CHARLOTTE

“Hello, Maria,” I said into the receiver and waited for her response. It had been two hours since the training session with Sonia. I was aching in different parts of my body, but I had learned a thing or two about handling a gun and the perfect stance to take before shooting.

Deep down, I hoped I’d never have to use the gun. I considered learning how to use it a necessity, but if push came to shove, I hoped I’d never have to put this new skill to use. I knew the people I was up against had zero compunction about taking a life if it meant achieving...