One year Later..... 

A whole year had passed since my first make over. I couldn't believe it honestly. I had even gotten used to my new look and getting this high maintenance treatment. 

Today I was leaving on my first mission. I had known about my departure date for about six months at this point, and butterflies filled my belly ever since. Eric knew of my nervousness and offered to fly with me on the trip to Paris. Eric and I had gotten much closer during the year, and though this put me at some ease, it still didn't fully quell my fears. What if I failed? What if my target made me and my whole cover was blown? I of course had told Eric about my fears and he assured me that I would be fine. I hoped to God that he was right.

I had gotten a touch up on my do and got my nails and feet redone a few hours prior. it was 9:00 at night when I was ushered into the car that would be taking us to the the airport. Eric sat beside me a lot closer than he usually does. Though this was odd, I was happy for it, as it made me calmer.

"You'll do fine Evangeline, I have faith in you." Eric said suddenly

Since the partition was up, our driver couldn't hear us.

"It's nerve wracking. I've never killed anyone before."

"As messed up as this will sound....after the first few kills, it becomes second nature to you."

"I mean.... it doesn't mess with you or keep you up at night?"

"It used to. But I've done it so many times that it just doesn't anymore. The very thing that gives me solace is the fact that the people I put down can no longer hurt the innocent. And there are some pretty fucked up individuals that I have done away with. And subsequentally, the world is now a million times better with one less scumbag in it."

"But we ourselves are killers; we kill the ones that kill. What does that make us?" I asked him

He simply didn't answer me after that, and I stopped all of my questioning. A few minutes later, a favorite song of mine came on the radio. Eric looks over at me, and I at him. A slow smile comes across his face and I take the cue accordingly.

"This is our song. You ready to do this?" He asked excitedly

I couldn't help but smile back.

"You know it!"

It was fun, and it took my mind off of where we were going for awhile... until we reached the jet of course. The car came to a stop and we got out laughing at each other. 

"Welcome aboard agent Harrison." Greeted the pilot 

"Hello captain," I smiled walking up the plane's steps with Eric close behind. 

When we got inside it was like a house on wheels, it even had a full kitchen and bedroom! 

"Wow, the agency knows how to treat an agent." I smiled 

"This is nothing, wait until we get to the hotel room." 

"We?" I asked 

"I'm not staying Evangeline, don't worry." He smiled 

"No, I didn't mean it like that, I-I just thought you'd be staying is all." I blushed 

The plane door closed behind us and we sat on the recliners that were in the room. 

"Alright Agents Harrison and Cosby, we'll be taking the fastest route to Paris, France which

should take five hours tops. It should be there at 3 pm their time." 

The captian cut off the communicator and cut the engines on. 

"Okay, I have where you'll be staying, your persona you'll be using and the guy you'll be taking out." Eric said 

He opened up the manila envelope and took out the guys picture. And there went the nervous cramps in my stomach...and almost my lunch

"His name is Jean- Claude Agnew. He's guilty of rape, kidnapping, trafficking, and murder but could never be convicted. But we know the truth, and it is  your job is to take him out as cleanly as possible." 

I looked at Jean- Claude and studied his reflection: He was of west African descent, was kind of a portly fellow, had a big mole on the side of his nose, and had big baggy eyes. 

"Oh God, THIS is my first assignment?" I asked in disgust 

"I know, ugly right?" 

"No wonder. I'm throwing up in my mouth just looking at him." I said 

"My first assignment wasn't too pretty either, but it comes with the job. You have to swallow your disgust long enough to kill him." 

"Trust me, the killing part won't be hard," I said, even surprising myself

I closed the folder and looked at my identity credentials. 

"You'll be going under the name Jacqueline Smith. You're going to be posing as one of the prostitutes. Make sure he chooses you, got it?" Eric asked 

"Got it." 

"This is serious, your cover must not be blown by any means necessary." 

"I know Eric." 

He gave me a quick hug. And for a moment, all reason ceased. It was just him and his smell.

"What was that for?" 

"I'm just a little worried about my little protégé, it is your very first mission." He teased 

"Your little 'protégé', will be fine." I said 

"I know you will be. For gadgets you'll have the ear communicator as well as a purse that

turns into a zip line to get you off of high places. Members of us will already be in France. Remember, after you finish the job, do not go back to the hotel. Agents will go to collect your things. Go to the safe destination head quarters and stay there until you're told the mission is over. I'll be waiting in the jet to pick you up." 

"And how long do I have to get this done?" 

"As long as you need." 

"I should be done in two days tops." I said with a smile 

"That's next to impossible. I've never seen an agent complete a task in under a week."

"Then there is my challenge. You know I'm hard to resit." I teased

I closed my envelope and put it in my carry on. 

"Will you at least spend a day with me in Paris before you leave?" I asked 

He looked at me with a smile. 

"Of course I will. Just as long as it doesn't interfere with the mission, I'll stay a day." 

I smiled, and leaned back into the recliner.

"Get some sleep Evangeline, you have a long few days ahead of you." Eric said

I relaxed while he got up to cut the lights out in the cabin. I felt something soft placed over me- a blanket. I peeked one eye open and saw Eric smile at me.

"Good night." He said

"Night." I replied

I closed my eyes and was soon out.