PROLOGUE

        A young girl crouched low on the rooftop.  Her latest target moved past the window of the building across the street.  He paused and stared out the window sipping on a glass of brandy.  She felt the thin blade slide down her arm.  The metal cold against her skin.  The wind blew her pale blonde hair across her face.  Slowly, a feral grin spread across her lips, extending into her dark green eyes.  This was the thrill she lived for.  She slowly pulled her graying hood up over her head.  To anyone not paying attention she wouldn’t be seen, just a part of the graying sky behind her.  

        A small ear piece pinged loudly causing her to jump.  Extending the thin microphone down next to her throat she spoke softly, “Yes Sir?”

        A male voice responded back, “Do you have a clear stealth shot?”

        She nodded, “Yes Sir.  Nobody is home and… wait… wait.  A car just pulled up.  Someone appears to be getting out.  Wait… no, two people.  Two women.  Appears to be a mother and daughter.”

        Sir growled, “Are they heading for the house?”

        She sighed, “Yes Sir.”

        Sir’s aggravation could be heard clearly, “Abort mission.  Return to base.”

        She protested, standing up quickly, “But Sir…”

        Sir could be heard banging his hand on a table, “I said to Return to Base Nicole.  The mission is aborted.  You will come back another day with a new recruit.  Understood?”

        Nicole whipped back her hood, “Understood,” the microphone disconnected, “Father.”