"Are you sure you really want to do this Jenny?" Captain Cole Martins asked the detective sitting across him.
Detective Jenny Mills nodded. Her hazel eyes determine. "I am sir."
"This is a very dangerous mission. I knew it was when I first told you about it, I just didn't know how much. But since we last spoke I have discovered a lot of scary things. I don't think it would be a good idea for you to take this case."
Jenny looked at him. Her face was set and her mouth twitched. "I can handle it sir. I will bring down these criminals no matter what it takes."
Cole shook his head. "You are getting emotional and that is dangerous. You can't afford to let your emotions get in the way of a case like this."
"They won't. I promise. Remember what you told me last week sir? That I was the best for the job? I didn't believe it then but I believe it now. Put me on the case. I won't disappoint you." She said earnestly.
Cole sighed. "I know you won't, but these people are dangerous and vengeful." He said.
"So am I sir."
"I am afraid you are rushing into this Jenny."
"I am not sir. I want to do this and I am not afraid. Please put me on this case."
Cole looked at her beautiful face lined with sadness and determination. He knew Jenny Mills was the one for the job.
"Okay Jenny. The case is yours, but I must remind you of the danger. You will be working alone. No backup or support. If you can sneak away once a week, I will arrange a spot where we can meet so I can get your report. But I repeat, the situation you are about to enter is dangerous."
"I am dangerous too sir." She said coldly.
"Fine. Let's go over your assignment. Like I said before Damien Krasniqi and his family are as secretive as they are dangerous. In fact they are so secretive no one knows what they really look like. The face of the company is his grandson Adam Krasniqi. Here is his picture." Cole pushed a picture to her. "Don't let the innocent face fool you, he is crueler and more dangerous than his grandfather."
Jenny looked at the picture. She couldn't see anything innocent about the man, all she saw was an evil person who had taking the most important person in the world from her. Now she was determine to see the face behind bars.
"Adam is the one who runs the operation," Cole continued, "all the horrible things the company is involved in is sanctioned by him." He paused awkwardly.
She knew what he was thinking and said it aloud. "Including what happened to her. I know. That is why I am taking this. I want to make sure the Krasniqi never hurt another person like this again, and if I have to pretend to be in love with him to make that happen then fine." She was so angry and bitter she knew she was going to burst into tears, so she took a deep breath to calm down.
There was a minute of silence, then she asked. "What is my way in?"
"You will be Ivy Black. A freelance antiquities consultant with an interest in European artifacts. I have your new identity documents right here, along with everything you need to know about Ivy Black. Study it carefully because you need to be really convincing. If Adam suspects you are lying you will be dead."
He handed her a file and she quickly went through it. Ivy Black's life was very similar to hers. They were both orphaned as children, but while Ivy had been raised in an orphanage, Jenny had been raised by a loving grandmother.
"Would you need more brief training about Albanian customs or-"
"No." Jenny interrupted closing the file. "My grandmother taught me all I need to know. How will I meet this jerk Adam?"
"The Krasniqi are hosting a gala to celebrate the opening of their new Albanian art gallery in New York. We will try and get you an invite. Adam will be there. It will be up to you to work your magic and get to him. If we are lucky he will fall for you and once you get close to the family, you can take them down."
She nodded. After hearing a little more details of the operation she stood up and he walked her to the door.
"Remember Mills, the lives of a lot of people, maybe millions, depend on you." Cole reminded her.
"I won't fail sir." She promised.
"Also, this is between you and I Jenny. No one else must know about this. The Krasniqi's are rumored to have cops on thier payroll. It may just be a malicious rumor but until we know who we can trust this stays between us. Agreed?"
"Yes sir."
She went to her office and began getting ready for her mission. As she cleared her desk there was a knock on the door and her partner Mike walked in.
"Jenny, how are you holding up?" He asked.
"I have stopped crying." She shrugged nonchalantly.
"You are packing your stuff? Are you leaving?" He asked anxiously.
"For a few days. I want to sort a few things out."
"I understand Jen. Go get some rest. You need it. But remember I am here if you need anything."
"I will remember. Thanks Mike."
He left and she let out a deep sigh. She felt guilty lying to him. He was her friend as well as partner, and she knew he was an honest cop. But like Cole had said, no one could be trusted. So for now she would have to treat everyone with suspicion.
Her eyes fell on a picture of her and her grandmother. Tears filled her eyes and there was a lump in her throat.
"Adam Krasniqi will pay for this Nona. I promise." She whispered.
Then she dropped into her chair and burst into tears. "This is all my fault! If only I had done things differently three weeks ago." She cried.