Losing It

J. R. Obra

Somewhere in Miami, Florida a lone five-year-old by the name of Alexandria Raven was taking a series of boring assessment tests. She sighed. Through the tasseled mess of long black hair a pair of vibrant blue eyes stared up at the large clock on the wall--two o’clock. With that another sigh passed her lips considering that she’d been here since eleven o’clock and all. She could be playing with her best friend Reese, but no here she was. Brushing some of her unruly hair out from her eyes she then continued with the last few questions. These questions are so easy...

“Name of a natural glass formed when hot lava cools suddenly?” Alex read the question aloud, “Oh, that's Obsidian.” Circling the final answer she then sat her pencil down. “Done.”

Just then Mrs. Reaps looked up from her grading to inquire, “Alexandria, are you done with your test?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Good.” The teacher removed her glasses and gestured for her to come up. “Please, bring me your paper.”

Pushing her wooden seat back Alex stood up, grabbed her completed test and the borrowed pencil then quickly approached the large desk. “Ma’am.” She said and held out both for her to take. “Here you go.”

Mrs. Reaps brushed the wavy blond hair from her gray eyes and flashed the child a friendly smile. “Thank you, Alexandria.” Taking the items she placed the child’s test upon the stack before her and began to grade it.

Alex placed her hands behind her back and nodded. “Yes, Ma’am.” Oh, she has the RED pen! Her mom used one to check off the wrong answers on all those tests that she’d been given at home. Assuming she had made a mistake, released a worried breath and lowered her gaze to the black and white tiled floor.

Mrs. Reaps swiftly graded the test. Once done she wrote the score on the top of it then gathered Alexandria’s other tests before stapling them all together. “Alexandria, I want to congratulate you on a job well done,” she praised. “You have the highest score so far.”

“Thank you, Ma’am.”

“You’re a gifted little girl for only being five years old.”

“Ma’am, I’ll be six in two days.” Alex corrected while nervously twisting her Spider Girl shirt. She then placed the other hand in a pocket and focused her attention on her brand new tennis shoes.

Just then the teacher noticed the child’s mother peeking into the room and grinned back, “Forgive me, Alexandria.” Slowly she rose to her feet. “Would you like to go outside and play while I speak to your mother?”

“May I?” she glowed at the thought of leaving this empty room.

“You may.” Mrs. Reaps led her toward the opened smoked glass door. “You have a nice day now.”

“I will!” An ecstatic Alex rushed up to a striking woman with an olive complexion that was her mom. And unlike her unruly hair her mother’s was always kept in a neat, tight bun. “MOMMY!”

“Hey, sweetie!” Sarah Raven greeted. She was dressed in a white dress shirt that had been neatly tucked into a gray skirt. Pushing her thin wire-framed glasses up with an index finger her cobalt eyes twinkled with love. “How’s my baby?”

“Mommy,” she drawled just as her mom knelt down before her. “I’m a big girl now.”

“Forgive me,” Sarah chuckled warmly, correcting. “How’s my big girl?” Wrapping strong arms around her daughter she gave her a big kiss on the cheek and flashed her a ‘I’m so proud of you’ smile.

“Mrs. Raven,” Mrs. Reaps approached the reunited pair, “may I speak to you for a moment?”

And as Sarah rose to her feet the pumps she wore only added to her already impressive height of 6-ft 2-in’s. She then turned to face the teacher, “Of course.”

“Mommy?”

“Alexandria,” she laid her magazine down before gazing down at her daughter, “Reese is outside waiting for you.”

Alex flashed her a joyful grin. “May I go outside and play?”

“You may.” Sarah said, sitting her down. “Be careful and don’t wander off.”

“All right, mommy!” She acknowledged before rushing off in search of her best friend. Reese was a few months younger than herself and truly her only friend in the whole world. Alex was charging down the empty hallway towards the exit, pushed a steel door open and yelled. “REESE!”

There stood a blonde haired girl dressed in green overalls with matching t-shirt and a pair of white sneakers. This budding artist who was known to draw their adventures out every chance she got was named Reese Collins. Who was at the moment engaging in a game of hopscotch with some girls, when she heard her name being called. A large grin quickly formed and her blue-green eyes lit up at the sight of her friend. “ALEX!”

Alex leapt over the two remaining stairs and skidded to a stop before her awaiting buddy. “Hello.”

“Hi, Alex,” Reese replied, brushing some hair out from her eyes. She casually pulled on a strap to her overalls and wondered, “Would you like to play hopscotch?”

“Nah.” Alex shook her head and hiked a thumb towards a nearby large iron structure. “Thought we could play on the Jungle Gym instead.”

“Sure.” she shrugged, turning to her playground friends. “Bye guys.”

“Come on!” Alex gestured for her buddy to follow before bolting towards her favorite piece of playground equipment.

As they approached Reese soon realized that it was crowded with other kids and sighed, “Alex, it’s really crowded.”

“Nah.” she voiced while starting her climb towards the top. “I’ll find us a good spot.” And as Alex was elbowing a few unruly boys along her way she found the perfect spot for them both. “Reese, come on up!” she shouted over a shoulder. “Don’t let these BOYS bother you.”

“All right!” Reese called back and began her journey towards her companion.

“Hey!” A burly boy protested the blonde’s intrusion and blocked her path with his large frame. “No girls allowed!”

Reese’s tearful eyes widened at the sight of this bully before her. “But...”

“I said-”

“Leave REESE alone!” Alex’s cold, blue eyes glared menacingly down at the stupid boy who dared be rude towards her best friend. “Or you’re going to have to deal with me.”

“Shut up...” He started to say, but swallowed hard upon seeing the intimidating tomboy above him. The boy froze in fear as his dark eyes made contact with icy blues. “Uh... um.”

“Let her pass.”

The boy gave her a quick nod and hastily moved out of the blonde’s path. “S-sorry.”

“Okay,” Reese said, drying her eyes. And upon reaching her destination she had a seat next to her best friend and praised, “Alex, you’re my hero!”

“No problem,” she replied, grinning. “I’ve gotta’ look after my sidekick.”

“Why did ya take so long?”

“Mrs. Reaps gave me FIVE tests.” Alex heaved a sigh then turned her attention to observing the busy playground from their perch above.

“Five?” Reese unconsciously twisted on a loose thread from her t-shirt. “I only had four tests.”

“Only four?”

“Yeah.” Reese nodded, counting on her fingers. “I had Math, English, Science and So-Soshul-”

“Social studies.”

“Yeah, the one with all the states.”

“Right.”

“Did Mrs. Reaps grade them?”

Alex nodded.

“Well,” said Reese before nudging her in the side, “tell me what ya got.”

“She congratulated me on a job well done.”

“WOW!” A cheerful Reese patted her on the back. “See you were special after all.”

“Yeah,” she agreed solemnly.

Reading her best friend’s unhappy face she wondered, “Alex, what’s wrong?”

“She said I was gifted,” sighed Alex while focusing on her shoelaces.

“Really?”

“Mrs. Reaps is talking to mom about my scores.”

“About that school you told me about?”

Alex nodded. “I think so.”

“B-but...” Reese was so afraid of losing her best friend that she began to nervously chew on a strand of hair. “They can’t!”

“I know. Reese, I don’t want to go to another school either.”

A tearful Reese begged, “I want to be with you.”

“Well then,” Alex tried her best to hold back her own tears as she slung her arm over Reese’s shoulders. “No ones going to break us apart!”

“Promise?”

“I promise,” she repeated, crossing her heart. “Cross my heart and hope to die. Stick a needle in my eye,” Alex recited just as she heard her mother’s voice.

“Alexandria! Reese!” Mrs. Raven called again. “Time to go!”

Alex gestured, “Come on, Reese.”

“I’m right behind you.”

~~~*~~~

Mrs. Reaps was waiting till Alexandria’s mother had left before pulling out her cell phone. She dialed a number and waited only a moment before it was finally picked up on its second ring.

“Eastman Plumbing,” a secretary greeted warmly, “what can we do for you today?”

“If you go...”

“You’re gone forever.”

“And if I go...”

And Mrs. Reaps finished with, “I’ll lose my way.”

“Welcome,” the secretary said next, “may I have the subject’s name?”

“Raven, Alexandria R.”

“Pass or Fail?”

~~~*~~~

June 2, 1977

An ecstatic Alex shouted, “YAHOO!” This was her day. She hopped out of bed, skipped into the living room and switched the TV on. After turning to channel 4 she made a running leap onto the couch. “YAY!”

“... da... DA... da... Spider Girl!” as she hummed the theme to her favorite show. Alex bounced twice before bolting into the kitchen in search of her cake, but it was to no avail. No chocolate cake. Instead, she found an assortment of health-oriented foods in the process. “Must’ve hidden it somewhere...” she pondered just as she spied some cookies behind a jar of strawberry jam. “Peanut butter cookies!” And after taking a couple of cookies she went in search of her sleeping parents.

“MOMMY! DADDY!” she called out and stealthily snuck up to her parent’s room. Placing an ear to their door Alex then snickered upon hearing her grumbling father awake and whispered, “Daddy.”

“For the love of God,” Richard groaned, yawning. “Sarah, it’s your turn.”

“We both have to.” Sarah nudged him before climbing out of bed herself. “It’s Alexandria’s birthday.”

“But, I’ve been up since 3 AM working on the damn virus.”

“Richard, WE’VE both been up,” Sarah countered, adding, “Hello--been working on that damned Becker case. Remember?”

He grinned sheepishly. “Sorry darlin’.”

“Uh huh. Besides, her first day of school is tomorrow and it would be wise of us-”

“Oh, yeah...” Richard yawned. “I almost forgot about that. Have you told her?”

“I wanted to surprise her.”

A wide-eyed Alex stepped back from the door before stomping back into the living room. “So, it’s true...” Sighing she threw herself onto the couch and stared up at the ceiling. She then heard her parent’s door open and the sound of their footsteps drawing closer. “They’re sending me to THAT gifted school.”

“Good morning, birthday girl.” greeted Sarah and when she leaned over to plant a kiss on her forehead noticed the pouting look from her daughter. “Alexandria?”

“Must I go to THAT school mommy?”

“We’ve already discussed this-”

“But why?”

“Like I said before... the Avery Academy for the gifted is an outstanding school--one that I might add helped focus me in my academic career.”

“Huh?”

“Alexandria, why not give this school a chance?”

“I want to go to Washington just like Reese.”

“You know just because you go to a different school doesn’t mean you two still can’t be friends.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Sarah grinned, “Now silly willy... would you like mommy to make some yummy French toast?”

“Okay.”

Giving her a slight nod Sarah then turned and entered into the kitchen.

As Alex watched her mom gathering the necessary ingredients for their breakfast, she heard the heavy footfalls of her father approaching. “Hi daddy.”

“Good morning, little raven.”

“Morning.”

He ruffled her hair and inquired, “How’s my six-year-old child prodigy?”

“Fine, daddy.” Alex wanted to say something, but knew it would only fall on deaf ears. For she was the child and they were the parents after all.

Sarah in the meantime was tying her hair back into a bun when she felt eyes upon her person. And in an instant knew what Alexandria was thinking. The school for the weird, she sighed. They only wanted the best for her and this school would be a valuable asset in the years to come as it had for herself. And ultimately knew her little girl would understand this one-day she mouthed, “I love you.”

Alex waved back.

Richard was tall, dark and handsome as well as a successful biochemist in his own right. And as he was pulling his ‘Alex luvs Dad’ coffee cup out of the kitchen cabinet he thought back to something his investigative daughter once said about his giant stature.

Snapping back from his memories with a warm grin upon his face Richard silently slunk up to his preoccupied wife and snaked his arms around her waist. “Morning angel,” he breathed into an ear before giving her a peck on the cheek. “Making some yummy French toast I see.”

“Stud...” A glowing Sarah leaned into his firm body. Her body was an inch or two shorter than her mate’s, but it fit perfectly into his. The love of my life. She knew from the moment they had bumped into each other at homecoming that he was her soul mate. And reflected back to the day she had to explain its meaning to her daughter. It was a sweet scene indeed, one that she’d never forget as long as she lived.

Alex meanwhile was wishing that they’d just let her go to the public school with Reese instead of going to that special school for the weird. “I don’t wanna go,” she huffed then heard a knocking at the door. “Ugh!”

“I got it!” Alex leapt over the couch in her mad rush to answer the front door, unlocked it then swung the door open. “Hello?” she greeted and standing before her was Reese dressed in a turtle green shirt and a pair of white overalls plastered with numerous stick figures in different poses. The very ones that caused Reese’s mother to be pissed on account the creative duo had designed it themselves.

“Hi.” said Reese as she nervously pulled a strand of hair behind an ear to reveal a pair of sparkling green eyes.

“REESE!” she lit up upon recognizing her best friend. And when she pulled her in Alex added, “Come on in.”

“Good morning, Alex,” Reese greeted and let herself be led into the room all the while secretly hiding something behind her back. And just as Alex tried to sneak a peek at what she was holding Reese protested, “NO!” Moving so that the sneaky Alex couldn’t see she scolded, “Not until I say so.”

“Oh, good morning Reese,” Sarah greeted their early morning guest. “Would you like some OJ?”

Glancing up at Alex’s mother Reese nodded. “Yes, Ma’am.”

“Go ahead,” Sarah said before heading back into the kitchen, “and have a seat in the living room and I’ll bring it to you.”

“Okay.” she replied minding the present in her hands then had sat down on the couch.

“Mommy, can I have a soda?”

“Alexandria...” Sarah adamantly shook her head before scolding. “You know that pop is bad for your growth as well as your teeth.”

“But MOM.”

“No buts about it young lady,” Sarah added and offered her some alternatives. “Juice, water or milk.”

Alex sighed, “Juice then.” Scrambling over the back of the couch she had a seat next to her awaiting friend then leaned over. “Is it for me?”

“Yes,” Reese said with a giggle, scooting over. “It’s for your birthday.”

“Really?” she gasped before falling to her knees. “Can you please me give a hint?”

“Nope.”

“All right,” Alex said while trying to think of something to offer. “Okay, from now on YOU can be the hero and I’ll be your trusty sidekick.”

Reese’s eyes lit up upon hearing this. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“Alex, you look funny on your knees,” she giggled. “It’s all right, I don’t mind being the sidekick.”

“No, I said you could be it and you’re it--HERO!”

“Okay.” Reese thought about her offer for a moment longer before suggesting, “How about if we switch? You know so we both could be it.”

“Sure, Reese.”

“Okay.” Reese gave in then held the package out for her to take. “Happy birthday, Alex.”

After examining the package’s comic strip wrapping Alex inquired, “Did you wrap it?”

“Yep.” she glowed proudly. “All by myself.”

“Thank you, Reese.” Alex grinned just as her mother returned with two glasses of orange juice and sat them down on the coffee table. “Thanks mom.”

“Here you go,” Sarah said, noticing the package. “Reese, I love the wrapping.”

“Thank you Ma’am.”

“Mom,” Alex turned to her mother and begged, “can I please open it?”

“Only if Reese says so.”

An ecstatic Alex then held the present in question up for her buddy’s permission. “Pretty please?”

Reese nodded, “Go on, Alex.”

As the birthday girl ripped open the wrapping then the box itself she found an envelope inside that read, ‘To my best friend’. Alex opened it quickly and pulled out a homemade card with the words, ‘Happy Birthday’ scrawled in red crayon and below it a bright sun with a smiley face. “Wow!” She opened the card next and read it aloud, “To my bestest friend in the world!” And beneath that were two stick figures holding hands. One was of Reese colored in green with long blonde hair and the other of herself colored in black. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Reese gestured towards the box. “But there’s something else.”

“Look mommy!” said Alex handing the card to her mom. She soon noticed a small black box within, picked the box up and opened it. Inside she found two round dark gray medallions that were stuck together. After picking them up she read the inscription aloud, “Friends forever.”

Reese grinned and pointed. “They come apart.”

“Really?”

“Yes, pick one and give me the other.”

“Okay.” Alex slowly caressed the weird circle design around the words then pulled them apart. As she placed the forever part around Reese’s neck she said, “I’ll keep the friends one.”

“Thanks, Alex.” Reese stared down at it. “I was hoping you’d chose that one.”

“I love it.”

“Can I put it around your neck, Alex?”

“Sure.” She leaned over and waited as Reese placed it around her neck. “Thank you.”

“There,” Reese gently kissed her check, “friends forever.”

“Always.” Alex replied and in turn pulled her buddy in for hug just as the phone rang.

“I got it!” Richard called out from the other room.

“Mommy!” Alex spoke excitedly. “Look at my cool medallion!”

Just as Sarah raised an inquisitive brow towards her daughter. “How did you know it what it was?”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged, “just do.”

“That’s so sweet, Reese.” Sarah expressed while examining the medallion’s design. “Nice.”

“Mom, what’s the weird design around it?”

“It’s Celtic... comes from Irish history and folklore. The designs were sometimes used for spiritual awareness.” Sarah explained and soon realized to whom she was speaking to and finished up with, “It’s a beautiful design.”

“Well, I love it!” Alex proclaimed to her best friend. “You’re the best.”

“T-thank you.” Reese blushed at the comment then picked up her juice and downed it in three gulps before emitting a satisfied sigh.

“Hey!” Alex protested then picked hers up as well. “Wait for me.”

Reese giggled as she handed the empty glass back to Mrs. Raven. “Thank you, Ma’am.”

“You’re welcome.” Sarah acknowledged, taking the empty glasses away.

“Reese,” Richard called out next, “your mother wants you to come home.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

Alex then spun around to her parents. “May I walk Reese home?”

“You may,” Sarah nodded. “Come straight home, though.”

“I will.” Alex said with a grin, leapt over the couch then bolted towards the door. “Come on Reese!”

Pointing at her Spider Girl PJ’S Reese giggled, “But you’re wearing your pajamas.”

“Hey!” Alex whined and led her down the stairs. “No one makes fun of her when she’s saving people!”

“I’m sorry, Alex.”

“It’s all right. I really did like my present.”

“You’re welcome.”

As the pair interlocked hands they proceeded to skip across three yards giggling and laughing all the way to a corner house belonging to Reese. The carefree duo finally approached Reese’s porch and paused before it, neither wanting to part from the other.

“Alex,” Reese fidgeted a bit before asking, “may I sleep at your house tonight?”

“Sure... But my mom said you’d have to ask your mom for first.”

“Okay.”

“Cheer up.” Alex said with a nudge and added, “Give one of your best pouty faces--it works every time.” She then gave her another hug. “Thank you for the cool medallion.”

“You’re welcome.” Reese grinned. “Best friends forever?”

“Always,” she agreed, letting go. “Bye, Reese.”

“Bye, Alex.”

As she was turning to leave Alex glanced over a shoulder and noticed that her buddy was trying hard to stifle a giggle. Reese was bashfully covered her mouth with one hand and waving with the other. And after flashing a grin her way Alex shouted, “BYE!”

“BYE!”

Alex was humming Spider Girl’s theme as she journeyed back to her house, rushed up the stairs and passed through the open front door. “MOMMY, I’M BACK!” she announced, but was distracted by a dish smashing to the floor. “Mommy?” Moving into the kitchen she inhaled a scent of gas. “Ew. What smells?”

“ALEX!” Sarah shouted, screaming. “GET OUT!”

“MOMMY!” she yelled back and was grabbed from behind. Alex realized too late that it was a trap just as a gloved hand covered her mouth and a strong arm tightened around her body. “NO!”

A masked intruder growled from behind, “I got her.”

And from the corner of her eye she noticed that her father was slumped over a chocolate birthday cake. Alex’s eyes widened as she observed his blood seeping out from her cake and was now dripping onto the floor. Appalled by the sight she tried to scream, but it was muffled by the strange hand.

Alex’s eyes meanwhile had locked onto a second intruder who stood behind her mom with a knife poised to her throat. “NO!” She shouted into the hand and watched in horror as it was slowly moved across. just as her mom collapsed to the ground in a heap. “MOMMY!” And as her mother’s killer passed by she muttered, “Leave her alone!”

“Shut her up!”

As her tear filled eyes were affixed on the crimson blood that was pooling all around her mother’s still twitching body Alex felt a quick needle prick to her neck. “No,” a sudden urge to sleep overcame her and her eyelids soon grew heavy with sleep, “mommy... daddy.”

“Come on,” the second intruder called out whilst lighting a tea candle in another room. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”

Tossing Alex over a shoulder the first grumbled, “Did they have to take her on her birthday?”

“Beats the hell out of me... I only do as I’m told and so should you.”

“Mommy,” Alex mumbled one last time before falling into unconsciousness, “daddy...”

~~~*~~~

A thirty-something, sandy blond dressed in a flowery sundress, had just finished setting the table for two when she poked her head out of the kitchen window in search of her absent daughter. Amanda Collins soon found her drawing yet another tree and disappointedly shook her head. “Reese,” she called out, “time for dinner!”

Reese was finishing up her charcoal drawing of a large willow that sat in the far corner of their back yard when she heard her mother’s voice. Observing the setting sun that was her sole light source for the masterpiece before her she beamed, “Mom’s gonna’ love this.”

After gradually smudging a few lines here and there and then blending the hard lines into soft, she laid the stick of charcoal down and slowly released the breath she’d unknowingly held. Reese wiped her hands on the art rag that had been tied to the belt loop of her cut-off jeans. Her drawing was finally finished, just as the gorgeous sun disappeared behind the trees.

“Reese Samantha Collins!”

“I’m coming, MOM!” she shouted back before accidentally knocking her charcoal to the ground. “Damn.” Reese leaned over to pick the elusive stick up when a medallion slipped out from under her tank top and distracted her for a moment. The artist read the word ‘Forever’ for what seemed like the millionth time just as the last image of her best friend replayed in her mind’s eye. Alex was waving back at her before rushing off. Where are you? “I miss you so much,” she whispered, adding. “Heaven’s a better place with you there.”

A frustrated Amanda repeated, “REESE!”

“Take a pill.” She tucked the medallion inside the shirt and yelled back, “I’m on my WAY!” And felt the cool metal against her skin. Bringing a warm smile to her face Reese began to reflect over the four years she’d been in Miami since that horrid explosion took part of their house out.

Reese watched as Alex headed home before entering her own, rushed into her bedroom where she plopped herself onto the bed. “MOMMY!” she called out, grabbing her sleeping companion Bucky the Beaver. “Mommy!”

Amanda was picking up her daughter’s cluttered room when she growled, “What is it Reese?”

“Can I sleep over at Alex’s tonight?”

“No,” she replied and violently tossed a rag doll into the toy box. “How many times do I have to tell you to KEEP YOUR ROOM CLEAN!”

“I’m s-sorry.” Reese shuttered and climbed out of bed as if to help. “I forgot mommy.”

“Uh huh.”

“Please...” Reese begged before stuffing the last of her animals into the box. “Pretty please?”

“What did Mrs. Raven say?” she inquired in a more calm voice.

“Alex’s mom said it was okay,” Reese said with hope filled eyes. “But I had to ask you first.”

“But,” a pouting Reese shoved her lower lip out and squeezed Bucky. “Mommy?”

“Reese.”

“It’s Alex’s birthday,” she whined, chewing on her sleeping companion’s ear. “Pretty please with sugar on top?”

“Well, I don’t know...”

“KABOOM!” A sudden loud explosion rocked through the house. The ground quaked violently beneath as everything was knocked off the vibrating walls. A wave of heat shattered the windows sending flaming chunks of debris into the living room. And in a matter of seconds causing the curtains and various pieces of furniture to burst into flames.

“MOMMY!” cried Reese before covering her ears from the deafening noise. “Mommy!”

“REESE!” Snatching up her daughter Amanda then rushed out of the room. As dark smoke bellowed in from the broken windows she skidded to a halt in the smoke filled hallway and realized too late that the flames had effectively blocked their exit. “Damn.”

“Mommy, I’m scared!”

“It’s going to be all right, sweetie.” she assured and held her crying child closer before backtracking to her daughter’s room. She sat her down, grabbed a tiny desk chair and tossed it out of the window. Once she cleared the glass shards Amanda then climbed out with her child in arms when she was approached by a concerned neighbor.

“Amanda,” the middle aged man inquired while ushering them to safety, “anyone else inside?”

“No, just us Sam.”

“Are you hurt?”

“We’re fine.”

“Good, I’m going see if anyone else needs help.”

“Mommy,” Reese sniffled. “W-what’s going on?”

“There has been a fire baby,” Amanda replied and held her tighter. She then turned her attention back to the fire that was engulfing everything in sight and uttered, “Oh no.”

Following her mother’s eyes Reese soon perceived the destroyed structure that was once Alex’s home. Huge flames were swallowing up her best friend’s house and she wailed out, “ALEX!” Tears were flowing down her flushed cheeks as she struggled to free herself. “NO!”

“Reese, no.” Amanda whispered, kissing her baby’s forehead. “Please, Reese--calm down.”

“I want Alex!” she sobbed. “Let me be-”

“Shhh... It’s too late.”

She snapped back from her thoughts then grabbed her sketchbook and headed toward their pastel stucco house before her mother blew a blood vessel. Once inside she sat it on the counter, proceeded to wash her hands free of the charcoal residue and dried them off on a floral printed towel that matched the décor of the kitchen. “Mom,” her face lightened with a grin, “I’m done with my sketch-”

“Did you do your homework?” Amanda interrupted rudely before brushing her bangs out from her hazel eyes.

Reese gave her a slight nod.

“Well?”

“Yes, MOTHER.” She said in lowered tones then took a seat across from her dear old mother and held out her empty plate.

“You SHOULD focus more on your studies than doodling with chalk,” Amanda huffed, slamming a slice of meatloaf onto her daughter’s plate. “There’s so many starving artists out in the world and YOU want to be like them.”

“Not everyone’s starving,” Reese corrected, adding. “They just haven’t found their big break.” She then scooped a spoonful of peas and some mashed potatoes onto her plate as well. “Besides, I’m not like them MOM. I have my own style.”

“Will drawing landscapes put food on your plate?”

“If I were to be an illustrator for a greeting card company or a professional artist--it would.”

“Yeah right,” cackled Amanda as she cut into her meatloaf. “What YOU need to do is focus on YOUR studies so that YOU can go to college.”

“If you’d pay attention sometime--instead of going off to all those make-up conventions!” Reese retorted, slamming her fork down. “You’d know that I’m a straight A student MOTHER!”

“Considering I’m the adult here...” Stunned by her ungrateful daughter’s outburst an awed Amanda sneered, “I can DO and GO anywhere I please, THANK YOU.”

Realizing too late that she had just crossed the threshold of her mother’s famous temper right after she had said it. “And art IS my passion.”

“Your FATHER isn’t working twelve hour shifts being a police officer so that YOU can waste YOUR life being an artist.”

“Dad loves the force--that’s his passion!” Reese abruptly stood up. “Why can’t you like mine?”

“Young lady--YOU will sit your butt down at this table and finish your meal,” a fuming Amanda ordered, adding. “And I don’t want hear anymore nonsense on YOUR passions or I’ll take away your art supplies.” Her deadly glare burrowed through her daughter and sneered, “Do I make myself clear?”

Reese knew full well that she’d do it too and sat back down. Secretly she wished Alex were alive--at least she’d have someone on her side maybe help with her overbearing Mother, but it wasn’t to be. Why did you have to leave me? She sighed and continued to eat her meal in silence.

~~~*~~~

4

June 2, 1984

Fort Grissom, Alabama

Building #4056/Level B2

“180... 181...” Miller counted. “182... 183...”

Alex kept pushing herself further and knew that she could go until 200 without much pain considering that she’d been doing push-ups on a regular basis now as well as during any down time she’d receive.

As she did this her mind reflected over the various books she’d read on espionage, bomb making, living off the land, Ranger tactics, ocean tactics and hidden secrets from the Seals. Out of all of them her favorite was the human anatomy which provided a guide to the numerous ways one could kill an individual intrigued her to no end.

“190... 191...”

Drill Sergeant Miller would test her upon finishing each book and if she missed any question or skipped one of the many steps, a punishment would be dealt in a swift manner. During the years she’d come to realize that the punishments weren’t too severe on account they’d focus their blows towards her abdomen area only. Although there was a time when she had just arrived that a Drill Sergeant Adams had grown fervent during one such punishment and struck her in the face. A deadly mistake on his part, she reflected.

A brutal kick followed up the savage beating that was administered to the overzealous Adams. He doubled over and began to vomit. “Please...” he pled for his attacker to stop. “It was a mistake!”

A battered Alex heard his pleas while she lay curled in a ball nearby. Her right eye was swollen shut and her lip busted from the prior punishment administered by Adams. As it was she’d been ordered prior by Drill Sergeant Miller to observe with her remaining eye her own sergeant’s beating. It was her right so he said.

Miller yanked Adams to his feet and recited, “She mustn’t ever be damaged in the face... arms,” he struck him in the gut, “or legs.” And observed as his fellow brethren dropped to his knees before him. “Any visible damage will hinder any efforts to use the soldier in undercover assignments.”

Adams coughed, “It was an accident-”

“All blows will be a third of the force and under no circumstances shall the soldier be sexually abused.”

“Please... I’ll never-”

“Any perpetrators that disobey FATHER’S orders will be terminated,” finished Miller before pulling out his weapon and squeezing off one round. The round struck Adams in the head splattering chunks of bone, blood and brain matter everywhere.

“193... 194...”

During routine exercises such as this, Alex would think back on all the academic and military training so far. The strict regiment was intriguing and different. Considering she was a prisoner so to speak Alex complied with the rigorous training and soon realized that this was her fate. Yet, in the back of her mind she wondered if it was at all possible for her to decide her own destiny.

Nonetheless the training was molding her into a perfect soldier. One that would ultimately become a member of an elite group called, ‘The Rogue Contingent’. A secretive group from what she had heard was so well hidden that only a select few possessed knowledge of it. Made up of past graduates with the sole purpose to terminate whomever Father designated in whatever fashion deemed necessary. A deadly group indeed.

“198... 199... one more... 200!” Miller cheered upon completion. “Good job, recover.”

“Kill,” Alex jumped to her feet in one quick move and stood at attention, “DRILL SERGEANT!”

“Name the holy commandment.”

“One bullet, one kill--Drill Sergeant!”

“Why is that?”

“If I don’t make the kill then, I’ll be killed--Drill Sergeant.”

“Good,” he nodded. “Complete 10 laps, shower and wait outside the dining hall.”

“KILL, DRILL SERGEANT!”

“You have one hour.”

“AFFIRMATIVE, DRILL SERGEANT!”

At these quiet times ghosts of her parents appeared in her mind. Alex would secretly revel in the images of love they expressed. She tried to imagine them giving her advice in whatever problem she was experiencing at the time and or just giving her some needed support, but they’d ultimately morph into Drill Sergeant Miller. Alex wished that she could remember more about them, but it was to no avail. So, she’d shove them into a hidden part her mind and focus on now.

“Raven, walk with me.” Miller stated then pulled out a cover for her to wear. “Wear this.”

“Affirmative, Drill Sergeant.” She said snapping from her thoughts to take the offered issued hat that would complete her uniform.

“Today is your lucky day.”

“Affirmative.” Alex followed a step or two behind him and donned the hat. “Thank you, Drill Sergeant.” And as she was exiting the facility she noticed a pair of armed guards that stood just outside the door.

“FATHER believes that you’re ready.” Miller said, leading her towards a nearby parking lot. He halted just as a black van pulled up then opened the sliding door for her and said, “Get in.”

“Affirmative, Drill Sergeant.”

Miller observed his charge buckling her belt before slamming the door shut. He then climbed into the passenger side and had a seat before acknowledging their driver, a one Drill Sergeant Lewis who’d returned his comrade’s nod then drove the van out of the lot.

~~~*~~~

It was an hour later when the van passed by a sign that read, ‘Birch State Park rest area ½ mile ahead’. They followed the road a bit longer before turning off at the next exit ramp that would ultimately lead into the park itself.

Lewis parked the van just as Miller climbed out then slid the door open for Alex. “Raven,” gesturing for her to get out, “front and center.”

“Affirmative, Drill Sergeant.”

“This is your target.” Miller stated, pulling out small photo. “Memorize his face,” he held up the picture. “You must find him in a crowd.”

Alex stared at the picture of a middle-aged man. She memorized his chiseled features, the square face with a pointed nose, which was slightly crooked from a break. His skin was bronze and aged with premature wrinkles. The man had short brown hair with a touch of gray and eyes a hue of chocolate that held some secrets.

“Enough.” He barked and replaced the photo into a pocket. “Come with me,” Miller gestured, moving towards the forest. “Here, put these on.” He then tossed a pair of surgical gloves her way before adding. “And never ever forget to wear them.”

“Affirmative, Drill Sergeant.” Alex caught them then quickly donned the latex gloves while following two steps behind him.

“Try to escape and you’ll be shot.” Lewis warned somberly while carrying a M40A1 sniper rifle with an attached silencer as he approached.

“Affirmative, Drill Sergeant.”

“There are other snipers,” Lewis added and held the rifle out, “in case you fail or run.”

“Affirmative, Drill Sergeant.” She responded, taking the rifle and bringing it into her body.

“Raven, you’ll be graded on your accuracy.” Miller spoke next. “Is that clear?”

“Affirmative, Drill Sergeant.”

“Remember the kill zone,” reminded Miller before repeating. “One bullet, one kill.”

“Affirmative, Drill Sergeant.”

“Good.” Miller nodded then held out a single bullet. “Here.”

Alex held her hand out and waited for him to place it there. “Kill, Drill Sergeant.”

Drill Sergeant Miller placed it on her palm. “Make FATHER proud.”

“Affirmative, Drill Sergeant.”

“Fall out.”

She took a step back then made a left and headed deeper into the forest. Her mind was focused on her mission. Alex remained hidden in the foliage as she approached the edge of a large clearing, whereupon she proceeded to scan the area for the target in question.

The distant picnic area was decorated for a party of some type. A large metal shelter donated by AAA covered the food area and long tables were decorated and filled with plates of food. Centered on one such table was a large cake. Nearby sat two large grills. Cooking hamburgers and hotdogs filled the air with their enticing smells.

Alex moved into a prone position in the natural cover that surrounded the area around her. Flipping the scope’s cover up she pulled back the hammer mechanism, opening the chamber. Alex stared at the bullet one last time before placing it into the chamber and shoving the hammer forward, chambering it. She placed the butt of the rifle to her right shoulder then closed her left eye and stared into the scope with the right.

After scanning the crowd again she found her target by one of the large grills. He was wearing Bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian shirt that was half buttoned, revealing his dark chest hairs. The man was in the process of turning some burgers and drinking a beer when she matched the crosshairs towards his head before moving it down to his heart.

This was it. Do or die. Alex’s young life was on the threshold of sacrificing another. For she ultimately knew the circle of life always ended with death. Nonetheless something within her told her that self-preservation was priority one with her as well. Could she actually do such a thing as kill another? The answer was as simple as the bullet chambered in her rifle. “To live,” she breathed then turned her attention back to her target and squeezed the trigger.

Alex felt as though everything suddenly went into slow motion once the bullet had exited the barrel of her rifle and began spiraling through the air. She could see it arching from the pull of gravity, leveling towards its predestined target. Finally the round struck its mark by blowing a large hole through the man’s back and disintegrating his heart in the process.

“Perfect,” she said proudly. As her target fell to the ground in a heap before anyone had even noticed. Snatching up the spent shell Alex climbed to her feet then backtracked it towards the van.

“Damn, good job!” Lewis greeted first while taking the rifle from the youth then patting her on the back. “Congratulations.”

“Kill, Drill Sergeant.”

“Couple more kills like that,” Miller praised before gesturing for her to follow, “and you’re going to be a fine assassin.”

“Affirmative, Drill Sergeant.”

~~~*~~~

5

June 2, 1984

Whispering Meadows

Miami, Florida

Police pallbearers were lowering Sergeant Henry J. Collins’ casket into the concrete box that would seal his body for years to come. Reese observed his funeral with dread and couldn’t believe that her dad was gone. One minute he was joking with her and having a grand of a time playing catch. The next, a spray of bullets had mowed him down. Her anger swelled within her as she thought of the vengeful gang member who had ultimately gunned her father down. “Of all the stupid...”

“Reese, pay attention.” Amanda scolded. “I wish you’d stop daydreaming.”

Reese sighed, not wanting to start yet another fight. “Yes, Mother.” She responded drearily and lowered her head. The teenager was verging towards her breaking point when she wondered how sweet it would be to just cross that barrier and be done with it. All they did anymore was fight and argue over minuscule things and it was tearing her up inside.

“BAM... BAM... BAM!”

Reese jerked from hearing the loud gunshots from the honor guards, as a brutal flashback from that tragic day passed before her eyes.

Possessing a gentle nature and laid back demeanor Henry Collins was closer to his daughter than his wife would ever be and did his best to keep the peace between the two. Athletic, but not to the extreme. His brown hair that was always trimmed short, blue-green eyes that at times seemed to change to various shades of green as well. “Honey, don’t worry about your mom.” he assured. “I’ll talk to her.”

“Your Grandpa let me ride shotgun a few times and I fell in love with it.” He sighed thinking back to that wonderful day. “I’d hoped that one day you’d like to be on the force as well.”

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure,” he added while leading her back to their car. “Nonetheless, I was being selfish. My little girl has a special gift that she needs to focus on.”

“Aw dad...”

“Follow your heart,” Henry kissed her on the forehead, “and I’ll be proud of you.”

“Reese Samantha Collins, you need to act more appropriate when you’re at a funeral,” Amanda scolded again, adding. “It’s your FATHER’S funeral, for GOD sakes.”

“I AM. Besides I didn’t know there’s a proper way of MOURNING dad’s death.”

Amanda instantly backhanded her. “Don’t YOU ever get smart with me, young lady!”

Reese’s cheek stung from the unexpected blow and her heart grew numb. Facing the window she and pushed herself against the door, away from her damned MOTHER. “This isn’t happening.”

Upon arriving home, Reese rushed into her bedroom then threw herself onto the bed. “Daddy,” burying her face in a pillow, “why did YOU have to leave?”

Amanda violently threw the door open a moment later and began to rip down the numerous sketches that were hung along the walls. She was in the process of grabbing Reese’s sketchbooks as well as a toolbox filled with art supplies when her daughter tried to stop her.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” she growled, pulling one of the books free from her. “LEAVE MY STUFF ALONE!”

Amanda bloodied Reese’s lip with a brutal slap her across the face. “SOMETHING I SHOULD’VE DONE A LONG TIME AGO.” She retorted then ripped the book from her ungrateful daughter’s hands and rushed out.

Anger swelled inside Reese as tears of frustration flowed freely down her flushed checks. “THOSE ARE MY SKETCHES!” she shouted and sprinted after her. “STOP!”

“I BOUGHT THESE BOOKS AND THESE SUPPLIES!” Amanda yelled back while exiting out the back door. After dragging a nearby metal trashcan she threw everything into it. “AND I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT WITH THEM!”

“DAD BOUGHT THEM FOR ME!” Reese yelled back. “YOU HAVE NO RIGHT!”

“IF YOU LIVE UNDER MY ROOF, YOU’LL DO WHATEVER I TELL YOU TOO!”

Reese realized what her mother was about to do, “No!” She brushed past her in order to save her treasured books, but was forcibly snatched by the shirt and thrown to the ground. With two brutal kicks to her abdomen she remained there gagging at the loss of breath she then curled up into a ball and whimpered.

“YOU WORTHLESS BITCH!” roared Amanda. Picking up the sketchbook she tossed it into the can then lit a match. “NO MORE ART!” she spat and threw it in.

The lit match arched towards the trashcan and landed onto the sketch of the willow tree. As the tiny flame slowly burned a hole into the drawing. A tearful Reese stared in horror. The only possessions she owned was being destroyed by the hellish flames that grew brighter and stronger with each passing moment.

“NOOOO!” Reese climbed to her feet in haste, but it was too late. “My drawings... all my drawings!” After wiping the tears with the back of her hand she screamed, “How could you?”

“Because I can,” Amanda chuckled and turned to leave, but not before saying over a shoulder. “Life’s a bitch.”

Dropping to her knees in defeat Reese cradled her face in the cup of her hands. She broke down to sob, as the fragrant smell of paper filled her nostrils. “No... no... no!”

Her heart grew heavy at the thought of this being only the beginning of her HELL. And was abruptly brought out from her thoughts by a car door slamming shut, then the start of an engine. Her mind raced as a devious plan for revenge formed. “She’s not going to get away with this.”

Rushing back into the house she made a beeline into her parent’s room and threw open the closet doors. After snatching up her mother’s most expensive dresses and the precious mink Reese then sprinted back into the living room. Along the way she picked up MOTHER’S favorite crystal Waterford vase from a nearby bookcase in passing.

“Call me a worthless bitch.” She grumbled and threw it against the wall. Kicking open the back door she approached the still burning trashcan and tossed her mother’s prized possessions into it. Her once bright eyes were now dark as they reflected back the hungry flames. “Mother, life’s a BITCH!”

~~~*~~~

6

June 1, 1992

0500 HRS

Fort Benning, Georgia

The years had flowed by like a breath in the wind for Alex. For Father had now ordered her to Fort Benning to further her training by becoming a ranger. Silently, she sat in the passenger seat as Drill Sergeant Miller navigated through the foreign base that was to be her temporary home for the next twenty-seven days. Even so, her mind wondered back to the mysterious stranger who had greeted her the night before.

Alex had just returned to her billet from a late night maneuver when she observed a petite figure dressed in a dark tailored suit waiting at the door. As she approached the dark-haired woman Alex observed her own reflection within the stranger’s wrap around sunglasses.

“Evening Raven.”

“Ma’am,” Alex responded, eyeing the dark stranger. “Is there a problem?”

“Nope, just wanted to meet you.”

Alex nodded and waited for the woman to step away from the door, but she hadn’t made a move. “Ma’am?”

“Truth?”

“The Fort Lauderdale Tribune,” the dark stranger said while approaching the operative. And said in a lowered voice before walking away. “June 3, 1977.”

An unsettled Alex knew there was just something about this woman. Be it an aura of power that seemed to radiate from the dark stranger or her arrogant demeanor. Whatever it was she was intrigued. And as she began to contemplate how to attain a copy of the tribune the vehicle she was riding in had come to a halt.

“Let’s go.” Drill Sergeant Miller said and climbed out of the parked sedan.

She followed him towards the Harmony Church area, which was to be the meeting area for the first week of training, otherwise known as ‘Zero week’. A large duffel bag filled with her required gear was strapped on her back and a rucksack in the front. Alex was led through a large archway into an assembly area where she noticed a large group of soldiers that were filling out paperwork while sitting on their duffel bags. Ignoring the stares she continued to follow her drill sergeant towards the awaiting first sergeant.

“First Sergeant Daniels,” greeted Miller.

“Drill Sergeant Miller,” Daniels grinned, “NSA keeping you busy?”

“Very much so, First Sergeant.” Miller expressed then hiked a thumb towards his charge. “I brought my best pupil for your tutelage.”

“Ranger,” Daniels said to his newest ranger, “remove your cover.”

“Affirmative, First Sergeant.” Alex responded and promptly removed her cover to reveal her close-cropped haircut.

“Nice,” he drawled, “put it back on Ranger.”

“Affirmative, First Sergeant.”

Miller waited till the first sergeant had turned away before proudly approaching his protégée. “Make me proud, Raven.”

“Affirmative, Drill Sergeant.”

“Ranger Raven,” First Sergeant Daniels ordered. “Fall in with the rest of the group.”

“Affirmative, First Sergeant.” Alex stepped back and made a left face. Walking towards the formation she fell into the last row and noted that she was of course the only female in the training group. And as she waited for the next command Alex shrugged off the negative vibes from her fellow rangers in training.

“At ease,” First Sergeant Daniels told her. “Ranger Raven set your bags on the ground.”

“Affirmative, First Sergeant.” She removed her bags, placed them on the ground before her then moved to at ease with her legs a shoulder width apart and hands interlocked behind her back.

“Heads up! I have an announcement,” Daniels addressed next. “We have a female training amongst us during this rotation and I want everyone to treat Ranger Raven as you would any other ranger with respect and dignity.”

~~~*~~~

Day one was filled with tests, the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and the Combat Water Survival Test (CWST). All were designed to assess one’s abilities and endurance as well as to weed out anyone unfit. After the tests they were all sent to the Medical Considerations class to make sure that everyone was fit enough for the next rotation.

Earlier in the day, Alex had been assigned to share the barracks with the men. Not a problem due to the fact that she could handle herself in the event of any unwanted attention, considering that she was the proud owner of three black belts and was working on another before her arrival here.

It was the end of her first day when Alex finally entered into the large open room of the barracks. Fifteen bunks sat on the left side and fifteen more on the right, each with a wooden footlocker and upright metal locker assigned to it. She had been assigned to the second bunk on the right, closest to the latrine as well as next to her battle buddy, Ranger Wesson.

“Hey, Raven!”

Alex was placing her personal belongings into an open locker when she heard her battle buddy and paused in her unpacking. “Yes, Wesson?”

“I’m not like the rest of the guys here. I believe that a woman should have the right to become a ranger if she’s strong enough.”

“Thanks.”

“So, where are you from?”

“Fort Grissom.”

“I’m from Fort Campbell, but I was born in Sedalia, Missouri,” his face lightened with a warm grin. “What I meant was... where’s your hometown?”

“Fort Lauderdale.”

“Wow. The Atlantic Ocean, white beaches and beautiful babes--nice.”

“I learned how to swim there,” revealed Alex before turning her attention onto making her bed.

“Really?” Wesson nodded. “It was at a manmade beach near Truman Dam for me.”

“That’s interesting,” she said, fixing the second corner of the bed and was now on the third. “Don’t you have to make your bed?”

“Yeah. I guess I should,” Wesson sighed. “I’ll talk to ya later then.”

“Bye,” Alex nodded finally finishing with her bed. She pulled out a quarter from her pocket, dropped it upon the bed then observed as it bounced twice before resting on the tails side. “Perfect.”

After only a few hours of sleep day two would soon begin. Alex knew they were using sleep deprivation on them to slowly break their spirits and weed out the weak ones.

“I’ve had this done before.” She breathed having had prior experience. Either way, she learned over the years that one could meditate and revitalize oneself in order to make up for the lack of sleep. Unfortunately for some of her fellow rangers, that was not the case.

Physical training was at 0500 HRS and it lasted for about an hour or so, then on to a five-mile run. Alex accomplished it in thirty-four minutes -- a small task -- but she passed it in record time. Next was a speedy change into her BDUs and off to breakfast which she ate in a minute and a half.

Hand-to-hand training was next on the agenda for the day. As everyone was being paired off in the auditorium Alex was lucky enough to be paired up with one of the many rangers that detested her being here. Peterson was a southern with blue eyes, blond hair and a stocky physique. He gave her a menacing glare just as she stepped onto the rubber mat to face him. Alex returned it with a glow of confidence that she knew she had and was finally eye to eye with the man.

“Listen up,” Drill Sergeant Wells ordered. “I want a take down in two minutes.”

“Affirmative, Drill Sergeant.” She focused her attention on the ranger and with her keen sense of observation she found his weakness, a torn ligament in his right knee.

“Yes, Drill Sergeant.” Peterson snapped then glared back revealing his barbaric self. Gesturing towards her he taunted in his southern drawl, “Come on, girlie girl!”

Pressing the timer’s button Well’s shouted. “GO!”

Peterson was first to throw a forward punch towards her chest. She caught his wrist, noticed that he had put all his force into the punch and kneed him the groin. Alex attempted to complete this move with a swift knee to the face, when he suddenly grabbed her and tossed her back. Completing a back flip Alex connected her boot with his jaw and caused him to flip back. Peterson meanwhile slammed face first onto the mat with a dull thud just as she recovered and moved to attention, waiting.

“Ranger Raven that WAS entertaining!” Wells stopped his timer and read the time. “Forty-five seconds... very good,” he congratulated. “Get your sorry ASS up, Ranger Peterson!”

With Peterson’s humiliating defeat observed by his comrades. He grumbled something inaudible and scrambled to get to his feet. A fuming Peterson stood at attention, “Yes, Drill Sergeant!”

“Ranger Raven, stand down and have a seat.” Wells informed next. “Now, I want two more front and center!”

The victorious Alex had a seat and felt Peterson’s hate-filled eyes upon her. Slowly, she turned in his direction and glared right back with one of her death stares. The assassin heard Peterson mumble something under his breath before looking away and knew full well that this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

That night, Alex was lightly sleeping in bed when Peterson and two of his comrades approached. She recognized Jasper and Frederick in an instant as they grabbed her by the arms and yanked her out of bed. “What the-”

“We’re going to put you in your place, BITCH!” growled Jasper.

She let them drag her into the latrine knowing full well that they wouldn’t last very long against her. Alex’s captors abruptly halted before turning her around to face their awaiting leader. The right hook that caught her in the jaw was followed by gut punch, which she dissipated by falling into it. “Ugh.”

“How do ya like that DIKE?” Peterson spat rudely into her face.

“Well, I recommend a nice mouthwash.” Alex taunted and returned the favor by spitting into his.

A fuming Peterson wiped the bloody spittle off with the back of his hand and was about to grumble something when Alex broke his nose with a quick head-butt. She stomped on Jasper’s foot and her right arm was released. Jabbing Jasper in the gut she backhanded him in the face then pulled Frederick into an awaiting fist that knocked him out cold.

“YOU BROKE MY FUCKIN’ NOSE!” Peterson shouted, holding his blooded face.

Blocking the punch that was hurled towards her face she returned one to his diaphragm. Alex watched as he slumped to his knees in pain with the sudden blockage of air. “A word of caution, RANGER.” Alex warned to the gasping man. “I could easily kill you without a second thought.”

His loathing eyes stared back and she quickly realized that he wasn’t the type to listen. “So be it then...” she voiced, shaking her head. Dragging him over to the showers by the shirt she turned one on, yanked him to his feet then shattered his right kneecap with a swift kick.

Realizing too late that he had made a huge error in messing with this particular female. Peterson fell to the ground in a heap and began to whimper like the babe that he was.

“Now, I’m going to tell you this once and I won’t repeat myself,” Alex stated in a business-like manner, “This was an unfortunate accident and your clumsy self slipped on the wet floor. You landed hard on your right knee shattering it on the ceramic tile floor and as you scrambled to get up and you fell here,” she pointed to the small step that boxed in the shower, “slamming face first onto the step.”

“Uh huh.”

“I suggest you undress and get into position.”

Peterson stared at her in disbelief when he finally noticed movement behind her. “Whatever you say.”

Alex spun around just in time to block a punch that was directed towards her head, flipped her attacker onto his back and slammed a fist into his gut. She then elbowed Peterson’s remaining cohort and sent him back with a backhand to the face.

Observing his defeat Peterson slowly removed his shirt, “Why?”

“Because I can.” She said simply, moving over to the sink and turning on the tap. Cupping her hands under the warm water Alex brought it to her bloodied lip. “You wouldn’t have lasted two weeks with a torn ligament.”

His eyes grew wide. “It’s healing.”

“I did you a favor.”

A naked Peterson was crawling over to the stall when he retorted. “And what’s that?”

“At least you’ll get all your medical benefits this way,” she revealed with a smirk. “Besides, the latter would’ve meant your death.” Alex turned to him one last time. “If you try something stupid--like blame me, I’ll hunt you down and WHEN I find you, YOU’LL be BEGGING me to make it quick and fast.” She warned before leaving him to his thoughts.

~~~*~~~

7

5:00 AM

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Reese had finally earned her degree in Criminal Justice a few days prior. It had been the toughest three years of her life, and she’d had no help from dear old Mother, who hadn’t spoken to her since graduating from high school. Reese had closed that chapter of her life long ago. As she packed her belongings, her mind went to the formal ceremony that she was to take part in this afternoon, but was skipping in order to ship off to Andrews Police Academy.

Reese finished stuffing the duffel bag with the required essentials, zipped it closed and nervously ran a hand through her recently trimmed hair. She moved over to the mirror and stared at her reflection for a moment. Eager for the training was that ahead her she had already started on the physical aspects of it.

Actually, she’d been doing it for the past three years and one could certainly tell. She wore a white tank top that hugged her ample bosom and her to die for washboard abs. Her biceps were rock solid from doing two hundred push-ups a day. And accenting her tight ass as well as firm thighs was a pair of tight stonewashed jeans. As she was assessing herself she was brought from her thoughts by her roommate’s voice.

“Are you ready yet?”

“Almost.”

“Geez, Reese.” Danielle poked her head into the room and rolled her big brown eyes. “You look HOT for the umpteenth time!”

Reese gave her flirtatious roommate a warm grin.

Danielle was about her age and an inch taller at 5’5. She wore her trademark battered baseball hat that was always on backwards. Her naturally tanned skin was perfect, accented with a tiny silver hoop that hung from her right eyebrow and another on her right nostril.

Reese blushed, “Thanks, Dani.” And as she was staring back at her friend their first meeting flashed before her mind’s eye.

Reese was leaving the campus bookstore with an assortment of assigned books when she collided with one of the numerous jocks sending her books flying. “HEY!”

“Outta’ my way,” he grumbled, escorting his beautiful babe through the crowd of registering students. “Stupid bitch.”

A feminine voice sneered, “Dick-wad!” The voice belonged to a punk looking chick by the name of Danielle Ray. Her hair had been dyed green and shaped into a Mohawk. Danielle’s wardrobe consisted of a sleeveless shirt with a British flag printed on it, camouflage shorts and combat boots. Slung over one shoulder was an Army rucksack with numerous patches of punk bands sewn onto it.

Reese muttered to herself, “Of all the stupid...” Scrambling to gather her books she started to stack them when she glanced over at the kind person who had helped her. It was the punk chick she’d passed earlier that day. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” Danielle assured with a lopsided grin. “Jocks are blocks, you know?”

“Yeah.”

“The name’s Danielle Ray. Call me Dani and you are?”

“Reese Collins.”

“Nice to meet you Reese,” Danielle acknowledged. “How ‘bout I help you carry these books.”

“Oh, you don’t have to-”

“It would be my honor,” Danielle said taking half the books and gesturing with a nod of her head. “So where to, princess?”

There was an instant connection between the two and a strong friendship had formed thereafter. One she valued greatly, Reese reflected as she playfully pulled off Dani’s hat revealing a shaved head beneath and placed it on her own head.

“Hey! MY lucky cap!”

“I know,” she said with a wink. “I want a memento from my personal tattoo/body-piercing entrepreneur.”

“You know... If it didn’t look so damn cute on you--I’d take it away.”

“Awww,” Reese voiced with a chuckle. “Dani are YOU finally going soft?”

“Nah.” Danielle pulled her in for a tight hug. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m going to miss you too, my friend.” Reese whispered back. “Eight weeks.”

Danielle nodded before pulling away. “I guess it’s time to go.”

“Yeah.”

“Come on Cadet Collins,” Grabbing the bag Danielle headed out the door. “Your chariot awaits.”

As Reese slowly followed her out she took one last look around their two-bedroom house and released a nervous breath. “Time has come.” Closing the door she headed towards her roommates’ crimson Wrangler, climbed into the passenger seat and said, “Let’s go.”

“So, when you get back...” Danielle started to say as she put the jeep into first and pulled out. “You’ll let me borrow your cuffs, right?”

“Dani,” she chuckled at the very thought. “I thought you owned a pair.”

“I do.” Danielle said with a mischievous smirk. “But yours will be FLPD issued ones.”

“Oh, stop!” Reese jabbed her perverted roommate in the arm. “I’m not sharing.”

“Come on, Doe would just die if I used them on her!” Danielle whined before offering. “I’ll give you a free piercing.”

“You already owe me one, remember?”

“Oh, yeah.” Remembering that Reese was the angel who had introduced her to the love of her life, Doe Hawkins. “Thanks, again.”

“No problem.” Reese acknowledged then turned to her with a mischievous smirk of her own. “Besides, I’d like to break them in myself--thank you.”

“Reese Samantha Collins,” An awed Danielle flashed a ‘shit eating’ grin her way, “are you hiding a girlfriend from me?”

“I wish.”

“Well, you know... if you’d just hang out with us.”

Reese was staring into the early morning sky as she spoke. “I really don’t think I’ll find MY woman in a bar.”

“You never know.”

“I guess.”

“I don’t know how you do it Reese.”

“Do what?”

Danielle nudged her in the side. “Go without.”

“Without what?” Reese inquired innocently and knew full well what her roommate was talking about. She so loved playing this little game of theirs. “I haven’t a clue what your talking about.”

“Good old hot, sweaty flesh upon sweaty flesh SEX.”

“Oh, that...” Reese thought about it for a moment then shrugged. “I’m just picky I guess.”

“Damn girl, it’s not natural for a princess like you to be alone.”

“Well, Dani I’m kinda’ saving myself for that special person.”

“And what if you don’t find her?”

“Oh, I will.”

“Well, I hope so.” Danielle sighed. “I can’t have my friend alone with twenty cats as her companions.”

Reese chuckled at the vision. “You have nothing to worry about.” She assured, patting Danielle’s leg. “Besides, I prefer dogs to cats.”

“My-my Reese, still surprising me after all these years. I’m impressed.”

“Wouldn’t want our friendship to go dull now would we?”

“Reese, it’ll never go dull.” Danielle lightened up as she turned into the large driveway that led them into the Academy. “Nervous?”

“A bit... But I shouldn’t be.”

“Girl, you’re only human.”

“I know,” Reese nodded. “Thanks for dropping me off.”

“You’re going to do fine.” Danielle grinned back before pulling the jeep over. “Show `em what you’re made of girl and don’t let anyone get to ya.”

“Thanks, Dani.” She thanked and climbed out. “I will. Be good.”

“I’ll try,” Danielle chuckled. “Call me anytime.”

“You know it. I’ll see you in eight weeks.”

“Eight weeks.” Danielle gave her a departing wave. “CIAO!”

“I guess this is it.” Reese said as she stood there watching the jeep move further into the distance. She turned back to the large campus before her and whispered, “Dad, wish me luck.”

~~~*~~~

8

October 31, 1995

2050 HRS

Five Seasons Hotel

New York

The express elevator’s doors closed as a disguised Alex pushed the button to the 40^th floor. Her next target happened to be waiting in this outrageously priced hotel for her persona, an on-staff masseuse. Unfortunately for them the real one was out for the count.

Alex was observing her reflection in the shined stainless steel doors before her. The face reflected wasn’t hers, but that of the green eyed masseuse. Her shoulder-length curly red locks were pulled back by a scrunchy, revealing more of her above average looks and porcelain skin.

The elevator halted on the 32^nd floor and its metal doors slid open to reveal two Armani wearing Caucasian males in their late thirties. The pair entered and stood on Alex’s left. The dark haired one’s eyes made contact with hers, as the blond ravaged her body with his.

She straightened her nametag, which read ‘Meg’. Alex flashed them both a friendly grin and spoke in Meg’s Irish-accented voice, “Good evening, Gentlemen.”

“Good evening to you, too.” The blond greeted with a lopsided grin.

“And you.” The dark-haired one responded next, eyes never leaving hers. “Meg, so what’s a beautiful woman like you working this late?” He inquired while pressing the button for the lobby.

“A girl must make a living.” Alex replied with a touch of flirtation. She soon felt the elevator slowing down, picked up her black duffel and said just as the doors opened. “Have a safe Halloween.” Stepping out she made her way towards room 4025. Alex took note of the guard sitting by the door who was lazily reading the sports page. “Excuse me.”

The guard jumped up, absently dropping the paper to his feet. “A-ah... Meg McCain?”

“Aye.” Flashing him her best grin Alex halted before him. “Mrs. Duncan is expecting me.”

“Yes, of course.” He nodded and whispered into his lapel microphone. “Sir, the masseuse just arrived.”

“Good.” Another male voice responded into his ear receiver. “Let her pass.”

“Yes, Sir.” The guard then turned his attention back to the masseuse. “Ma’am, I need you to open your bag.”

Alex opened it for him. “Sure.”

After rummaging through it he found nothing dangerous and said. “Ma’am, I need to run you through a small metal detector.”

“On what grounds?”

“I’m just doing my job, Ma’am.” The guard pulled out a thin device that was the size of a pin and ran it over the masseuse’s body in search of any hidden weapons. Once done he then turned to open the door for her. “Go on in.”

“Fine.” Alex huffed then passed by him without a second thought and entered into the room.

Alex scanned the expensive room that had all the amenities such as a king-sized bed with a plush comforter, love seat with matching side chairs and a highly polished oak coffee table. And leaning against a nearby wall was a top of the line folding massaging chair. After noticing that the bathroom door was closed and the shower was on, her eyes narrowed towards a dark-haired male who was lounging on one of the plush chairs enthralled in the local news.

A close-up of some hellish flames as it incinerated an engine was being broadcasted. The camera panned across the rest of the fiery plane wreckage that littered a stretch of land, almost a mile along.

“You’re seeing the wreckage of Cessna plane S320S.” A female reporter informed. “The plane was in the process of taking off when the crash occurred just outside of La Guardia Field, around 7:35 pm.”

“This just in,” the anchorperson added next. “Officials here informed us that the plane was registered to a Collins E. Wentworth II.”

“Isn’t it just horrible?” Alex’s eyes were locked on the TV as she sat her bag down and moved to the folded chair. Unfolding it she thought back to the 1/2 inch of C-4 that she had attached to the cessna’s engine. And was in the process of readying it for her target by dutifully placing disposable covers on all the cushions. It worked perfectly, she reflected, Explosives can be a true art form.

The guard glanced over. “Tragic.”

The shower was switched off and a feminine voice called out. “Roger, is the masseuse here?”

He lowered the volume down to the TV and rose to his feet. “Yes, Ma’am.”

“Take an hour break then.”

“Very well Ma’am.” He affirmed before turning to leave.

A short brunette by the name of Mrs. Duncan stepped out of the bathroom. Her decent bosom and curvy form were hidden underneath the complimentary cotton towel. “Meg,” Mrs. Duncan’s dark eyes assessed the masseuse, “you’re just in time.”

“I can see that, Mrs. Duncan.” Alex replied back before donning a pair of latex gloves. “What would you like today?”

“I’d like a full body.” Mrs. Duncan dropped her towel and was flaunting her nakedness. Casually she had a seat upon the massage chair, leaned forward and placed her head on the oval face cushions.

“Very well then.” Alex said and removed the scrunchy from her hair. Pulling out a small plastic tube she broke the seal to it and poured the clear liquid upon the palm of her hand. After placing the empty container back into the cloth band she stuck in her jacket pocket and began to rub her hands together as to spread the liquid over them

“How long have you been doing this?”

“It feels like all my life.” Alex confessed to the double meaning and placed her hands upon Mrs. Duncan’s tanned shoulders. Slowly, she began massaging the tension from her target’s muscles as well as the hard knots that accompanied them.

“Aaahhhhhh.” she moaned. “God, you ARE good.”

Alex continued her ministrations by rubbing in the liquid into the pores of Mrs. Duncan’s skin and finally into her blood stream. “How kind of you.”

“I bet you’re very skillful with your hands.” She purred lustfully, envisioning herself kissing Meg while her hands explored that firm body of hers.

“I’ve been told that.” Alex responded. “I really hope the oil isn’t too cold.”

“It’s not.” Mrs. Duncan sighed. “It’s actually warming up a bit as we speak.”

“Aye then.”

“Is it one of those oils that warm up when you touch it?”

“Oh, my--no.”

“Darn.” Mrs. Duncan pouted, feeling a tingling sensation beneath her heated skin. “That feels so good.” She closed her eyes to the ever-growing heat between her legs. “You’ve got to tell me what you’re using.” She breathed then sat up enough as to glance back at the redhead.

Alex leaned forward and whispered seductively into her ear. “Phyllobates Terribilies, luv.” Mrs. Duncan’s eyes snapped open upon registering the horrific news. After pinning her body with her own Alex’s hand covered her mouth as to halt any unexpected outbursts.

She tried unsuccessfully to break free and uttered into a gloved hand, “HOMPH!”

“The Poison dart frog.” Alex drawled and held her target close while the fatal poison traversed towards her target’s heart. Violent convulsions were erupting throughout Mrs. Duncan body when paralysis overtook her body next. After gasping out one final breath her target’s eyes grew wide before succumbing to the lethal toxin.

After carrying the body into the bathroom Alex laid her into the large tub. She pulled her gloves off, tossed them into the small trashcan along with the hair scrunchy before snatching up the trash bag with the vial then tossing it into her own bag. Picking up her duffle bag Alex scanned the room once more before making a hasty exit.

Once outside she soon realized that the posted guard was nowhere to be seen except for a paper that he was reading prior. Passing by it she caught a quick glimpse of the newspaper’s date. June 3, 1977. A wide-eyed Alex quickly snatched up the paper before making her way towards the elevator.

“Gas explosion kills family of three,” she read aloud while pressing the call button. She grimaced at the headlines and lowered her gaze to the large color photo of a house engulfed in flames. As her eyes scanned through the article beneath the photo she came upon a line that sent chills up her spine. “... Mr. and Mrs. Richard Raven along with their six-year-old daughter Alexandria were burned to death...”

Quick flashbacks of her past overwhelmed Alex’s senses as she relived that day. The faint smell of natural gas, the pinprick of the injector and the feeling of sleepiness... Pulling herself from those haunting memories she pushed the button for the lobby and began to assess her missions to date while she rode down.

Alex savored the thought that her comrades envied her unique methods in terminating her targets. She was a professional through and through and had prided herself in doing a job well done. For anything less would be unacceptable in her eyes. Alex’s hard work soon paid off for she had finally acquired something within the Rogue Contingent she hadn’t experience in her life until now, respect.

Once Alex had stepped out from the hotel a dark sedan pulled up to the curb. She climbed into the back seat of the vehicle and said. “They gape at me...”

The driver in turn recited, “Like a raging and roaring lion.”

Alex acknowledged his dark eyes that were reflected in the rearview mirror with a simple nod. Satisfied, the driver then pulled out into the evening traffic towards La Guardia. It was protocol for her to test any member she came in contact with any of the prearranged phrases and with any wrong answer would result in death. And so far she’d only terminated one unfortunate individual who had fumbled their response.

Alex’s hand reached up to her jaw line and pulled the latex mask from her face, revealing her own flushed face underneath. She peeled off a ‘Voice Altering System’ or VAS, a 2” x 3” clear silicon external patch from her vocal cords that had been programmed to mimic Meg’s voice. She then pulled off the flesh colored latex gloves and finally her curly wig. “Free.” She whispered before running her hands through her short hair. “Time to go home.”

Glancing back at his passenger the driver’s cell phone vibrated at his side. “Hello?” He answered it. “Uh huh. She is. Very well then.” The driver then held his phone up to her. “Operative, it’s for you.”

Alex eyed him while she took the offered phone. “Hello?”

“Operative Raven, I must congratulate you on yet another successful mission.” A feminine voice said. “So, did you enjoy the reading material?”

“You...” Alex recognized the voice in an instant. It belonged to the dark stranger that had visited two years prior. Her mind was racing when she realized who had left the copy of the tribune. “Ma’am, what does my past memories have to do with anything?”

“In order to understand the future one must learn from the past.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Because I can.”

Alex narrowed her eyes towards the driver and sneered, “Who are you?”

“What’s in a name?” said the stranger. “Besides it’s you that I’m interested in.”

“Why?”

“Your talents of course.”

~~~*~~~

9

January 4, 2000

1500 HRS

Rolling Hills Cemetery

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Glancing into the gray sky above Alex thought how ironic it was that her next target would be the very dark stranger who had been communicating with her over the years. And part of her wondered if it was because of that or what. Whatever it was, it wasn’t her job to question Father’s orders.

Having been dropped off along with her usual pair of watchers who’d observed her from afar. Fox and Weller were their names. She’d known about them ever since her first unsupervised hit right after completing Ranger School. She caught their scents earlier. It was mixed with the natural aroma of rain, which she noted to herself had a tinge of horse manure to it today.

As she traversed through the forest she found a perfect spot behind some foliage and a large pine tree. With her gloved hands she removed the Browning Precision Tactical Elite Rifle, BPTE rifle for short, from the shoulder sling. It possessed a Shilen select match grade heavy benchrest stainless steel barrel, and sported a black Teflon-finished custom trigger pull and muzzle break with attached silencer. Once she was ready Alex then dropped to a prone position and awaited her target.

Silently she observed the funeral ceremony from about 600 meters. Alex adjusted her shooting glasses, flipped the scope’s covers off and brought the rifle up. Placing the butt of the weapon to her right shoulder she rested her right cheek against the cheek piece. Alex pulled back the chamber bolt, placed the round inside and pushed the hammer forward. After closing her left eye she focused the right on the thin crosshairs and scanned through all the mourners until finally zeroing in on her moving target.

Alex observed the dark stranger dressed in a dark tailored suit and over that a matching trench coat. The target along with a tall, dark-haired female was casually walking in her direction. And made a mental note of the stranger’s companion who resembled herself in a strange way. A doppelganger, she thought if there was such a thing, makes no difference.

She watched as her target halted a few feet from the other mourners and handed the doppelganger a weapon. Alex aimed the crosshairs dead center of the stranger’s chest, the kill zone. Exhaling a breath she then squeezed the trigger firing the round that would mean instant death for the individual who’d been targeted. And with its custom-made muzzle silencer silenced the rifle as well as hid any bright flashes that would usually accompany it effectively hiding her position.

“WHAT HAPPENED?” One mourner shouted a second later. While screams from fellow mourners filled the still air as chaos ran amuck down there. People were scattering in all four directions trying to find a safe place to hide. Some hid behind other tombstones while a lucky few had made it to the safety of their cars.

“CAIN!” The doppelganger shouted while pulling the stranger to safety. “FIND COVER!” she roared out to her fellow mourners. “GO, GO, GO!”

Alex observed the scene for a moment before slinging the rifle over her shoulder. She was about to grab the spent shell case when she felt someone on her right. Slowly the rogue turned towards the voyeur and her eyes widened upon observing her reflection within a pair of familiar sunglasses. The dark stranger whom she had just terminated was now kneeling on one knee with a Browning 40 caliber trained on her.

“Great shot.” drawled the stranger. Whom still couldn’t believe her eyes as she stared at an exact double of Detective Rineheart. Shoving the thought of her acquaintance aside the stranger focused on the operative before her. “Relax, Raven I’m not going to hurt you.”

An awed Alex stared at the woman whose face was now painted to match her camouflaged BDUs. “How?”

“It’s simple really,” she shrugged. “A latex mask and a traitorous body double.”

“Why?”

“I enjoy this life a little too much to die now,” laughed the stranger. “Besides, tell me you don’t enjoy our little conversations.”

“No,” Alex shook her head and knew full well that she did enjoy their conversations considering. “I mean why are YOU telling ME this?”

“Did you even wonder WHY they sent YOU here to kill me?”

“Ma’am, it’s not my place to-”

“The truth,” the stranger said and held up a hand to silence her. “And my name is Devin.”

“Devin?” Alex’s brow rose upon hearing the stranger’s first name. Part of her wondered why she was having this conversation with the very a person whom Father deemed necessary to die. Yet, from their exchanges prior a strange camaraderie had formed that caused her to hesitate from her prime directive, to obey the will of Father. “And yes,” she said finally. “I have.”

“It seems that Father believes I’m a threat to him.”

“Are you?”

“If you consider a long time nemesis a threat then yes,” Devin confessed, adding. “But I do have my own reasons to detest HIM.”

“And they are?”

“Later, I promise. Right now I need your word that you won’t try and assassinate me a second time.”

“Ma’am?”

“You see I have this sniper watching your every move,” Devin revealed somberly. “Please, I really don’t want to waste your talents--but concerned comrades of mine fear for my safety considering.”

Alex was contemplating the consequences that would surely befall her if she failed to terminate her target. But technically she had completed her mission. “You have my word,” she said, “But it’s not safe for you-”

“The dynamic duo are preoccupied for the moment,” Devin commented with a hiked thumb. “No worries there.”

“So, mind telling me why you’re doing this?”

“Ah...” Devin lowered her weapon, “three things really.”

“Go on.”

“Well, first off is the fact that your sweet little rifle is empty.” Devin commented. “And yes I’m aware of your Glock 18 that’s holstered behind you.”

“Oh.”

“Secondly, if you haven’t figured it out the fact that I’m trying to woo you from The Rogue Contingent then your not as smart as I’d hope.”

“Tell me something new.”

“Very good.” A lopsided smirk played on Devin’s face as she spoke, “And third...” pulling out a small jewelry box, “A gift,” she said, tossing it to her. “Thought you like to have this back.”

Alex caught it and began to eye it suspiciously, “What is it?”

“Something from your past.”

Upon lifting the box’s lid Alex recognized this memento from her past. She hesitantly picked the medallion up and began to caress the Celtic pattern. “Friends,” she read aloud. “Forever.” Images of her childhood buddy flashed before her eyes and brought a smile to Alex’s face. She placed the medallion around her neck, next to the set of dog tags and wondered if Reese would even remember her.

“Why?” she inquired next and soon realized that Devin was nowhere to be seen. “Thank you.”

~~~*~~~

10

January 4, 2000

6:45am

Fort Lauderdale

A 500 Sq. ft section of Fort Lauderdale’s Pompano Beach was blocked off with yellow crime scene tape as Police cordoned off the murder scene. A black tarp covered the victim’s body from view, while the forensic team was in the process of collecting data. A small group of civilians and reporters meanwhile were slowly gathering outside the police barricade, trying to get a glimpse of the grizzly site.

Reese held up her detective’s shield that was attached to a chain around her neck and entered into her next assignment. Scanning the scene she took some mental notes on all the flagged evidence that surrounded the body. She eyed a pair of expensive sandals that lay discarded nearby before turning her attention to the victim’s torn clothes that had been scattered about.

Reese observed the team of experts that were busy doing what they did best, gathering evidence. “So, I guess I owe ya’ll a box of Crispy Dough’s?” She greeted, moving towards her partner Parker.

Detective William Parker was around her age with short dark hair and hazel eyes that revealed a man with a good soul. His average physique and height gave way to his own inhibitions, which he freely joked about. He flashed his trademark ‘I’m so good’ grin and replied, “You certainly do, Collins. Keep this up you might as well splurge a little more and buy out the company. It’d be cheaper for you.”

“You’d like that now, wouldn’t you?” Reese jested, squeezing his shoulder. “All the doughnuts you could eat.” She then suddenly remembered something he’d confessed to over a week ago. “Hey, weren’t you the one that had that fantasy about being buck naked and surrounded by thousands of doughnuts?”

A dark haired photographer was snapping a shot of a bloody butterfly knife before laughing, “He’s the one.” Kimi Hermes rose to her full height of 5’4” and slowly approached the pair. Dark brown eyes twinkled at her on again off again lover, Parker. She gave him a wink before straightening her trademark FLPD cap that she always wore backwards. “He also said that he had company... a certain blond-”

“HEY!” Parker glared at her. “We have a murder to solve.”

Reese chuckled at that already known bit of info and knew full well that he had, had a crush on her when they first met. And being the professional that she was she politely informed him of a few key parts he lacked and soon became better friends out of it. The sound of Hermes’ camera snapping off a few more shots brought her away from those thoughts. “Let’s get started,” Reese said, lifting the tarp up.

The unidentified victim was a female Caucasian in her late twenties. Long matted blond hair framed a pair of dark eyes that were glazed over as they stared off into the early morning sky. Her battered nude body was bluish from the lack of oxygen and spread-eagled, revealing her bloodied and semen-covered sex for all to see.

Reese noticed that there were two rather deep bite marks upon her, one on her right-breast and another on right shoulder. “Love bites?” She murmured and also took in the fact that the female possessed defensive wounds on her knees and forearms, which had resulted in some mild bruising.

She assessed the expensive red silk scarf that was tied tightly around the victim’s neck. It had been used to slowly cut off the flow of oxygen to the brain. Reese also noticed that a long gash under the female’s chin wasn’t a killing wound, but rather where the killer/rapist had pressed their knife to coerce her. She covered the victim once again before inquiring, “Any witnesses?” A familiar male voice belonging to a certain CSI investigator responded on her right.

“Nada.” Forensic Specialist Sam Rich was in the process of collecting the victim’s clothes and putting them into paper bags. He then turned his loveable green eyes to the detective. “A couple tourists that found Jane Doe here.”

Rich pushed his wire-framed glasses up with the back of his gloved hand and placed the bagged evidence into his duffel. His lanky frame, the glasses and his crew cut made it seem that he was one hundred and ten percent full-fledged nerd. In the end, he was the best forensic specialist they had on hand and a vital part of the team.

“No ID, huh?” Reese muttered, envisioning how the murder/rape had taken place.

Jane Doe was forcibly dragged here by knifepoint, where the killer pushed her to the ground where he removed her clothes off with the knife. Used her scarf to control her, making sure she wouldn’t make any noises and probably tightened it when she fought back. He raped her. And when he was finished with the assault, he viciously impaled her with his blade tearing the inner walls of the vagina.

“Damn...” Reese muttered, feeling the brutal tearing in her own groin and shivering at the horrid image. She imagined Jane was in shock as the killer continued his vicious attack before finally killing her.

“Afraid not.” Parker replied, jotting down a note or two in his notebook. “Your basic Rape/Robbery/Murder.”

She raised an inquisitive brow. “You think?” And as Reese was continuing with her silent deductions she spoke aloud, “Five hellish minutes were spent in a highly public area and no one saw a damn thing.”

“It happens.”

“Anyone on the trash detail?”

“Initial responding officer is on it.” Parker responded while rechecking the scene again. “Check out the expensive sandals,” he pointed just as the coroners arrived. “Seems our Jane had money.”

“The dark keepers have arrived,” Hermes remarked with a hiked thumb.

“Funny, Hermes.” Reese chuckled then pulled out her notebook and quickly started sketching the scene for future reference.

“Can we take her?” A coroner’s assistant spoke next.

“One moment.” Reese said and held out a hand to the duo.