Chapter 8: Chloe's First Kill

5 Years Ago

Chloe had just graduated from college with a major in criminal justice. She had hopes of becoming a police chief in a big metro city. She had impressed many recruiters from various law enforcement agencies and even the military. But her dad had certain plans already in place for her.

After an intense argument her dad, General Daniel Beale, had told her in no uncertain terms that she should join the Agency or he would cut her off, and make sure she wasn't hired as more than a security guard in any field. A fresh graduate with student loans and big dreams didn't have much of a choice. While he won the fight to gain Chloe as an agent, who he was sure would rise through the ranks, he most likely ruined his relationship with his daughter.

Her first day, she grudgingly showed up to the Agency and walked down the pristine halls, receiving looks from everyone she passed by. Her first friendly greeting was one, Agent Aubrey Posen. She held out her hand with a warm smile.

"Hello, Chloe." She gestured for Chloe to head into one of the conference rooms. "Your dad instructed me to help show you around. You'll also be meeting your new partner shortly."

"Let me guess. The great General Beale won't be showing his face?" Chloe couldn't hide the bitterness in her tone.

"No. We rarely see him at HQ. He uh…" Aubrey held the door for Chloe. "He filled me in on your arrangement. I'm sorry it had to happen like this but from your file I think you'll be a great asset. I hope you warm up to the idea."

Agent Jackson Price stood from his seat and greeted Chloe with a warm smile beneath his thick beard.

"Agent Price. Nice to meet you Chloe." He held out his hand to her, which she shook hesitantly.

"Thanks."

"I look forward to working with you. I hear great things about you."

"Wish you could convince some other people about that." Chloe huffed under her breath, trying not to sound like her feelings were hurt.

"Ignore that." Price waved his hand in the air like it didn't mean a thing. "They'll get over it. Listen, how about you come to my house tonight for dinner after your training. You can meet my wife and kids. Maybe you can have some friendly faces around while you get adjusted to your new life, new city, et cetera."

Chloe wanted to say no and just return to her apartment alone and finish unpacking. But she reluctantly shrugged her shoulders and mumbled, "Sure."

She spent the rest of the day listening to passive aggressive comments about how her daddy got her here while they had to work for it. While it was somewhat true, she still had an immense amount of talent that her fellow agents seemed to refuse to give her credit for.

After showering from training Chloe met Agent Price at his desk, which sat opposite her new one. He looked up and smiled briefly as he finished typing up her training report.

"You did really well today. You were the second highest trainee score in the gun range and mile time. Second only to me." He threw his black jacket on and motioned for Chloe to leave. "Here's my address. You can come over tonight, my wife's making chicken alfredo. Definitely one of my top three meals of hers. Or if you're tired, we can plan another night."

"Tonight sounds good." Chloe smiled shyly. She didn't feel like being alone, and she figured if she was basically forced into the Agency she might as well enjoy her partner.

As soon as Chloe entered the doorway, Zoe Price wrapped her in a warm hug. "You must be Chloe!"

"That's me." Chloe shrugged awkwardly.

"Come in. Come in. My husband seems to be excited to have a new partner." Zoe guided Chloe past some toys scattered in the living room into the kitchen smelled heavenly. "Make yourself comfortable. Dinner's just about ready."

Price came out from the study and smiled brightly at her. He held up a bottle of wine and tilted his head questioningly. Chloe just nodded as she relaxed into a chair. Suddenly two little children came running from upstairs and nearly pounced on her.

"Hi! I'm Zack!" A cute little boy with messy blonde hair climbed into the seat next to her.

"I'm Janie!" A slightly smaller girl with brown curls stayed right by Chloe's leg. "Are you the new Auntie Michelle?" She asked innocently. She looked up to see Price stiffen and drop one of the glasses, spilling a little bit of wine.

"Kids." Zoe came in with a mild scolding tone. "This is Chloe. She'll be working with Daddy. Now go wash up."

"Your name rhymes with Mommy's!" Zack exclaimed like it was a huge discovery. "I like you!"

"Thanks." Chloe couldn't help but smile at the energetic and lovable children.

"Sorry about that." Price set down a glass as he took a seat next to her. "They're full of energy."

The rest of dinner went remarkably well. Conversation flowed easily. Chloe was shocked by how comfortable she was already with this cute little family. Zoe insisted she take some leftovers home, when she had announced she should be getting home.

Price walked her to the door. "Thanks for coming over, Chloe. I'm looking forward to working with you. And you're welcome here any time."

"And you better take him up on that." Zoe appeared by his side, wrapping her arm around his waist. "Its nice to have another adult to outnumber the kids." She grinned giving Price a chaste kiss in the doorway."

"Thank you." Chloe almost started tearing up, feeling so much warmth from the little family she just met. "I'll definitely take you up on that. I'll see you soon, Zoe. Tomorrow, Agent Price."

"Jackson." He corrected as he waved to Chloe, holding onto his wife, watching her get to her car.

A couple weeks later, it was time for Chloe's first mission. She and Price were chasing down a known assassin. He had already taken shots at Chloe and Jackson, so they were on high alert with fingers on both triggers. Jackson motioned for a door to a warehouse that was under construction. They had seen the assassin, Max Halpern, rush inside.

"You sweep right, I'll go left." Jackson whispered as he opened the door. Someone came frantically running out the door and Chloe raised her gun and fired, hitting him square in the chest.

"Shit." Jackson whispered as he saw an innocent construction worker fall to the ground. Chloe froze, her gun still in its position when she fired. Her heart raced as she saw the young man in construction clothing, lying on the ground, staring up fearfully at Jackson.

"Who is it?" She stepped closer hesitantly.

"Civilian. Construction worker." Jackson let out a heavy sigh as he reached to the man's eyes and closed the lids.

"I...I thought...I thought it was Max." She fell to her knees, staring in shock at the lifeless body.

"Chloe." Jackson grabbed her arm. "Max is still inside. We'll handle this later. You gotta keep it together. Okay?" She nodded numbly, still looking at the man she had just killed.

"Chloe!" Jackson shouted, getting her out of her trance. Her eyes darkened and she nodded as she followed him into the building to finish the mission.

They caught Max, Jackson was the one to pull the trigger. They had to call a medevac for the body downstairs. And she knew she was probably going to get a lot of heat for what happened. It was her first kill on the job...and it was an innocent.

Jackson drove Chloe to her apartment later that night. He reached over as she tried to get out.

"Chloe. Why don't you come to our house tonight. We can make up the guest room."

"I'm fine." She didn't move, waiting for him to let her go.

"Just don't beat yourself up to much. Things like this happen. And it sucks and we never want it to happen. But you need to be able to let it go. I know that sounds heartless, but-"

"I'll be fine, Jackson. I'm just going to go to bed. See you tomorrow." Chloe squirmed away and fled the car. As soon as she got into her apartment she collapsed on her couch, put her head in her hands and sobbed uncontrollably.