“Are we all set?”    

    “Yes. How about you? Are you ready?” Helen asked while putting a small gun under her skirt. “Well, ready or not, we must go now”

    “Why do you even bother to ask me?” I asked, rolling my eyes at her. “You’re not giving me a choice anyway”

    It makes no sense! I wanted to add.

    I look at her when she suddenly stopped what she’s doing, raised her head and look at me like I was a weirdo for asking her that question “Because we are running out of time. You should have been here earlier than what was planned so you could have a lot of time to prepare yourself. I didn’t know you could be this slow, Agent Snow. Make it faster!”

    My eyebrow automatically raised. I can’t believe she called me ‘slow’. And on top of that, she bossed me around. Damn, is she even my friend? I scratch my neck in a sudden kick of irritation.

    “Don’t boss me around Helen. I know what I’m doing”

    “Oh please, then we should be leaving at this moment!” she shouted and took a quick glance on her silver wristwatch. She looked irritated and mad at the same time.

    “Wait a second, Helen” I said while trying not to lose my temper at this moment. It isn’t the right time to argue with her. But I just can’t help it. Her bossiness is active. And my grumpiness is on. One statement and we will both explode.

    “No, let’s go” she said through gritted teeth.

    I sigh deeply and look at the ceiling. I’m really losing it. I’m losing my temper.

    “First of all, you asked for my help Helen. Second, I don’t really want to say this to you, but have you forgotten that I have a higher position than you now? And lastly, don’t boss me around like what you always do with other people. Don’t even try it. You know how crazy I am when I’m mad.”

    I exhaled loudly before I look at her again. And that bossy woman in front of me is now smiling widely like an idiot. But I remained impassive and glared at her, which she answered with a peace sign.

    She run towards me and hug my arm.

    “I was just kidding Berry. You really have a short patience, don’t you? I just want to see a little stress plastered on your devilish calm face that is why I decided to pulled a prank on you. And for the information of an outdated person like you, pranking is the new trend in social media. Too bad, I didn’t make it live today.”

    I push her a little and remove her hands on my arm.

    “Funny, Helen” I grimace and aim the gun I’m holding on the wall. “I have my own social media accounts, but it doesn’t stop me for disliking annoying pranks. I certainly hate joking when we should be serious”

    “You are way too serious Snow. A mission without having fun is boring.” she said and sit on a long table where different weapons were displayed. Guns, rifles, swords, bows, arrows, bombs, ropes, chains, name it all and we have it here in agency.

    I shook my head repeatedly and put the gun inside my mini backpack. I also grab some daggers and silencer before I slid it inside and zip it.

    “This is no time for jokes. And besides, we can’t be nervous. There is no space for such emotion like that. It only screams cowardice.” I coldly replied “Who’s our eyes today?”

    “Agent Orbs. Don’t worry, she can be trusted. I’ve completed a lot of missions, thanks to her”

    “Okay. I’m ready, let’s go”

    She jumped off of the table and dust off her skirt.

    We chose to walk out through the exit backdoor of the agency. Its twelve midnight and we don’t want to call some attentions of other agents who are still working at this hour. For agents like us, it’s normal to have no sleep for days. But we surely need a rest also. We are humans and we can die of over fatigue too. I actually lost counts of those who overworked their selves and now lying on a cold white bed sheet of the hospital.

    “Are you sure we don’t need a back-up?”

    I was about to look at Helen when someone caught my eyes. She is standing in a dark street, almost not visible for me to see her. She is hiding on a shadow of a lamp post wearing her emotionless expression. I knew her. But I can’t totally remember where I saw her.

    “Hey, Snow!” she snapped her fingers in front of my face “Are you spacing out or sleeping? Do you need coffee?”

    I look at Helen. She’s raising her brows at me, crossing her arms over her chest and confusedly staring at me.

    Coffee. Oh, yes! She’s the rude stranger in the coffee shop. But what is she doing here at twelve midnight?

    I look at Helen’s back, hoping that she’s still there. But I see no one anymore.

    “What are you looking at?”

    “Nothing, I thought I saw someone” I replied and shake off what’s running on my mind. That’s impossible.

    “Are you seeing ghost right now?” she asked with wide eyes open and horror on her voice.

    I can’t help but to smack her head, especially when I saw her trying to suppress a grin on her lips. She’s starting to annoy me again. Tsk! Terrified, my ass.

    And only seconds passed when she laughed so loud without minding my deadly glare towards her “Oh my goodness Snow! Do you believed with that? We are too old for that. And if there is really someone there. Where is she? Why can’t I see anyone? You’re just scaring yourself for nothing. Chill! We won’t die this evening.”

    I want to choke her to death. I mean it.

    Instead of commenting and rebutting her hasty remarks, I throw her the helmet.

    “Shut up” I said.

    She’s still laughing while wearing her helmet. We decided to use her motorcycle today. It is one of precautionary measures we’re going to take, so if ever we were caught and they tried to follow us to death, motor can be the fastest tool to escape—compare to other vehicle like car— and proceed to our Plan B which is to mislead them to a place where cops can catch them, and we’ll go back to the building, bomb it and catch whoever are still alive. As for the shipment in Sunshine Bay, we decided to attack them inside the ship. We need those drugs inside as an evidence so we couldn’t just bomb it easily. Later on, we will need to surrender the drugs to authorities.

    I look at the direction of the lamp post, once again. Through the flicker of light coming from the post, I confirmed that maybe my eyes were just tricking me. But it feels odd. I’m sure I felt intimidated once again with those ocean blue eyes of her. The way she stared at me for a brief moment. I can’t believe that it was just my imagination all along. It feels real. She feels real. But on a second thought, it’s too impossible that I would be seeing that rude girl again. Not in here and most especially not in twelve midnight.

    I mentally laugh. I must be crazy! Why am I even thinking of her? Such a waste of time.

    “Come on, Snow” Helen called.

    I immediately sit behind her.

    “Are you gonna ride this while wearing mini skirt?” I asked sounding so unsure with my question and pursed my lips. “Aren’t you displaying too much flesh in public? No offense H, but men would really love to see and get what’s inside your mini skirt. Are you provoking them to rape you?”

    She laugh humorously and shook her head. Then she drive her motorcycle fast. Trees, plants, houses and commercial buildings are almost blurred in my eyes the way she speed up.

    “Concerned?” she teased while driving.

    “Nope. More of a warning”

    “Don’t worry, Berry. I know you are”

    I secretly rolled my eyes. “Berille, Helen. Berille”

    “Whatever—Berry.” The fuck. “And people won’t notice it. We are surrounded with darkness, Snow. And look around, I can’t see people loitering at this time”

    I didn’t bother to answer her. I only warned her. I’m not going to dictate her what she must do with her life. Her wardrobe is hers to decide.

    She’s wearing a gray turtle neck long-sleeved tucked in on her above the knee black mini skirt and she paired it with a knee-length high-heeled black boots. Like me, she had her backpack on her shoulders.

    A minutes passed when Helen finally stop her motorcycle in a dark area near the building. I jumped off of her motor and roam my eyes around. There are a lot of trees in this area. It’s too dark. The only light that can be seen is the light coming from the building, not too far to where we are. The cold breeze is oddly uncomfortable in feeling. There were no sounds of birds chirping nor a howl of a dog that can be heard. It’s too quiet to my comfort.

    “Watch out your steps Agent Snow. A quiet place is not a place for big foots.” she whispered.

    I know, tsk.

    We should be extra careful with our moves. A little noise can wake up the demons in this place.

    I opened my bag and fished out my binoculars.

    “Connect us with Agent Orbs. We need an eye now.”

    “Done” she mumbled and giggled.

    I fix my earpiece and mouthpiece so I can communicate properly with Agent Orbs.

    This is Agent Orbs who will be your eyes for today.

    “Hi, Agent Orbs! This is Agent H, the prettiest agent of our agency.” Helen greeted and laugh a little.

    I arched my eyebrow, especially when I heard a laughter on the other line.

    Still the most conceited agent of all times, Agent H.

    “This is Agent Snow from field team, Agent Orbs. I’m looking forward for a nice work with you today.” I formally introduced and scanned the area through the binoculars.

    It’s my pleasure to be working with you, Agent Snow. And by the way, congratulations on your promotions.

    “Thanks” I simply answered.

    I furrowed my brows when I saw a small group of men guarding the entrance of the building. They are holding rifles and I won’t be shock anymore if they are also hiding a pistol underneath their pants.

    “Seven armed men on the entrance” I said and look sideways “And two men to your ten o’clock”

    “Got it.” Helen replied “Take care of the cameras I installed inside, Agent Orbs. Then tell us the details”

    Alright, wait a seconds.

    I put back my binoculars inside the bag and grab the gun and silencer.

    Three on their backyard, sleeping peacefully right now. About ten men in first floor, and about fifteen in fifth floor. Five on the rooftop and two on the basement. Aside from them, I don’t see anyone anymore.

    “How about their bosses?”

    “Check the office on the highest floor, Agent Orbs” Helen ordered while comfortably leaning on her motorcycle.

    She’s starting. Her bossiness is raging already.

    The highest floor is clear. No people around.

    “As expected, they are already in Sunshine Bay” Helen said and smirk at me. We talked about it as a possibility, and I guess we’re right. A few men will guard the building, the rest will go to Sunshine Bay. And I think, there’s a big chance that their bosses, trusted few men and other alliances will be out for the shipment in Blue whale’s ocean.

    “We need to take our move now” I said and walk towards the building.

    Helen followed me silently while playing a swiss knife on her hand. She looks serious than ever now. Any moment I know she could kill somebody with the knife she’s playing. But we both agreed not to kill any demons this night, unless we really have to and we are obliged to.

    Beware with the people on rooftop agents. They might see you.

    “Copy that” we answered in unison.

    “I’ll take care of the entrance” Helen volunteered and throw the knife towards the direction of the entrance.

    “Fuck!” I hissed

    “Go!” she said and run towards the six men who were alarmed when one of their friend yelp in pain after being hit with a knife on his chest.

    “That wasn’t the plan, H” I whispered in air and shook my head before running towards the backyard.

    Like what Agent Orbs told us, three men were sleeping here. One is lying on the branch of a tree and the other two were sleeping on the benches made up of woods near the small fountain. I am envious. They are resting up while we are working because of them. Tsk!

    Instead of waking them up, I tied them with the rope I have inside my bag. Then I enter the first floor through the backdoor. I tiptoed and hide on the silhouette of wall. I look around. I bet this building was purposely designed like normal buildings so no one could suspect it from the outside. But little did they know that this building is the headquarters for illegal businesses. A safe haven for those who sells drugs.

    I continue to look around. This was supposedly to be the lobby, if it was a normal building. Two men were sitting at the reception area, smoking and laughing their ass out. Five were playing cards at the lounge chairs and the remaining three were busy talking with each other.

    I climbed up on the reception counter and crawl like a cat on top of it. I made sure not to create any sound that can possibly catch their attention. And when I am only few steps away from the two men smoking, I immediately jumped off of the counter and silently hit the back of their heads causing them to lost consciousness.

    “Wait dude, I need to pee” I heard someone said. Basing from his voice, he wasn’t that far from my location.

    I immediately bent down and hide on the counter.

    “What the fuck? Get out of here! You don’t need to tell us, dumbass!”

    “Chill!” he said laughing.

    I shook my head upon hearing their conversation. It was purely senseless. I didn’t bother to listen more with their talks and just focused on grabbing the two towels on my bag including the brown bottle. I open the lid of the bottle full of chloroform and spread it all over on one side of the towels.

    “Sleeping time” I mumbled before I stood up and walk towards the two men talking on the corner. One has big muscles on his body while the other one is tall with a lots of tattoo on his arms. I look at them intently. They were so engrossed in talking with each other that they don’t even have an idea that someone barged in the building.

    When I got the chance to stand behind their back without being caught, I quickly cover their nose with my towel. They tried to grab my hand and remove it, but the chloroform immediately works and they slowly fell on the ground unconscious.

    I straighten my back and throw the towel.

    “Alright, let’s finish this” I said and grab a special gun on my bag. It is called a V-Pisleep. It was made by the Sinful Hands team and specifically led by Agent Violet. She’s the brain behind this special gun. And was purposely designed without bullets, instead it was loaded with plenty of needles that can make a person fell in a deep slumber. Those needles were soaked twenty-four hours in a mixture that has the same effect as chloroform. But it has a limitation though. Its effect will only last for about seven hours and the person who was shot by this will automatically wake up. But on a good side of it, V-Pisleep has no side effects. No headache nor vomiting.

    I aim the gun to those men who were playing then pull the trigger without second thought. One man fell asleep on his chair after he was hit on the neck.

    “Shit! Who’s there?” the man beside the first target shouted. He put down his cards on a chair but some fell on the floor.

    They all stood up and cock their guns. They looked shock and… terrified. I sneered. What a sight of fear!

    I blink twice when they all look at my direction. Oops. They found me.

    I move first before they can even pull their trigger and shoot them all. In a snapped of a finger, the floor is clear. The five of them were already lying on the floor.

    I walked towards the main door and was about to open it when someone push it towards me. I took a step back when I notice it was Helen. She has blood all over her hands and she was panting.

    “Damn it!” she hissed right in front of my face.

    I just look at her. She looks frustrated with some sort of disgust?

    “What happened to you?” I can’t help but to asked her.

    “The two people on the basement!” she yelled with irritation on her voice “They were having sex. I caught them, Snow. And it is disgusting! They are disgusting!”

    Wait…what? Her tone makes a simple sentence subtle. It took me a seconds before it finally sink in my mind. Ah, sex!

    I look at her intently before a laughter comes out from my mouth. She looks horrified. It’s funny how she looks more horrified after seeing two people having sex than seeing dead people. She’s funny. She really is.

    “Is it your first time watching live sex?” I asked playfully and wiggle my brows.

    I heard a laughter on my earpiece. And I’m sure, Agent Orbs is still listening.

    “I-I never watched people doing that. I-I mean, whatever! Why am I even explaining to you?” she narrowed her eyes at me and slap my arm “Don’t laugh, bitch”

    “I didn’t know your eyes are conservative” I teased.

    She pouted and rolled her eyes at me.

    “You look flushed and—”

    I was cut off when Helen immediately throw a dagger on my side. I look at the floor. And I gasped exaggeratedly when I saw a few strands of red hair on it.

    “Before you get mad, look at your back” she said when I stare at her face sharply.

    I turn around and I saw a man lying on the floor with a dagger struck on his forehead. His eyes were still open but he’s definitely dead. He’s the guy who went to comfort room.

    “What the hell? Why did you kill him?” I asked and look at Helen.

    She raised her eyebrow at me and place her hand on her hips “Why? Do you want to switch position with him right now?”

    I smacked her head. How can she mocked me at this time?

    “The plan, Agent H.” I reminded her.

    “I just save your ass, psycho!”

    “Then thank you” I answered sarcastically “Follow the plan, H. We need something in here”

    You should get used to it, Agent Snow. Agent H doesn’t know how to follow plans.    

    “Thanks for reminding me how stubborn my friend is, Agent Orbs” I scoffed and look at Helen deadpanned. “Come on. Go get the files we needed on the highest floor and I’ll take care of those who are in fifth floor” I commanded.

    “Wait!” she said before I even enter the elevator “Let’s switch. You’ll search for the files and I will go to the fifth floor”

    I turn my head at her and scratch my neck.

    “H!” I said with full annoyance in my voice “Can’t you just follow me? We are wasting a lot of time with your stubbornness”

    “Fine” she replied in defeat and run towards the stairs. But Helen is Helen, she never listen to anyone “Go get the files, no more buts!”

    I just shook my head and enter the elevator. I’m annoyed. Team mission really sucks!

    I waited for few minutes before the elevator finally opened. And I was greeted by a complete silence before I stormed inside the room. My loud steps automatically break the silence of the place. I scanned the whole floor.  Everything is painted in white while the furniture’s like table are made up of woods. There is a table in front of the elevator but it was empty. Even the bookshelf near the table was empty too.

    “Display” I muttered.

    I look on the side where a two big wooden door were obviously locked.

    “Agent Orbs?”

    Yes Agent Snow?

    “Hack their CCTV cameras. And if you can, try to find out also the pin code of the digital door lock here in highest floor”

    Okay. It’s easy. Give me a seconds.    

    “Alright. Go ahead”

    Hmm, try 2169

    I wore my black gloves first before inserting the pin code. And luckily, it unlocked on the first try. I open the two door forcefully, only to find out that the whole room is protected by a laser security system. A laser light and a light sensor to protect what’s inside this room.

    I heaved a sigh. I just hope it wasn’t offensive. I categorized these red lasers into two. It’s either defensive or offensive. If it is defensive, the moment you touched the laser, a loud alarm will be heard. But if it is offensive, it can cut whatever part of your body that touches the laser.

    To find out what type of laser did they used, I pulled one strand of my hair and let it fall on the laser. I unconsciously rubbed my silver ring when my hair was cut into two.

    Offensive. Fuck!

    I turned on the light first before I started removing my bag on my shoulder and tied my hair in a bun. Alright, I can do this.

    I took a deep breath before I slowly inserted my one leg inside, bent down and raised my other leg with my left arm. Then I turn my body a little, facing the unfamiliar painting hanged on the wall and quickly split on the floor. Afterwards, I put both of my arms on the other side of the laser and push myself upward. Now, I am invertedly standing with my hand as a support. I move my hand alternately for six times before I made a quick tumbling. Fortunately, I made a safe landing.

    I smiled a little and turn around—just to get cut on my arm. I’m late to notice the laser on my side so when I turn around, I accidentally touched the laser.

    “Stupid” I insulted myself and look at my arm that’s bleeding. It wasn’t a deep cut but still it stings!

    When I’m out of the lasers, I immediately run towards the table and cabinet. I look for the files we needed. Business transactions, drug dealing transaction including dates and locations, smuggling, reportedly politicians who supported them and hide their hideous crimes and profiles of all behind these things including their family background, close relatives and friends. In short, tangible evidences.

    I already opened the cabinet and the drawers under the table. I only found twelve long and thick folders. I carried it all and was about to leave when a shining gold piece behind the painting caught my attention. There is no really intriguing thing about the painting. It looks normal. I mean it wasn’t even a famous painting of a well-known artist.

    I don’t see anything wrong having a painting inside a room but I also don’t see anything right to have a painting inside a hideous place like this.

    Wait a minute… It’s the only display in the whole building. No vase, no more other artworks, no pictures and nothing at all.

    I pursed my lips and place the folders over the table. If I want to get the painting, it means I must do some stunts again inside those lasers.

    I instantly shook my head. Nope, not again.

    “Where are you, Snow?” I heard Helen asked on the other line.

    “I’m still here. Just wait me outside. And call the cops, I got the evidences already.” I answered and look everywhere. I need to see what’s on the painting, no matter what.

    “Copy. Just get out of the building now, Snow”

    “Yeah, I will” I answered and clicked my tongue.

    No ceiling access door to walk over. And I don’t have my backpack with me. That’s why I think I have no choice but to do some stunts again.

    I carried all the thick folders and slid it inside the laptop bag I found below the table before I zipped it and carry it with my shoulder. I close my eyes and then I started to do the same thing I did a while ago, but more careful now especially I’m carrying something important.

    “Ouch.” I uttered as I got a grazed on my cheeks.

    I turn around and face the painting.

    “Finally”

    I raised my both arms and remove the painting slowly. A gold folder fell on the tiled floor as soon as I remove the painting from hanging on the wall. I carefully put down the painting on the side and bent a little to get the folder.

    “Seems important” I whispered under my breath and smirk.

    As I stood straight, my eyes landed on the wall where the painting was hanged a while ago. I gasped. My eyes widen in shock. A secret vault? A vault underneath the painting? I mean, why not?

    “Come out immediately Snow. I can already hear the siren of the police mobile. Faster!”

    I didn’t bother to answer her. Instead I step closer to the vault. I turn the mechanical combination lock and stop it whenever I heard a little sound. I did it four times before it opened.

    “Holy shit!” I uttered out of amazement “Gold bars”

    “Damn it, Snow! Answer me, they are getting nearer!” Helen shouted on the other line which made me stop and close my eyes hard.

    “Don’t freaking shout, H. You’re too loud.” I said in irritation. My eardrums, for Pete’s sake!

    “Your fault. You didn’t answer me immediately” she said like it wasn’t her fault and laugh humorously.

    Tsk!

    I put the gold bars inside the laptop bag and faced the lasers again.

    It’s more difficult now. I have a heavy things on my shoulder so I struggled doing some stunts. I can’t help but to winced whenever a part of my body touches the lasers.

    I grab my backpack on the floor when I’m finally out of those lasers again. Damn, I have too many cuts on my arms. I look down on my feet. And even on my legs.

    I quickly stormed outside the room and pressed the arrow down beside the closed elevator.

    When it opened, I was greeted by a rifles.

    “Do you think you can leave this building easily?” a guy said while pointing his rifles on my forehead. And the other guy pressed the ground floor.

    “Turn around and raise your both hands” he said again but I remained standing and looking at them. They are probably the men on the rooftop.

    The elevator closes so I lean on it. Their rifles are on both side of my face. But I didn’t even flinch nor tremble in fear.

    “How many men on the rooftop again?” I asked without making any movement.

    The two men in front of me creased their forehead in confusion.

    Five, Agent Snow.

    “How many are they now?” I asked again.

    “Shut up! W-Who are you talking to?” the guy shrieked. He blink faster than normal, sweats rolling down on his cheeks and his voice was a little shaky. Another terrified criminal. I looked at the other guy and he seemed calm to me. His eyes are coldly bore into mine. He didn’t say anything. But he’s surely observing me, too.

    Only three now.

    I look at the terrified criminal when he fished out his cell phone from his jeans pocket.

    “There are intruders. Come—”

    Before he could even finish his sentence, I quickly grab their rifles. One of them pulled the trigger and it followed by a loud bang. It left a hole on the left side of the elevator.

    I quickly kick the guy on my left and punch him using my right hand. He took a step back. While the guy who seems calm embrace me tightly refraining from doing anything, but I only step hard on his foot and slammed to his face the laptop bag.

    I was shocked when he fell on the floor unconscious with blood on his forehead. And that’s when I remember the gold bars inside of it. Ouch, that probably hurt a lot.

    The guy on my left still tries to stand up while holding his bloody nose.

    I arched my brow at him and slammed the laptop bag on his face also.

    “Tsk. You can never stop me” I said conceitedly and dust off my shoulder.

    When I reach the ground floor, I scampered going outside.

    “What took you so long?” Helen asked but I signalled her to start her motorcycle already. And so she did. The sound of her motorcycle lingered on the whole area.

    I quickly sat behind her and she automatically drive it fast on a bumpy road with no streetlights. I guess it’s an alternative road to avoid cops that will surely take the road we took earlier.

    “Shit!” I cussed when I noticed we are being chased by two motorcycle.

    They also tried to rain us with gun bullets.

    “Get the gun underneath my skirt, Snow!” Helen commanded as she drive faster.

    I quickly hold her shoulder with my one hand to balance myself and grab the gun under her skirt. I cock it while tilting my body on the side and immediately shot those three men who are chasing us.

    The man who is alone on his motorcycle loses his balance in driving his motor so he was bump on a big trunk of a tree.

    “One down” I whispered and look at the other two. They are still chasing us but they stopped firing us already. Maybe they run out of bullets.

    I didn’t waste any more time and aim the gun to them before pulling the trigger nonstop. But they are able to jump off from their motorcycle before I could even hit them. They both roll over the bumpy road.

    Since I don’t have plans on giving them a chance to run away again, so I immediately shoot them on their knees and on the upper part of their bodies causing them to die in an instant.

    “Drive faster, H.” I said sighing and hold both of her shoulder.

    “Copy, Snow”