Shadows at the Gate

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 their goal, but I had never killed anyone. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to sleep well at night if I did, and chalking it up to self-defense wouldn’t help the situation, either.

“Hello, Signora,” came the reply.

Her voice was so calm it unnerved me. “Are you alright?” I inquired. “You sound… different.”

“I’m okay, just exhausted. I’ve had a lot to do today at the estate,” she replied, but deep down, it felt like she wasn’t telling the