Assassin's Assignment

Chapter Two

Carla Collins and Julian Luke shared a rather complicated relationship because of their polar opposite natures. In contrast to Julian's rational, analytical, and calm behavior, Carla possessed a wild, emotional, and stubborn character that would often get her into trouble for talking back to a Mercier officer or worker. It was a mystery to everyone that met the pair how close they were, despite being complete opposites and often arguing. As well, an even more important question that often circulated Mercier gossip, was how two Head Assassins and a respected investigator cared so much for an undistinguished medical examiner from a small Mercier influenced hospital? It didn't make any sense how, and why, Carla Collins was befriended by three Mercier notables when her name was completely unrecognizable in their world.

"Do you guys actually share Junior or are you messing with us, Carly?" Vanessa questioned, biting down on her lip as Alex snickered.

A faint blush appeared painted over Julian's face but his stance remained calm and erected, his hand moved to hold onto the back of his neck, "Not really," He began coyly.

Carly giggled as she spoke, "It's a really funny story. You see, the other day I went into the local animal shelter hoping to find the love of my life. But there weren't any single hunks, so I started looking at the dogs, and then that's when I saw her!" Her eyes shined as she retold her story with glee, "Oh she was the most beautiful poodle I have ever seen! You guys should've seen her, she was absolutely magnificent with her nicely groomed hair and her black and white coat. I completely fell in love! But when I asked about her, they said that she was going to be picked up by her owners soon because she was caught wandering the streets." She sighed heavily for more effect, "So I continued looking and I was about to give up because I hadn't fallen in love with any of the dogs yet, but that wasn't until I found my little Junior." A faint blush appeared over her cheeks, her smile spreading wider, "He was so cute and reminded me so much of Julian because they have the same hair color and they're really quiet. When I first met Junior, he didn't even approach me, he just sat in the corner watching me. It wasn't until I played with him for a bit and gave him some food that he started to warm up to me, kinda like how Julian and I first met." Her laugh lightened the expressions of the three dangers surrounding her, "And that's the story of how I met my little Junior and found mini Julian."

"So what's Junior's name?" Vanessa asked and Carla took Julian's hand in hers.

"Harper! Just like his dad's, I thought it was cute but Julian wasn't too fond of it, but then again I don't care. No offense, " she said, stroking his hand as Julian rolled his eyes, a small smile emerging from his lips as he looked down at her.

Carla Collins, although unknown in Mercier, was the only woman in the trio's lives who was able to make them forget of the pains and the horrors they witnessed and felt almost daily.

-*-*-

After spending the rest of the afternoon sitting on plastic chairs around a foldable table that was almost covered with empty packages of food, the group talked and laughed loudly as they enjoyed each other's company. However, as the sky began to turn into shades of dark orange and dying yellow, Vanessa Martinez decided her time was up with them before she needed to leave for her dinner with Maxwell. When the chatter began to die down, Vanessa sighed as she slowly began to put back on her leather jacket that hung around the back of her chair.

"I should probably get going, I need to meet Maxwell for dinner tonight so I gotta get going before it gets any later," Vanessa said, beginning to stand from her chair until Carla pulled back on her hand.

"Oh come on, Vanessa, don't leave yet, you barely come down here. Isn't there a way that can be rescheduled?" She asked with large eyes and Vanessa patted her hand gently.