CRIMES OF PASSION

ter, Manhatt

on that fateful night my father was shot. I could still remember it - that man raising his gun, the two

" I screamed, my voice ec

me. My heart raced like a jackhammer, and my sheets were soaked with sweat. I rubbed my ey

e rang. I hesitated for a moment before answ

e've got a situation developing, and we need your expertise." Director Jenkins'

anything else today. But I knew I had to pu

ed legs. My dark grey Nike shorts and matching grey tank top clung to my body, revealing my flat stomach and the beautiful rose tattoo on my left thigh. My long, brunette hair was

y training and discipline. I knew I had to be sharp and focused, es

dressed in my agent attire, a crisp white shirt and blac

eyes scanning the room as I went. As I passed by the dresser, I caught sight of my father's picture, standing with my mother

ay from us someday. I promise." Above his picture, a plaque read: "Spec

art fueling my determination. I headed out of my

, my mind replaying the events of my father's death, when I saw my partner, Alex, waiting for me in a

se," he said, s

re just early," I q

n, opening the door for me. "Well, eithe

ut of my apartment complex and onto the streets of Manhattan. We drove in silence f

e called me personally? What was so urgent that it couldn't wait until I

Alex asked, bre

I'm good. Just thinking about the call from the di

's bothering me. He was so serious, and he

htful. "Well, we'll find out s

office building, the familiar hum of activity enveloped us. Agents and analysts hurried past us,

colleagues as we passed. The director's office was locate

oor, talking to two other agents. He was a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression and a distincti

"Rose, Thomas, good, you're finally

ns serious. I recognized them as agents from the Counterterrorism D

nference room door. The director nodded and gestured for

other agents from the Counterterrorism Division were already seated, their faces grave. Dir

why I've brought you here, so I'll cut right to the chase. Approximately two weeks ago, in the kingdom of Ardonia,

scanning the room

man in his late 50s, " A video of him being executed was played at the scene, and I'm afraid it's qui

eratives of the terrorist organization known as the Scarlet Han

urs, and Director Jenkins

us. The Scarlet Hand is now threatening the rest of the Ardonian royal family, and tensions are running high between Ardonia and Co

eyes looking

already scheduled a meeting with both countries' prime ministers to try to diffuse the situa

re of a man, and my heart skipped

t was accentuated by a small scar above his left eyebrow, and shoulder length black hair that fell perfectly across his shoulder. His high cheekbones and chiseled features made him look like a mod

his man is one of the most dangerous men you'll ever meet. This is Prince Thoren Rhys, and he's currentl

ok in his chilling beauty as if sending m

irector Jenkins explained. "They believe he's the Scarlet Hand's next target, and we can't let that happen. Make no mistake, agents

file out, discussing the mission in hushed tones. "Thank you all f

o me. "Lyana, wait." I turned back to fac

said, his eyes locked on mine. "You're the best agent we

e weight of the responsibility.

his lips. "I know you won't, Lyana. That's w