her head further into the death grip.
        Cindy proceeded to sit on Ashley’s back as she tried to strangle the air out of her partner’s lungs. Ashley quickly brought her foot up behind both of them and kicked Cindy’s left temple, causing her to fall off and allow Ashley’s lungs to fill with air. Ashley and Cindy recovered about the same time. Cindy made a move to kick Ashley’s shin, but Ashley prepared to block it. Instead, Cindy stopped in mid-kick and caught Ashley’s side with her foot. Even though taking the blow, Ashley made a move to kick Cindy’s legs out from under her. Cindy caught her foot and twisted it, causing Ashley to once again fall to the floor.
        Cindy brought her foot down over Ashley’s stomach, but Ashley rolled out of the way only a fraction of a second before her foot made contact with the floor. She jumped to her feet only to feel Cindy backhand her cheek, sending her falling against the large set of wooden drawers. She shot her hand up to retrieve the Magnum she was polishing, but instead she heard a click as it was cocked. She opened her eyes to see the barrel of the gun aimed at her forehead.
         “Looking for this?”
         “Cindy, what are you doing?!”
        Cindy immediately aimed the gun in the direction of the voice. She saw Garrett in bed, who had obviously been there the entire time, looking at her with anger and confusion in his face. She pulled the trigger only a second later and watched as the bullet grazed just past his head, leaving him flawless, albeit very frightened. The hole in the wall was the size of a nickel.
        Immediately following the shot, Ashley tackled Cindy and pinned her to the ground, pushing the gun out of reach of both of them. She tried reasoning with Cindy.
         “Are you out of your mind?! What is going on with you?!”
        Cindy got her legs underneath Ashley and sent her flying six feet away. Ashley landed rather awkwardly and hit the vanity, causing a few glass bottles to break.
         “I’m just dealing with a rat problem.”
        Ashley took one look at Cindy and knew what she was talking about.
         “Garrett, baby, as much as I know you like chick fights, you need to go. Girl talk. Go tell Nikki everything he missed, ok?”
        Garrett practically jumped out of the bed and walked swiftly in Cindy’s direction. Without a word, he brought his hand up to Cindy’s face and slapped her, causing her head to jerk to the side. Ashley’s audible gasp coincided with the sound of his hand forcefully hitting skin. Cindy slowly turned her head in his direction again. Her eyes were wide and her lips hung slightly parted. Shock and fury were warring on her face, making it difficult to tell which was predominant.
         “Now you listen to me. Just because you think you run the place doesn’t mean you can go around beating everyone into a wall like the school bully. I’m not going to just scamper off and let you do this to Ashley.”
        Garrett was standing straight extending his body to its fullest height, trying to seem more intimidating to the small woman in front of him. Cindy narrowed her eyes at his show of force and manner of addressing her. It wasn’t long before a smirk crossed her lips.
         “Then I’ll do it to you.”
        Cindy raised her left leg swiftly and with strength, effectively kicking Garrett in the groin. He yelled in pain and instantly doubled over. Cindy then brought her left knee up to his forehead, hitting him quite hard and causing him to stumble backwards and land on his back. She knelt down and retrieved her knife from her ankle strap yet again and began walking to Garrett’s side. She stopped next to him and brought the knife down over his face.
        Instead of making contact with his right eye, the knife, as well as Cindy’s hand, was stopped by a barrier of wood, making several loud cracking noises. Ashley had brought a small wooden chair and quickly placed it over Garrett’s head in time to catch the blade. Cindy had brought the knife down with such force that two inches had made it completely through the chair. Cindy looked up at Ashley.
         “Don’t.”
        The word was enough to persuade Cindy to stand up, taking the chair with her. Garrett did his best to stand up. With much effort, he limped straight to the door and left. If Cindy wasn’t so angry, she would have smiled at his heart-covered boxers.
         “He never was the smartest one in the room,” Ashley said with a smile. “He’s harmless. Although I do admit he was out of line. I’ll talk to him. Get him to keep his comments strictly verbal.”
        Ashley straightened herself up and tried to fix her now messy hair.
         “Then again, you have to admit it was very romantic. His rushing to defend me and everything.”
         “Yes, I’m sure they’ll be knighting him before too long.”
        Cindy let out a long, exasperated sigh and pulled her knife out of the wood.
        Ashley walked over to her bed and pulled the comforter off. She put a pillow at the foot of the bed and walked over to her vanity. She pulled out a large bottle, one that wasn’t broken, and walked back over to the bed.
         “Lie down.”
         “I am not in the mood right now, Ash. We have a few things to discuss.”
         “Which is precisely why you should come over here and lie down. Come on, I have that expensive chamomile oil and everything. Now get over here before I drag you over here.”
        Cindy decided she was getting too tired to argue her point. She resigned herself and made her way to the bed, where she stretched out on her stomach and let her head fall onto the pillow. She tried to relax as Ashley made herself comfortable and began warming up the oil on her hands.
         “Just tell me one thing, Ash. Why did you tell him that I took naps by the cliff? Why would you do that?”
        Ashley began to spread the oil on Cindy’s back and shoulders, trying her very best to soothe and calm her. She knew it was going to take some time.
         “He didn’t bother you, and you do really look happy when you sleep. I remember a while ago you fell asleep on the couch in the living room. It was the day after the Merryman job, and we were both exhausted. I walked in to find him watching you sleep. It was the sweetest thing in the world, and I knew you would probably never fall asleep like that again…so I told him that sometimes you took afternoon naps over by those big rocks. I told him almost a month ago, and you hadn’t noticed, so I figured it was fine.”
        Cindy tried to think of an argument while Ashley worked the knots out of her muscles. She remained silent as Ashley worked more oil onto her waist and arms.
         “You may be difficult to read, but you’re not impossible. He’s done a lot of observing since you’ve given him the cold shoulder, and he’s got a lot of things about you figured out fairly well.”
         “So you go and fill in the holes for him. Thanks a lot, Ash. You can go ahead and pull the knife out of my back while you’re down there.”
        Ashley paused for a moment.
         “Oh, don’t give me that betrayal guilt trip crap. What about your intervention with Professor Langden this morning?”
        Cindy was too relaxed to point out the extreme differences.
         “If this didn’t feel so good, I could shoot you.”
         “I know he intrigues you. He’s spirited, like you. He’s had all this pent up emotion from the last four months, and you never let him express it. I’m surprised the two of you didn’t make out in addition to your little lover’s spat.”
         “You are not as funny as you would like to think.”
        Ashley began again, focusing on her lower back and waist.
         “I don’t care what you say, Cin. I know you like him, or you at least like fighting with him. The part that you don’t like is that now, he knows it too. And, he’s not too bad to look at, either. Tall, dark, and rebellious. I seem to remember that last guy you were involved with was that way. Weren’t you always a sucker for the bad boys?”
         “I’m not a sucker for anyone, and Nicholas most certainly isn’t a bad boy. But he is rebellious…”
        “He’s also a lot better than you deserve. He is cooking us dinner, you know. Seems like a nice guy, wouldn’t you say?”
        “Look, Ashley, if you have something to say, then say it.”
        Ashley began to slowly grind her palms into Cindy’s shoulders. She was finally beginning to relax.
        “I suppose I did tell him a lot, but he deserved to hear all of it. If you could only see how much he respects and admires you, not to mention that he has feelings for you that I don’t know if you could even understand. No offense, Cin, but you’re not the greatest when it comes to expressing or understanding emotions. He deserves a real shot, and not just you playing these games with him. It’s been four months, for goodness sake. Let him have his chance.”
        Cindy made a motion to sit up, and Ashley obliged her.
        “Let him do what he wants to do, and just relax. Let your guard down for once in your life, and let the man be a gentleman.”
        Cindy let out a long sigh, and fell back to the bed.
        “You’re never going to shut up, are you…”
        “You should know me well enough to know the answer to that.”
        “Fine. Anything to get the two of you to leave me alone on the matter.”
        Ashley grinned at her wickedly. Cindy just shook her head.
        “I’m falling into your pathetic trap.”
        “Oh, you have no idea.”
        Cindy smiled at her friend and sat up again. Ashley observed her friend’s clothing.
        “Wow, you still have on the ‘bright pink excuse of a bikini’, I’m impressed. You’re really stretching your legs in the innovations department.”
        “I haven’t had time to do anything about it yet. I parked the car, took care of the equipment, had that ‘talk’ with Nicholas, and now, I’m having a ‘talk’ with you. At my first convenience, this thing is going in the incinerator.”
        “Cin, are you out of your mind?! It’s a Gucci bikini!”
        Cindy looked at her unsympathetically.
        “You know, it’s been a long day. Why don’t I just draw a bath for you in my bathroom, and you can relax without having to deal with walking all the way to your room. I’ll go and get some clothes for you to wear, and by the time you finish, I know dinner will be ready. We can eat, watch the news to confirm the mission, contact The Company, send off the confirmation, and you and Nikki can get some alone time.”
        “You’re certainly in a giving mood,” Cindy observed. Ashley stood up and began walking to the large bathroom to get the bath started.
        “I did go behind your back with the Nikki thing, so I’m trying to make it up to you. That, and if you take a bath in here, I can sneak in and take my bikini back.”

        “Nick, there you are! Where have you been?”
        Garrett quickly dressed and found Nicholas after his run-in with Cindy and the .45 Magnum.
        “I was finishing up dinner. What was all that noise earlier? I heard a gun shot, then I heard glass breaking…hey, why are you limping? Don’t tell me you ripped another one of Ashley’s shirts again.”
        “Would you shut up for a minute? Your ‘wife’ is in there shooting at me and who knows what else with a freaking .45 Cal Magnum. She put a hole in the wall the size of my fist!”
        “She shot at you? Are you serious?”
        “No, I’m trying to see how gullible you are. Yes I am serious! Get in there and do something about it. She’s going to get someone killed!”
        Nicholas just continued with dinner as though Garrett hadn’t said anything.
        “Are you even listening to me?”
        “Listen, Garrett, she’s a trained killer. She knows how to handle guns, even ones that you have problems with. And if she had any intentions to kill someone, I don’t think she’d use something as messy as a Magnum. And what exactly could I do to stop her anyway? Once again, she’s a trained killer. I’d be doing everyone a favor by staying out of it. Besides, you said she was shooting at you. No one would really mourn your death anyway.”
        “This isn’t funny, Nick.”
        “Ok, ok, what happened?” Nick sat down at the bar and gave Garrett his full attention.
        “Cindy just barges in there, Ashley asks how things went with you, and Cindy answers by tackling her and trying to strangle her to death. I try to say something, she shoots at me, so I figure I need to step in. Before I know it, I’m on the floor wondering if I’ll ever have kids again. Then she comes in and tries to stab me in the freakin’ eye? Does that sound very funny to you?”
        “Hold up. You tried to step in? What does that mean? Are you out of your mind? How many times do you need reminding? Trained killer.”
        “Well, I might have slapped her…”
        “You did what?!”
        “…and then called her a bully…”
        Nicholas’s mouth fell open.
        “…because of the way she’s always so physical when she fights or argues. It drives me nuts.”
        Nicholas finally got over his shock and began laughing.
        “Garrett, I don’t know how much attention you’ve been paying, but that’s Cindy. It’s just the way she is. Like when kittens play, it looks like fighting to the rest of us. Then again, with you actually hitting her, I’m sure she went into defensive mode and wanted to drop you.”
        “Great. So I guess I didn’t pick the greatest time to be brave.”
        Nicholas began laughing again.
        “If brave means stupid beyond all reason, then I’d have to agree. Not the best time to be brave.”
        Nicholas pulled out two sodas and placed them on the bar. Garrett opened one and sat at the bar with him.
        “So was there a point to you going up and practically asking Cindy to kill you?”
        “Hello! She was trying to strangle Ashley?”
        “Wait, Cindy was fighting with Ashley?”
        “Yeah, she said something about dealing with a rat problem.”
        Nicholas’s eyes immediately shot wide open.
        “Oh great, Ashley is going to kill me.”
        Garrett finished his drink and threw the can away.
        “What are you talking about?”
        “Well, it probably didn’t take Cindy long to figure out that Ashley has been helping me in trying to get her to drop the emotionally unavailable act. She stormed out of the garage in the middle of our conversation. I didn’t know she was going after Ashley’s head.”
        “Well, you’re going to have both ladies upset with you when they get down here.”
        “Oh? No more fears of them killing each other?”
        “Maybe after I eat.”

        Nicholas finished up cooking, prepared the meal, and began setting the table. It wasn’t until he felt moisture on his chest that he remembered he still had a cut on his neck to deal with.
        “Hey, Garrett, can you toss me that peroxide?”
        “Whoa, I don’t know if I want you handling hydrogen peroxide while dealing with food.”
        “Just give it here.”
        Garrett tossed the bottle to him and he began bandaging his neck. The cut was very shallow, but it still had to be dealt with.
        “What happened to your neck?”
        Nick didn’t realize until then that his relationship with Cindy was somewhat abusive. He tried to stifle his amusement.
        “Well, I told Cindy that I enjoyed admiring her when she wore that pink bikini, and before I knew it I had a knife up to my neck. Amazingly enough, she doesn’t have the lightest touch in the world, at least not when she’s angry and her knife is at my throat.”
        Garrett immediately began laughing. Nicholas rolled his eyes and continued doctoring the cut.
        “Thanks for all the sympathy, man. It really means a lot.”
        “It’s just that…well, you have to admit that her cutting you up like a Christmas ham is pretty funny.”
        “No more funny than you getting racked.”
        Garrett looked over, unamused.
        “Whatever, man. I don’t know how you put up with that. She’s gorgeous of course, not to mention pretty well off, I’d even go so far as to say she’s enteraining, as long as she isn’t playing her little cat and mouse games with me. But I can’t imagine trying to break that icy exterior. That ‘no man is an island’ psychobabble doesn’t seem to apply to her. She doesn’t let anyone come within five feet of her, let alone touch her. And the only time she ever makes contact with you is to emasculate you or to scratch your eyes out. You’ve certainly got your work cut out for you.”
        “Thanks for reminding me. Would you mind shutting up, they should be down any minute. I don’t want you giving her any ideas.”
        Garrett smiled as he walked over the cabinet.
        “I’m going to need something stronger than soda to get through dinner.”

        Not two minutes later, the ladies did come downstairs. Nicholas was putting the finishing touches on dinner. The main course was chicken mushroom pasta. The pasta was fettuccini noodles in a creamy alfredo sauce with large pieces of grilled chicken and slices of mushrooms, along with Italian spices and a few heads of broccoli to compliment the sauce. Nicholas was topping each plate with tomato chunks and parmesan cheese when the girls made their way into the kitchen.
        “Hello, ladies. I must say, you two look lovely tonight. Cindy, you especially. I didn’t know you owned any dresses.” Garrett greeted Cindy with a sarcastic smile and Ashley with a chaste kiss. Ashley made a face as he pulled away.
        “Funny. I didn’t know heterosexual male models existed, either. You’ll have to tell me the next time you see one,” Cindy countered. She moved as though to walk closer to him, but Ashley stopped her.
        “Don’t bother, he’s drunk,” she whispered.
        “And I didn’t know that designer dresses brought out the immaturity in everyone,” Ashley added. Garrett gave them an amused smile while Cindy had her characteristically unemotional countenance. “It’s actually mine. The adult version of playing dress-up.”
        His smile grew to chuckling. He quickly moved between the two of them and motioned for them to take his arms. They complied and he walked into the dining room, one gorgeous woman on each arm. Nicholas was just placing the bread on the table.
        “Nick, doesn’t Cindy look beautiful in her dress? She looks good enough to eat if you ask me. If we have dessert, I’ve got dibs on her.”
        Nicholas looked up and almost dropped the bread pan. Cindy let go of Garrett’s arm and began walking towards Nicholas. He was a deer caught in headlights.
        He noticed she was wearing a pair of stiletto heels. They had several slim straps, all pale green. The heels looked to be four inches. She was just over six feet tall with them on, and only four inches shorter than he. The dress began just above her knees, giving him a nice view of the bottom half of her legs. Pale white calves seemed elongated by the shoes.
        The dress itself was a rich emerald green, and was made to fit loosely. The waist was thick and high, tapering to her curves. The dress led to thin straps over her shoulders that showed her milky skin. The deep green hue of the dress seemed to outline the pale glow of her skin elegantly. The dress made two cuts on her shoulder and a bruise on her arm visible. Other than her battle scars, her body was seamless, an embodiment of dangerous beauty. Her long limbs perfectly complimented her thin frame.
        Cindy’s bright red hair stood out even more due to her light complexion. The contrast between her locks and the dress was memorizing. Her hair was pulled up, with a few wet strands hanging to frame her face. Nicholas saw simple emerald studs on her ears. They caused him to notice her bright green eyes. They seemed to sparkle even more brilliantly than the emeralds she wore. The dress in conjunction with her earrings brought much attention to her eyes, and made it increasingly difficult for Nicholas to look away.
        He was speechless. Not only did Cindy never wear dresses, she never really dressed up either. Her hair was pulled up with care, her shoes added much to her dress, and she wore both mascara and a crimson lipstick. She was a vision. The most unlikely vision he ever saw. He wondered for a moment if his imagination had momentarily caused him to hallucinate.
        Cindy walked up and stood in front of him. She noticed how he was gaping at her, but said nothing and kept her blank stare fixed on him. When he didn’t respond to her, the corners of her mouth rose slightly. She brought her hand up to his chin and closed his mouth for him. It was more than enough to snap him out of his trance. He blinked a few times and his face blushed furiously.
        “Here, Nick, why don’t I take that? Time to give the cook a rest for a minute. Sit down and have some fun for a change.”
        Garrett stepped in and took the bread pan from Nicholas and walked into the kitchen. Cindy was still looking at Nicholas, as though expecting something. He was too dazed to know what. She decided to speak first.
        “What is it?”
        He just stared at her for a moment, a little confused.
        “The food. What is it?” she continued.
        “Oh, right, yes. It’s chicken mushroom pasta, topped with an alfredo sauce, grilled chicken, tomato chunks, broccoli, and parmesan.”
        Nicholas soon gained control over himself. He waved her to a seat and pulled her chair out for her. She seemed apprehensive, but allowed him to seat her. He decided she just wasn’t used to being treated well by a gentleman. She hardly had time to be a lady when it wasn’t part of her job. That, or she didn’t want to be treated well.
        Garrett returned and seated Ashley, who was suffering from lack of attention after his previous statements about Cindy.
        “And what about me? Don’t I look ravishing as well?” Garrett was all too quick to answer.
        “Of course, as always. A new dress, I assume?”
        Ashley smiled brightly. She never passed up an opportunity to talk about clothes. Garrett’s past experiences as a model afforded him the knowledge to actually respond to her.
        “I’m glad you noticed. It’s a Mark Jacobs jersey dress. So is the one Cindy is wearing. I bought them both today while we were shopping. The shoes and jewelry I already had.”
        She looked over at Cindy, who was staring at the wall with an unreadable look on her face. She always seemed to be so deep in thought. Ashley continued.
        “Cindy was too busy looking for a hip strap for her knife to even notice I had bought anything. And on top of all her window shopping, we ended up settling for ankle straps. Keeps things well hidden.”
        Not much was said between Cindy and Nicholas, and it was driving Garrett insane. Cindy was silent, and her mind was obviously otherwise occupied. Nicholas was alternating between stealing quick looks at Cindy and trying to start a conversation. Her appearance certainly had him shocked, not to mention distracted.
        “So, Cindy, tell me. What prompted the change in attire? It’s not like you to look so…breathtaking.” Garrett said with a sloppy grin.
        “I told you already, I picked out some clothes for her. I decided to give her look a little flare. It’s not a big deal,” Ashley answered.
        Cindy noticed that Ashley was trying to keep the conversations light. That just wouldn’t do.
        “There’s no need to make excuses, Ash. She wanted me to dress nicely because she thought that Nicholas deserved to see me in something feminine for a change. They are both collaborating to get me to fall in love with him, and Ashley thought that my changing clothes would somehow aid in a change of character.”
        Everyone stopped eating and looked at Cindy.
        “Personally, I’m sick of being accused of having such a negative opinion of Nicholas. I don’t, but if appeasing them is what it takes to get them to shut up and realize that, then so be it. And, I did almost cut his throat earlier. I don’t think he enjoyed it as much as I did.”
        The surprise in everyone’s face was expected. Apparently, the conversation was a little too intense for the dinner table.
        “Everyone knows what’s going on. I see little point in keeping up pretenses,” Cindy explained with an icy nonchalance.
        When even Garrett didn’t have a tactless response, Cindy proceeded to get out of her seat. She stood up and stared at Nicholas for a moment. The shock was wearing off a bit and the blush was returning. She walked over to him and his eyes held hers with determination. He backed up in his chair, about to stand, when Cindy’s voice stopped him.
        “If you care about me so much, why don’t you take care of this for me.”
        She dropped a small plastic bag in the middle of his pasta before she turned to walk out.
        “The food was delicious, Nicholas. Ash, take care of the report. I’ll be training.”
        Ashley, Garrett, and Nicholas all stared at the plastic bag with wide eyes. It contained a lot of blood and one human finger, a large graduation ring still attached. Ashley put her shaking head in her hand, obviously disappointed with how dinner went. Nicholas slowly picked up the bag, now bathed in alfredo sauce, with disgust and disappointment apparent on his face. Garrett stared at the bag, confused. His drunken state didn’t help the situation.
        “Where the heck had she been hiding that?”

        After the grand finale at dinner, Ashley decided that she would take care of the full report. She went up to her study, established a secure connection, and began briefing their Company contact on the status of the mission.
        “Everything went as planned, sir. We completed the mission, disposed of any evidence, and made an appearance at a local university gathering. Even if the authorities found something, they wouldn’t know where to start looking for suspects.”
        “Ashley, I’ve been informed that you contacted the target using your cell phone.”
        “Yes sir. We needed to lure him to our location. If asked about the call, my reasoning would be to ask the professor about my final paper.”
        “And what if you two should come under scrutiny?”
        “If the Company would wish us to entertain such scrutiny, we would comply. We are two spoiled little rich girls who use daddy’s money to live in the lap of luxury with our supermodel husbands.”
        “And what of the mission confirmation?”
        “We successfully retrieved his graduation ring, as instructed. It’s ready for pick-up.”
        “Excellent. I’ll send someone right away. Your payment will be sent to the Zurich accounts when retrieval of confirmation is completed.”
        “One more thing, sir. What of our agreement?”
        “I have spoken with The Company about your proposition. They have agreed that if you meet the requirements, you will have what you want.”
        “Thank you, sir.”
        “I will contact you again soon.”
        “Agent 02, disabling secure line.”
        Ashley put her phone and laptop away. She walked back into her bedroom and began putting down her bed sheets when Garrett quietly let himself in.
        “It’s so strange to think that someone as wonderful as you could do this for a living.”
        He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. His breath slid over her neck. She slowly turned around and embraced him as well.
        “For the right amount of money, people will do anything. Look at what you do for a living.” He gave her a puzzled look. “Everyone has a price.”
        He let go of her as she backed up and put space between them. Something was wrong.
        “Are you ok, Ashley? You’re being pretty quiet considering everything that’s happened today. The job, the new Mark Jacobs dress, Cindy’s crazy behavior, that scene during dinner. I thought you’d be chattering nonstop by now.”
        She looked at him with a strange look in her eyes.
        “I bet I know what can make you feel better,” Garrett said as he pulled her closer to him and bowed his head to kiss her.
        He closed his eyes only to be met with the palm of her hand against his lips. She pushed his head back quite aggressively. Before he had the chance to ask her again if something was wrong, the back of her hand met his cheek with more strength than she looked capable of. He spit blood out of his mouth before looking at her again with a look of utter shock on his face.
        “What the hell is wrong with you two today?!”
        “The next time you touch Cindy, insult her, or hit on her, I will kill you myself.” His brow furrowed as he tried to understand what she was saying.
        “I can’t hit on her?”
        Ashley was losing patience because of the way he was acting, drunk or not. She simply walked away from him and took a few deep breaths.
        “Get out.”
        With his new throbbing cheek, he didn’t have to be told twice. He left her room very angry, and yet strangely thankful that he hadn’t been shot at again.

        Nicholas had wandered over to the grand piano in the formal living room. He delved into writing music occasionally, and was playing some of his own pieces. Garrett found him playing half-heartedly, staring not at the piano, but at the pool in the next room.
        “You should just forget it, Nick. Forget her.”
        Nicholas immediately stopped playing. He looked startled, but soon resumed his playing, and his gaze at Cindy. She had been swimming laps almost as long as he had been jamming on the piano.
        “I know it’s customary to want what you can’t have, but she is so far out of anyone’s reach. You know, at first, I thought she was a lesbian. Now I’ve come to realize that she just isn’t human.”
        Nicholas looked at Garrett through narrowed eyes and shook his head.
        “Hey, don’t shoot the messenger. I mean, I’m a jerk but at least I’m not totally cut off from everything around me. Anyone who is that cold to people can’t possibly be human. Would you really want to get involved with someone who wasn’t human? I mean, what would your kids look like?”
        Nicholas laughed and Garrett sat down at the table and began shuffling a deck of cards.
        “Come on, play some poker with me. I could use some spending money.”
        Nicholas looked again at Cindy just as she climbed out of the pool.
        “You’re hopeless, Nick. And I thought for sure that you were going to get it for having such a big mouth. But no, the girls act as though nothing happened. You’d think that they fight with intent to kill each other all the time. And does anything happen to you? Oh no, of course not. I’m the one who gets insulted, back-handed and shot at.”
        Nicholas didn’t seem to hear him. He continued to watch and play.
        “Yeah, I know I did slap her. But she was beating on my girl! And besides, I think it’s safe to say she got even.”
        The soft piano solo never stopped. Garrett shrugged and began a game of poker with himself. Just because Nicholas didn’t join him didn’t mean he was going to stop playing.
        “That’s just fine. You can keep wishing for something that will never happen. The least you can do is play something less depressing.”
        Nicholas just ignored him. He was too busy staring at his hands and the keys they were gracing. On occasion, he would tune everything out and just let the music flow. It was during those escapes that he wrote beautiful music.
        Garrett’s two pair lost to a straight. In spite of his game, he was quickly growing bored of the silence, background music or not.
        “Ok, I have to ask. What is it you see in her? What are you hoping will happen? What do you really want? Why are you doing this to yourself?”
        “Because it’s become more than a job to him.”
        Nicholas and Garrett looked up to see Cindy drying her hair with a towel.
        “He wants to be like you and Ashley, with regard to a relationship. I don’t think he knows that the interaction between Ash and yourself is a farce, a game you play with each other, and on each other.”
        “And what’s it to you?” Garrett questioned sharply.
        “Nothing. You keep her happy. You do your job. I just don’t think that the effort you put forth is something that Nicholas should aspire to. His efforts have exceeded yours in every possible way. Ashley is quite impressed with him as well. So much, in fact, that she is trying to live vicariously through me.”
        Garrett tore his glare away from her and tried to focus on his cards.
        “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was paid more than you.”
        She shifted her gaze to Nicholas and began crossing the room before Garrett had a chance to retaliate. Nicholas watched as she sauntered over to stand next to him. He looked up at her, obviously wondering what she wanted. Without warning, she moved next to him and sat down on the edge of the piano bench. He quickly moved to accommodate her.
        Her eyes looked at his curiously, and she almost looked as though she were smiling. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. He didn’t want to break the moment, but knew that he had to. He softly smiled at her questioning eyes.
        “Did you want something, Cindy?” he asked hopefully.
        “Yes. I wanted to know if you took care of the ring I gave you earlier.”
        His smile quickly disappeared.         “It’s been taken care of. It should be picked up in a few hours.”
        She nodded, and looked down at his hands. She looked from his hands to his eyes twice.
        “Please continue playing the song. I was enjoying it.”
        Just as quickly as it had disappeared, his smile returned. He placed his hands on the piano and resumed playing. After a minute, he looked back at Cindy. Her eyes were closed and she was smiling. It wasn’t an ear-to-ear grin, but it was a smile. He began repeating measures in the song to lengthen it. To see her truly smile was a rare occurrence. He focused back on the piano to finish the song, but stopped when he felt her hand on his shoulder. He looked up at her, now standing beside him.
        “Come with me.”
        He stood up without question and began walking behind her out of the room.
        “Finally, he’s going to see some action!” Garrett remarked snidely. His comment caused Cindy to stop walking. She turned around and looked in his direction.
        “Unless you want to deal with me, I suggest you leave her alone, Garrett,” Nicholas interjected. It was Cindy’s turn to look at him with surprise. She studied him for a moment before resuming her walk to the stairs. Nicholas followed, but not without giving Garrett another glare. He watched the two of them leave together, and let himself fall onto the couch.
        “Is it National I-Hate-Garrett Day or something?!”

        Cindy began ascending the stairs while Nicholas took a position beside her.
        “I don’t need you trying to protect me from that airhead,” Cindy scolded.
        “I know you don’t.”
        “Then why did you do it?”
        “Because I wanted to,” Nicholas replied.
        She led him into the training room on the second floor. She walked out onto the matted floor and motioned for him to follow her.
        “Things have gotten a little too dramatic around here. I want you to be doing something productive, not moping around the House because of false hopes Ashley has implanted into your brain.” She lowered herself into a fighting stance. “Hit me.”
        Nicholas mirrored her stance. He tried to bring his leg up and high kick her, but she easily avoided it. He then tried to catch her side with his fist, but she blocked him with no trouble. He began to get frustrated and moved closer to her, attempting to trip her and tackle her to the ground much as she had done to him earlier. She instead used his own body weight against him and sent him flying into the mat.
        “Have you learned nothing since I’ve started training you?” Cindy chided.
        Nicholas jumped to his feet and tried to charge her. She moved out of his way and flipped him on his back. She bent over and looked down at him.
        “I told you what your problem was. You wear your heart on your sleeve, and it affects your actions. If I say something that angers or upsets you, your frustration takes the place of what little training you’ve undergone. That’s a weakness.”
        While she stood straight and began walking around him, Nicholas quickly grabbed her ankles and pulled her legs out from under her. She landed flat on her back next to him. Nicholas immediately began laughing.
        “Should you kill me for that one too?”
        Cindy quickly jumped to her feet from lying on her back. She walked in front of Nicholas and displayed what could have been seen as a smile. She held out a hand to him to help him up.
        “You’re safe for the time being.”
        They continued to train and practice for almost thirty minutes before Cindy decided to head to bed.
        “You still have such a long way to go before your skills will be of any use,” Cindy informed him.
        “Then we’ll have to continue training until then,” Nicholas said with a smirk.
        Cindy motioned with her finger for Nicholas to draw closer to her, and he was all too willing to comply. He paused in front of her and let her pursue him for a moment. She wrapped her arms around his neck once again and ran one hand through his hair and the other over his shoulder. He put one hand in her hair and the other on her waist. He dipped his head down slightly and pulled her closer to him. He felt her left hand leave his hair and make its way down to his neck. Just before he grazed her lips with his own, he felt cold metal behind his right ear. He paused and didn’t move a muscle. Cindy pulled away but kept the small blade behind his ear. She then retracted her hand and the weapon when she felt there was enough space between them.
        “Never trust anyone, Nicholas. If you remember nothing else that I’ve taught you, remember that. If you’re going to play this game, you have to know the rules. That’s rule number one.”
        Cindy began walking out of the room, and off to bed. It took Nicholas a moment to recover from her perplexing behavior. He turned and called to her.
        “Cindy, wait! What about you and Ashley? Don’t you trust her?”
        “Goodnight, Nicholas.”

        Cindy was dreaming of white sand and blue water when she was awakened by an unwanted sound. She snapped out of her sleepy daze as quickly as possible and tried to pinpoint what exactly had woken her up. She opened her eyes and without moving a muscle scanned the room for any abnormalities. She heard another sound, and her gaze turned in its direction. Her door was slightly ajar, and she could hear a door closing down the hall. She sighed and prepared to go back to sleep. Suddenly, the realization hit Cindy. Her door should be closed and locked.
        She quickly looked about the room again and saw nothing. She tried to move as silently as possible, reaching for the loaded Desert Eagle she kept in its holster under her pillow. Cindy immediately stopped her movements as she heard the hammer cocked.
        “Looking for this?”
        Cindy head snapped to face the voice. The face she couldn’t see, but she knew who the voice belonged to. Ashley.
        Ashley walked closer to Cindy and placed the barrel of the Desert Eagle just underneath Cindy’s head, coaxing her to sit up. After Cindy was up, Ashley backed away and planted her feet in a stable position, looking as though she were going to shoot. Cindy could see her face now. She knew this was not a game.
        “Actually, I would prefer one of those,” Cindy said.
        She motioned to the wall opposite her bed. There was a three-piece sword set including a katana, wakizashi, and tanto. Ashley took a second to look over to see what Cindy was referring to. A second was all Cindy needed. She had been inching her hand closer to her ankle the entire time and finally reached the small blade that was strapped to it. She used one hand to grab the knife and the other to push the Desert Eagle out of her face.
        Ashley’s distraction only lasted for a moment as she quickly tried to regain control of the gun. She gripped it and tried to shoot Cindy. Before she had a change to aim, Cindy jabbed the blade into Ashley’s neck with surgical precision, immediately severing her jugular vein as well as puncturing her windpipe.
        “But a shorter blade will do just fine.”
        Cindy let go of the knife and watched as Ashley dropped the gun, fell to the ground, and tried to pull the knife out of her neck. She could no longer speak and movement was rapidly becoming more difficult. Cindy watched as her motions became less erratic.
        Once Ashley could barely move, Cindy casually walked over to the swords hanging on the wall. She took the tanto off of the stand and out of its sheath. She walked back over to Ashley who was now slowly crawling through a small pool of blood.
        When she saw Cindy return, Ashley successfully pulled the knife out of her neck and tried to use it against Cindy, but she was far from able to defend herself. Her attacks were sluggish and awkward, as she was minutes away from losing too much blood to remain conscious. Cindy simply grabbed the blade from her hand, replaced it on her ankle strap, and moved Ashley to lie on her back. Ashley could do nothing but squirm in agony and silence. Cindy glared at her with a fiery intensity.
        “I’m sorry, Ashley,” Cindy whispered.
        Only Ashley’s eyes were moving, and they were going from Cindy’s face to the tanto she was wielding. Suddenly, Cindy ran the blade directly through Ashley’s left eye, the tip of it hitting the floor with a loud thump.
        “I’m sorry that you were stupid enough to attempt this.”
        Ashley went limp.

        A gunshot resounded, waking Nicholas with a start. It only took him a moment to realize the shot took place in his room, and that it was his knee that received the shot. He began crying out in pain and tried to stop the incessant bleeding.
        “Tell me, Nicholas, did you know you were being used? Or were you just as ignorant as the rest of us?”
        Nicholas followed the voice to a female form standing in front of a window. He could see the outline of a gun in her left hand. A big gun.
        “It’s the .45 Caliber Magnum Revolver. It seems that I would use something as messy as a Magnum. Sorry. You can’t be right all the time.”
        “What are you talking about?! How do you know about that? Why are you doing this?!”
        Cindy moved to face him, but it was still very dark, and he could not see what she was doing. The gunshot and the realization of pain in his other knee came simultaneously this time. He once again cried out in agony, screaming incoherent phrases.
        “I know more than you can imagine. But what I’m interested in right now is what you know. If you want this to go smoothly, I suggest you tell me.”
        “Tell you what?! I don’t know anything! Please, just stop, I’m begging you!”
        Nicholas’s pleas fell on deaf ears, and he knew it. He tried his best to get off of the bed and hide behind something, but she caught his shoulder with another shot. Nothing was broken, but it was certainly more excruciating.
        “Cindy, please, don’t do this! Have you lost it?! Stop shooting, please!”
        “I have to admit, it was an excellent plan. Distracting me, getting my guard down. You almost had me, too. I’m surprised that you did so well. What about Garrett, is he involved too?”
        Nicholas just continued to wail about his injuries. Cindy brought the Magnum back up and cocked the hammer again.
        “NO!”
        She hesitated, eased the hammer down, and lowered the gun. Nicholas reached over and turned on a nearby lamp, casting a little light on her face. He could see her staring blankly at him, almost beyond him. Then after a moment, she cocked her head to the side and smiled. She quickly hustled out of the room. She returned seconds later with a nutcracker. She situated herself at the foot of his bed and quickly grabbed his left foot. Despite his struggling and objections to her actions, she placed one of his toes in the stainless steel nutcracker and squeezed with all her might. There was a loud crack before dead silence. The silence, however, did not last for more than a moment.
        Cindy had never heard such a piercing sound come from another person before. His scream sounded more like a howl than a cry of pain. He took her by surprise not only with his strange expressions of pain, but also his sharp movements to through her off of him. Even though his knee had been shot, he somehow found the strength to kick her off of him as well as off the bed. Cindy rebounded quickly and resumed her position on the bed, while he resumed his defiant kicking and screaming. His foot, now slick with blood, was more difficult to grip.
        “STOP!!!” Cindy paused and sat still for a moment. The only sound in the room was Nicholas and his labored breathing. She knew he was now ready to talk.
        “She said she was going to kill me! She said she just wanted you to loosen up! She didn’t tell me anything else. Why would she?! Please stop! Please, I’m begging you, I’ll do anything, please…”
        He began to sob softly. Cindy let go of his foot and walked over to the side of the bed, gun in hand again. His breathing was beginning to slow. His pain must have been dulling.
        “She wanted me to make you happy, she never said anything about distracting you. Ashley came to me almost a month ago and said I was doing a poor job of keeping you entertained, and that if I didn’t improve, she was going to kill me.”
        “And what do you think I’m going to do?”
        Nicholas looked at her, mortal fear apparent on his face. He began resting his weight on his good arm, and tried to calm himself.
        “Cindy, why are you doing this? What is going on?”
        “Ashley is dead.” The look of mortal fear returned to Nicholas’s face. “I killed her.”
        Cindy slowly raised the Magnum and aimed it at Nicholas’s forehead. His eyes went wide.
        “Cindy, listen to me, please! I didn’t know she was going to try to kill you. I didn’t know what she wanted with me! Please, you have to believe me, I didn’t know anything!”
        Cindy cocked the gun and stared straight into his eyes.
        “Who said she tried to kill me?”
        Nicholas began raising his hands in a sad attempt to shield his face from the revolver. They barely made it off the bed before Cindy pulled the trigger and Nicholas’s body fell lifeless on the bed. She looked him over for a moment before she walked into the hall and over to Garrett’s room. She opened the door just enough to listen. She was fairly sure he would pass out from the amount of alcohol he consumed, but after shots fired, she didn’t know what to expect.
        Deep, slow breaths could be heard. He was still asleep. She walked through the door and over to his bed in silence. She held the Magnum up and hit his face with the butt of the gun. He woke with a start, as she had angered his already bruised cheek. He scrambled so sit up but immediately stopped when he saw the Magnum aimed at him once again. A look of fear overcame his entire body, and he stopped breathing for a moment.
        “What was it that you said? Oh yes. Now you listen to me. If you’re going to play this game, you have to know the rules. Rule number two: never anger someone who can and will kill you.”
        Cindy touched the gun to his nose and pulled the trigger.
        Cindy lingered long enough to confirm his death. After a few moments, she quickly ran upstairs to her office on the third floor. She activated the House’s security systems and began searching the monitors for movement. Her attention was drawn to a man, making his way to the second floor from the foyer staircase, a large pistol in his hand. She had a visitor. The Magnum was empty, and all her substantial firearms were in the basement. She picked up a Glock G23 from her bedroom and began the descent to the second floor.
        Once she reached the second floor, she noticed that the door to Nicholas’s room was shut. She slowly walked up to the door and knelt down to look under it. The light was still on but she couldn’t see any movement or shadows on the floor. She slowly stood up and pressed her ear against the door. She heard the sound of a gun cocking and jumped away from the door as fast as she could, just barely missing the gunshot that ripped through it. Just as the man kicked the door open, Cindy began running to the stairs that led to the first floor. Shots were fired and she could feel as bullets raced on either side of her head and body, but she made it to the stairs without sustaining injury.
        The gunshots stopped as soon as Cindy was halfway down the stairs, and she could hear as her attacker started his pursuit. She paused on the landing and turned to face the top of the staircase. When the man came into sight, she fired but only caught his left arm. He quickly jumped back and her subsequent three shots hit only air. After firing her fourth shot, she quickly continued down the stairs and into the foyer. She ran through the foyer and kitchen into the den and hid herself in one dark corner of the room, able to see everything around her. She listened for footsteps or creaking wood, but heard nothing.
        After almost five minutes of silence, Cindy decided to begin the pursuit herself. She stayed out of sight but went back to the kitchen and looked cautiously into the foyer. Nothing seemed out of place and she could detect no sound or movement. She took one step into the foyer when she heard fabric rustle behind her. She was tackled from behind before she could get very far, and both guns were thrown far from either person. The man was trying to pin her hands behind her back, seemingly trying to capture her instead of killing her, at least for the time being.
        Cindy managed to get her hand around her left ankle and pull out her knife. She jammed the blade across the man’s left arm and he immediately jumped back, giving Cindy enough room to stand up and face him. Just as she turned around she saw him reaching for another gun. Before he could get it out of the holster, Cindy charged him and tried to stab him through the heart. He brought his arm up to her and the blade landed securely in the meat of his forearm. He made no sound, but only continued to reach for his gun.
        Cindy tried to reach for the same gun, but he quickly pushed her off of him despite his wounds, and she landed on her back. It took her no time to get back on her feet and bolt back into the kitchen, all the while his shots following her, yet she remained unharmed.
        She ran straight through the kitchen and the den, and ended up in the living room. She decided to quietly open the sliding door and make her way through the indoor pool area. On the other side of the pool was the door that led to the basement, and subsequently, her arsenal. It would be the quickest and easiest way, but also, the most dangerous. She decided to risk it. She closed the door behind her and kept an eye on the living room through the glass.
        Just as she suspected, her pursuer made his way to the living room and began looking around. She knew he would see her if she didn’t do something fast, and she was still without protection. She wouldn’t last long against whoever it was coming after her. He was obviously a professional. She slipped into the pool as quickly as she could without making too much noise or disturbance in the water. She ducked underwater and swam to one of the corners of the pool where it would be much harder to spot her in the dark.
        She came up again for air and heard as the door was slowly opened. She darted under again and kept her eyes on the figure as he walked beside the pool. She couldn’t make out what he was looking at, but he seemed to pass her position without hesitation. He paused for a moment, and began walking back to the living room.
        She waited as long as possible to resurface. Once she could see again, she noticed he was in the living room, walking back into the den. She let her head out of the water completely and prepared to crawl out of the pool when she felt a hand grip her hair and pull her up by it. She struggled with her unseen attacker and his hold on her hair when she felt a needle puncture her neck and a liquid injected into her vein. It was a sedative, and began working very quickly. He pulled her hair even tighter and she felt breath on her ear.
        “You’re not the only one who works in pairs,” a raspy, male voice whispered to her.
        He immediately let go of her hair and she fell with a splash back into the pool. She began to sink slightly and his blurred figure was the last thing she saw before losing consciousness.

        “Sleeping Beauty awakens. I have to admit, you put up quite a fight for a thing your size. You’re a bit lighter than the last time I saw you. I certainly hope that they’ve been feeding you well.”
        That same deep, raspy voice pulled Cindy out of the watery nightmare she was having. Apparently, she hadn’t drowned. She tried to shake off the after-affects of the sedative and place where she had heard that voice before.
        “I can imagine you are a bit confused right now, but don’t worry, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know. I always told you everything, didn’t I, Erin?”
        It was all too clear to her. Only one man still breathing knew her by that name.
        “Yes, Jason, you did always have a big mouth. I remember that part very well.”
        Cindy opened her eyes and tried to move. She could feel that she was restrained by her hands, feet, waist and neck against a chair. She looked around and noticed they were in the kitchen. Jason was pacing in front of Cindy while the other man was bandaging his left forearm, the one Cindy had stabbed.
        “I was wondering when you would come around. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. I was afraid you had forgotten all about me.”
        “Now, Jason, how could I forget about you? Yours was the first contract I ever took over. You are the main reason I got a shot at working for The Company, specifically because you couldn’t do your job. You took too long, you cost too much, and you were sloppy. That’s not how we work in this business, and it wasn’t my job to educate you, only to replace you.”
        Jason walked over and slapped Cindy with immense force, causing her and the chair to fall to the side. The blow to Cindy’s face and the fall to the tile floor were equally loud.
        “We’ll see who will replace who in the end. Now, if you’d be so kind as to shut up and allow me to continue, I think things won’t look as bad for you.”
        Jason walked over to her and squatted in front of her face. He reached his hand out and wiped a bit of blood from her mouth. He kept his hand on her face and gently stroked it.
        “You always were so beautiful. It’s no wonder I fell for you,” Jason whispered to her.
        Cindy stretched her neck to get as close to his face as possible before spitting a combination of blood and saliva in it. Jason wiped his face and stood up before taking out his knife and moving to slash at Cindy’s leg with it. He came quite close before his partner grabbed his shoulder and stopped him.
        “Not yet, Jason. Go confirm that Ashley and Nicholas are down.”
        Jason yanked his shoulder out of the man’s grasp. They stared each other down before Jason walked out of the kitchen and towards the stairs. The man left in the room came over and set Cindy and her chair back on its legs. He then walked around to face her. Less than a minute passed before Cindy broke the silence.
        “And what exactly are you staring at?”
        “You didn’t strike me as the type to wear purple satin to bed,” he said with a smirk.
        “Well you don’t strike me as the type who would team up with someone as dense and ignorant as Jason. We’re all getting our little surprises today.”
        The man knelt on one knee in front of her and looked up again into her face. He looked inquisitive and calm, nothing like Jason’s angry expressions. He instantly intrigued her.
        “Are you going to propose?” Cindy asked, looking over her observer’s head.
        “Am I making you uncomfortable?” he said, catching her gaze as he did.
        “I’ve never seen you in person before. I want to remember this moment.”
        Cindy gave the slightest hint of being bewildered. She didn’t know what exactly was going to happen to her, and this man kneeling in front of her obviously had his own agenda in mind. In addition, something about him was almost familiar.
        “Do I know you? Should I know who you are?”
        “Hitting on me in the face of death? You’re a brave one.”
        He came closer to her and moved a strand of hair from her face to her ear. Cindy blushed but didn’t look away. She wasn’t accustomed to jovial conversation that she could not dominate. Her position, in addition with her uncertainty, kept her from spouting too many smart remarks.
        “No, you don’t know me, nor should you. It’s one of the reasons I was chosen, because you have absolutely no idea who I am.”
        “I should have known he would use help. He could never get to me on his own. It certainly took me by surprise when you ended up behind me in the kitchen. Had I known that Jason was the one after me, and thought you were him, I would have done much worse to your arm.”
        He laughed and walked over to sit on a bar stool, his eyes still trained on her.
        “My arm will be fine, as will his. You only grazed him. You shot too soon. You could have killed him if you had waited. But I can imagine that having someone in your home, especially with how important you are, is something foreign to you. You put up an excellent fight.”
        “I suppose I should say the same about you. You seem to know what you are doing. Why are you working with him? It’s apparent you could do so much better.”
        Jason walked in just as she was finished her sentence. He walked in front of her and smiled. Without breaking his smile, his hand made a fist and came down to punch her in the face. She was silent as her face rolled with the punch.
        “Never mind him. I’m the one you should be worrying about.”
        Jason once again took out his knife and stroked her reddened cheek with it. He let it play on her neck and descend down her arm to her hand. He brought it back up her forearm and made a small gash just above her wrist. She hissed at the sharp cut, but said nothing.
        “Now, on with the briefing. I can only assume that you know your partner turned on you, what with the mess you made upstairs. And you said I was messy?”
        “I said you were sloppy.”
        Jason responded by punching her stomach, knocking the wind out of her. She struggled for breath for a moment.
        “You’ve got spirit, but that will only help you in slowing your death. You talk only when I allow it. Do you understand me?” He pulled her hair back and her neck stretched backward at an uncomfortable arch. “You’re not in control anymore.”
        Cindy looked passed Jason to his partner. He was loading a magazine into a small handgun. He caught her gaze and paused a moment to look back. They held each other’s eyes for a moment before she felt burning heat on her thigh. Another small but deeper cut.
        “I would think that someone like you wouldn’t need to be reminded who was in control of the situation. As I was saying, Ashley wasn’t happy with your little setup here. She came to The Company, specifically your Company contact, and asked for autonomous control of your contract. She was told that you held all the cards when it came to your dealings with The Company, and that if she were to branch out on her own, she would have to start at the bottom of the food chain. She then told them she could dispose of you and take over from there. Your contact told her that if she was able to take you out, she deserved to take over control of the contract.”
        Cindy looked back towards the stairs. Her face portrayed a sense of having her suspicions confirmed more so than of surprise.
        “She was quite the turncoat, and all for money. Birds of a feather, I guess. How does it feel, Erin? How does it feel knowing that someone you cared about sold you out?”
        “It makes me feel pity for you. I didn’t know that you cared about me. How very sweet. It must have hurt you deeply when you found out you were nothing more than a pawn to me. I told you not to fall in love with me, but you never listened to reason.”
        Jason moved to slap her again, but stopped himself. Instead, he sat on her lap and moved both of his legs on either side of her waste. He spoke softly, close to her ear.
        “You do know where my buttons are, don’t you? And I know where yours are, as well. You don’t like when people touch you.” He wrapped one arm around her neck and buried his fingers in her hair.
        “You don’t like being in a submissive position.” His hand traced the back of her neck a few times before landing on the rope and tightening it around her neck.
        “And you certainly don’t like me very much, do you…”
        Jason put his hand back in her hair and brought her face closer to his. Instead of kissing her, he proceeded to lick the side of her face.
        “Just the same as I remember. Defiant, controlling, dominant, infinitely attractive. You certainly keep your cool better than you did five years ago.” Jason continued to tease her for a moment before getting up and resuming his explanations.
        “Ashley came to me, knowing that you and I had such a colorful history, and asked for help. She knew I would do anything to aid in your death. Luckily for me, I knew she could never take you down, so I made my own plans. I contacted The Company and told them that I could take you both out of the picture. They said I could have the contract if I could pull all of this off.
        “I knew you would take care of Ashley. She was nothing compared to you. Sadly, I wasn’t up to your level either. That’s when I found him, someone who is not only as good as you, but better. And best of all, he works for practically nothing. He said he only wanted to meet you in person before I killed you. I told him to be careful of you, as most of the men you get involved with end up dead, myself being the only notable exception. But, as you can see, he doesn’t listen.
        Cindy again looked after at her unnamed advocate. He only smirked before turning his attention to the gun once again.
        “And now there is nothing standing between me and you. Can you believe that all this is going to be mine? The money, the House, the Company-contracted spouse. And believe me when I say I will use mine far more than you have yours.”
        He walked back over to her and stroked the knife across her cheek again. He applied more pressure and began to draw blood, but she made no motion to move away.
        “I just wanted to make sure you knew what was going to happen to your contract before you died, and that you were being replaced. Ironic, isn’t it? I find it all very humorous. That, and I’ve come to realize that revenge truly is a dish best served cold. I would never have been able to do this five years ago.”
        “And what happens when The Company finds out that you’re nothing more than a second-rate shooter who needs help from a professional?” Cindy’s words brimmed with anger.
        Jason laughed and walked over to the counter. He gathered his weapon from his partner and checked the magazine. After observing it was full, he reloaded it and walked in front of Cindy once again.
        “You just don’t get it, do you, Erin? They won’t. Unlike you, I’m not plugged into The Company like a lab rat for them to constantly monitor. I don’t broadcast my intentions to anyone, and I don’t acknowledge every time I get help. I think it's only second-rate shooters who need full-time backup, and look what it gets you. She betrays you, and tries to kill you for more money. Only a fool trusts his life to another person.”
        Jason raised his gun and aimed it directly at her heart.
        “Your employers do not want a fool in their service."
        He pulled the trigger. Because of the close range and momentum the bullet carried, the force of the shot kicked the chair on its back, taking Cindy with it. She lay motionless on the floor.
        Jason laughed and handed the gun back to his partner while keeping his eyes on Cindy. His attention was quickly focused on the other man as a gunshot sounded and a blinding pain ripped through his left knee, echoing in every part of his body. He felt to his right knee, looking at his accomplice with utter confusion written all over his face.
        “Her employers do not want a vengeance-crazed lack-wit in their service either,” the man said. Jason tried his best to stand up and tackle the man, but a bullet between his eyes quickly stopped him. He fell to the floor with a loud thud, followed by complete silence.
        The man casually walked over to Cindy’s body and began cutting away her restraints. He cut off the rope around her neck and her arms when she awoke quite violently and immediately grabbed onto the man leaning over her. He paused in his motions and allowed the contact for a moment. She loosened her grip on him enough to look at his eyes. He once again smiled at her, causing her to again react violently.
        Cindy did her best to wrestle the blade out of his hands, but the restraints on her waist and ankles were preventing her from doing much of anything. He very easily pinned her arms down and placed a knee against her chest. She cried out in pain, and he quickly pulled his knee away. He took the knife in his hand again and moved to cut her shirt. She squirmed tirelessly and was cut with the blade more than once.
        “Lie still. Don’t make this any harder than it has to be.”
        Cindy eyed him and very reluctantly decided to comply. He cut a substantial hole in the upper part of her shirt. The fabric he removed revealed a large bruise roughly the size of an orange.
        She stilled when she saw the bruise herself. He let go of her hands and began cutting away the rest of her restraints. He carefully released her waist and ankles before standing up again.
        “Get up.”
        Cindy tried to stand up, but she found she could barely sit. After a few moments of awkward and fruitless efforts, he knelt beside and put her arms around his neck. He then put his arms under her knees and behind her back and carried her into the living room. She surprised herself and clung to his neck for support, not knowing what came next, and not really caring anymore. For once, Cindy was truly glad just to be alive.
        With her head against his neck, she could feel as he tightened his grip on her, pulling her closer to him. Immediately following his actions, he gently released her onto the couch and walked back into the kitchen. He returned moments later with an aluminum briefcase. He sat next to her and opened the case. Cindy tensed when she saw what he was holding.
        “Just relax. This is to help counteract the sedative you were given.” His voice was much more soothing than it had been earlier.
        He prepared the syringe and injected it into her arm. After the injection was complete, he disposed of the needle and put the vile back in the briefcase. When he looked up, he saw Cindy examining herself and the bruise on her chest. He began to move the remaining pieces of her shirt out of the way, but her hand caught his before he could see anything.
        “Calm down. You were shot, yes but it was only a rubber bullet. The bruise is a result of the close range of the shot. I’m just making sure you’re not hurt."
        Cindy slowly lowered her hand but kept a close eye on him and his inspections of her new wounds. He moved closer to her with gauze soaked with alcohol and began cleaning up her other wounds.
        “So, I guess I passed, then,” Cindy said with a smirk.
        He looked up at her, momentarily surprised. He smirked back at her and resumed cleaning her up.
        “You catch on quickly. I’m impressed. Yes, it was a test. And yes, you did pass.”
        “Why?” Cindy questioned curiously.
        “It had to be done. Your partner did come to us and ask for full control of your contract. We agreed if she could kill you, she deserved it. She tried, and failed, obviously. We knew she would, and that you would take care of her. Any agent that disloyal has no business in our service. It is sad, in a sense. She showed promise, and I was sorry to see her go. We also have been trying to deal with Jason for some time. While he may be a second-rate shooter, as you put it, he is excellent at counterintelligence. We would never have been able to find him on our own.”
        “But why would The Company need to find him in the first place? Didn’t their dealings with him end when I took over his contract five years ago?”
        “It would have been nice if that were so. Because of his interactions with important members of The Company, he became a liability, one that we planned on dealing with some time ago, but he disappeared before we had the chance. Recently, he has been indirectly contacting us saying he wanted his position back, and he was ready to bargain to get it. It was apparent that he would sell information about our employers to the highest bidder if we did not cooperate. You and I both know that The Company’s reputation has always come first in everyone’s mind. We have maintained a spotless business record since day one, specifically because of agents like yourself who can get things done in such a clean and precise manner. No criminal ties to us have ever been substantiated.”
        He finished bandaging her and picked up the briefcase again.
        “Hold this.”
        He held the briefcase out to Cindy without breaking eye contact. She took it from him, not daring to look away, and held it to her body. He stood up and walked next to her. He once again picked her up and carried her up the stairs, her hands around his neck and holding the small briefcase. He began ascending the stairs with her in his arms.

        They reached her bedroom, and he placed Cindy on her bed. He took the briefcase from her and sat in a chair not far from the bed. He opened it and began typing on a laptop.
        “I was bait. A ploy to bring him out of hiding. You knew that Ashley would ask him for help because she knew of our past. I was partnered with her immediately after I took his place.”
        “We simply let the two plan their own death. We have been wanting to dispose of him for five years, and allowing him the opportunity to kill you was an excellent way to do so. If you could withstand him and show no signs of disloyalty, you passed. I placed rubber bullets in his gun because you would be of no use to us dead, and he had every intention of killing you. He was not difficult to terminate, but as I said before, finding him was the problem. Now, he has been dealt with, and our employers are once again in the clear. And in the process, you have proved yourself worthy of your next job.”         Cindy threw her legs over the side of the bed and attempted to stand again.
        “Another civilian?”
        “Not exactly.”
        He handed the briefcase, and the laptop in it, to Cindy. There was a picture of a young girl and information about her and the mission.
        “She is a carrier, and strange as it may seem, you are not contracted to kill her. The Company demands her safety and her presence at that time and place. You have roughly seventeen hours to find her, protect her, and get her there. If you fail, you’ll end up like your friend. Her picture and last known location are all included in that briefing.”
        Cindy looked over the picture of the girl, who looked no more than sixteen years old.
        “She looks a bit young to be a carrier. Who is she?”
        “Her name is Jeanette.”

For anyone who wants to take a look.

Just having a little fun, I thought I'd begin archiving the stories early. I'll move to fictionpress eventually, but having my own site gives me more control. I like being able to add sound and visuals.

I'm updating the Dreams page now. "Heart of Gold" is the first of at least seven dreams I've had that I've decided to convert to stories. It's rough to be sure, but I will do my best to make time to perfect it. Anyway, before too long, I'll add a commentary page describing the dreams themselves and what I liked about them, as well as the evolution of the story. They'll be short descriptions, but I always liked reading about the author's thoughts on a story he's written, no matter how brief.