“We have invested a lot of time and energy into you. As I have stated, your performance has been very high quality. I personally have followed your development, and I see great things in store for you Lena. But I have to know that I can trust you.”

“Yes, yes. Of course. I am so sorry. Please.” She shook her head. She hoped that she had not jeopardized her career.

“Lena I am here for two reasons. First, to tell you that I have selected you for a special program. I want you to follow a particular career track. One that many don’t even know exists. If you do this, you will be working on our most covert and most important assignments. You’ll receive a lot more specialized training. And your contribution to your country will be of the utmost importance. In future assignments, you’ll report directly to me.”

Her heart skipped a beat. He was going to let her continue. She could keep moving up. She would retain her honor. Lena nodded vigorously, trying to hold back her emotions.

“The second thing I am here to tell you is that I need you to perform one final act in this segment of your training. I need you to demonstrate your loyalty...your dedication...and your ability to put the mission above all else in your life. If you can do this, I will know that I can trust you. And we can move forward as I described.”

“Of course. Anything. Please just let me know—”

He leaned forward and whispered, “You will kill your boyfriend.”

Her world stopped.

He spoke but she barely heard him. “Please understand; this is not because I think you told him anything about your role with us. I believe you when you say that you have kept your secrets. No Lena, this order is a way for me to know that you are capable of this kind of thing. If I select you for this special assignment, your future career will require a level of emotional detachment from your professional endeavors that few possess. Some could refer to this quality as heartless, ruthless, cold, calculating. Call it what you will. Lena, you must be all of these things if you are to be a weapon. I don’t need you to be just a listener. I have many listeners. I need you to be, at times, an assassin. You have been trained in many techniques. Now you will put them into action. Show me that you can effectively perform this task.”

She felt sick. The look on his face—it was as if he felt nothing in asking her this. What kind of man could ask this? She threw out the thought as quickly as it entered her mind. He had given her a second chance in life. Her family was proud of her for serving her country. She would never see them again, but she had retained her honor.

He continued, “Make it look like an accident. This will ensure that you aren’t questioned. Play the part of the devastated girlfriend. You will graduate from college in a few months. Begin to cut ties with any other friends you had while here. We’ll set you up with your next job. I have big things planned Lena. And I want you to be a part of those plans.”