Hearing a loud buzzing sound coming from my front door is not how a woman likes to be woken up to in the early morning.

Groaning, pressing my pillow against the side of my head trying to muffle the noise. A minute had passed making me silently grateful, beginning to ease back into sleep. The persisting noise suddenly continued letting out a loud moan. Reluctantly sitting up out of bed seeing the sun had barely begun to rise.

"Alright, alright." I muttered holding my head struggling to keep my eyes open. Trying not to step on my own two feet as I stumbled towards the call box beside my front door.

"What?" I spit, pressing the button to speak. "It's me. Let me up." My boss's assistant said impatiently. Buzzing him into my apartment as I threw on a hoodie and put on a pot of coffee.

"This better be important, Julian." I groaned hearing him open my front door as I gulped down my coffee. "There's another one for you." He tossed a folder on my kitchen counter between us.

Grabbing it, sitting down on my couch. "So soon? I just finished one." I replied as he sat down on the chair across from me.

"His name is Nathan Vanderbilt. He's a lawyer in New York." Julian said ignoring my inquiry.

Taking a moment to read the information written in the folder seeing the man's home and work address. But nothing explaining the reason for being hired or needing to be executed.

"You're giving me his address? That takes all the fun out of it for me." I smirked. He chuckled knowing how much I enjoyed the catch of the prey.

"This one is different. Boss knows him. His death has to be... different than our usual clients. It's vital that you kill him without bringing attention to us." He expressed as I sipped my coffee.

"Have I ever?" I smiled silently wondering why he was so anxious about killing this particular businessman.

Looking back down at the file, there were photographs of his estate, his apartment, and the building in which he worked. "Where is the photo of him?"

"I've told you everything he told me. Everything else you need to know is in there at the hotel in New York where you'll be staying." Julian answered standing up to leave.

"This is important. Not just for the organization but for you. There is real opportunity for a big promotion not to mention the more high-profile clients you will receive if this is done right. Boss is putting all of his faith in you to get this done." He expressed it seriously.

"By any means." Julian finished making me roll my eyes. "Yes, yes. I'll get it done. Tell him don't worry." I replied standing up. I've never seen Julian this serious before. It made me nervous about what I had in store.

"Your plane tickets are in the file along with the key to the hotel you'll be staying at. Everything is already paid. More information about the Vanderbilt's and your alias will be in your hotel room." Julian said, making me nod. "Per usual, yes I know." I expressed slightly annoyed with all of this seriousness.

I've done this hundreds of times before and could do it all blind folded. This was just like any other case to me. I wouldn't let the obvious importance of this man's death get into my head.

It was finally my opportunity to show my boss and all the other men I work with that I was capable. Now I could finally climb the latter.

"Your flight leaves in four hours. Good luck. We're all counting on you." Julian said with a smile before closing the door behind him. I let out a heavy sigh deciding to get dressed and get my things packed.

Thankfully everything I owned was already packed, never being in one place for very long to unpack everything.

Putting on a pair on black skinny jeans and a matching top. Tossing my long curly dark brown hair in a ponytail before throwing my few toiletries in a bag. Shoving my laundry in another and my personal photographs from my nightstand.

Walking into my closet to throw on my jacket and heels before grabbing my heavy duffel bag of guns, knives, and my other lethal weapons I've collected over the years. Grabbing the file on my way out of the door along with my luggage.

After a few hours of hitching a cab ride on the highway to the airport I was escorted to the familiar company private jet. Deciding to take a better look at the case file I was given by Julian remembering everything he said about this case without getting too nervous.

"This is just another crooked, wealthy old man. Nothing is different." I breathed trying to ease my anxieties. "I'll no longer have to live in cheap motels. Now I can actually make a name for myself." I muttered, remaining optimistic.

As I was left alone as the hours passed, I began thinking about the holidays slowly approaching while coincidentally being on the way to my home state, New York.

Deciding to text my brother that I would be returning to New York. I got an instant reply. "That's great news. We can't wait to see you."

Leaving the private jet, I was instantly reminded of the harsh weather and how I was not prepared for the brutal winters this time of year compared to where I was previously.

A man took my luggage from me as I exited the plane. Feeling foolish in my wardrobe choices I rushed to the car waiting for me. Struggling to not slip on the wet concrete as the driver opened the back door for me.

I couldn't wait to get to any nearby bed. Even if it was just another musty apartment or motel.

"Good evening, ma'am." The driver smiled slightly amused as I gripped my small jacket around my torso. Quickly getting into the warm car, shuttering as he closed the door behind me. Rubbing my arms trying to preserve heat.

I've traveled to numerous states and countries throughout my career always doing what was expected of me, never taking the time to stop running and enjoy the little things. I didn't have friends or very many relatives and my record with men was a little traumatic and... unorthodox.

So, I stayed alone keeping my distance from everyone and the few people I loved. Because deep down I didn't know if anyone could ever love and understand me. Especially since I've never truly understood myself.

Only that I was exceptional in my profession. Through these years I was gifted with the best teachers who taught me how to make my body into a deadly weapon. How not to only rely on guns and knives to get the job done.

I've learned psychology and I know what people are going to do before they actually do it. Being one step ahead of them.

And since this time my boss was holding back on all of the information I was usually given I knew I needed to find it all out on my own.

"We've arrived ma'am." The driver said parking the car made me snap out of my rambling thoughts. Opening my car door and looking up at the building I would be staying at.

My eyes went wide as I gawked in awe tilting my head up at the enormity of the luxurious hotel. I was in complete and utter disbelief. This was nothing like the places I've stayed in before since I've always had to stay inconspicuous. Until now it seems.

A strong cold wind flew through me before quickly rushing inside the warm building. Taking my bags from the driver I made my way inside as the bellman opened the door for me. My mouth hung open getting swept away at the lobby.

The floors were marble and gold and glass fixtures. There was dark, warm mood lighting as the evening slowly turned into night. It wasn't very busy with the occasional employee walking around and a few men sat at the sofas in the other room. Large crystal chandeliers hung in rows with tall plants around each column. Everything dripped with money and elegance.

"Welcome. May I... help you?" An older woman asked skeptically behind the front desk. She raked me up and down judgmentally but I let it go walking closer to her.

Giving her my alias as she typed away in the computer doubtfully. "Oh." She said suddenly, looking at me hesitantly. "My apologies, miss. That will be room 538 on the seventh floor. Will you need help carrying your bags to your room?" She asked motioning over the young man.

Noticing a man not much older than twenty, was already staring at me, his eyes trailed lower down my chest. "No. Thank you." I replied annoyed at both of their behavior.

I took the keycard from her harshly that she held out. Making my way up the elevator anxiously waiting to finally collapse into a bed and order room service after spending all day traveling.

Swiping the key card over the door handle as it beeped and clicked telling me it was unlocked. I pushed the door open taking in the extravagant room, gawking at how luxurious everything was making me let out a small breathless laugh.

"I could get used to this." I smiled, kicking my door closed, dropping my bags to the ground creating a thump. There was a small table in front of me with fresh cut flowers and mints complimentary from the hotel. There was another familiar folder beside the vase knowing it was from my employer.

Ignoring it for now as I continued to look around at the huge room before me, which was much bigger than my previous apartment, I was staying in. There was a small sitting area to the left of me and a king size bed to my right with a walk-in closet entryway beside it.

A large patio window overlooking the city buildings as the sun began to set made me smile. Though I was never fond of the busy city life, a part of me actually missed the slow and small town I grew up in.

"Your alias' name is Carmen D'Angelo. You are from New York but go to college in California. You are here to visit family for the holidays and visit firms you could potentially work at. Including the Vanderbilt's." I read my boss's typed letter left on the table addressed to me.

"There are business cards attached with all of your other false information which you will pass around at their banquet tomorrow evening. Tomorrow evening will be your only chance to embed yourself. You are to be hired by them in any position by any means necessary. You are required to get close to him and the family and kill Nathan Vanderbilt specifically. For he is the one with the most knowledge about our organization. He is a threat to everything we have been keeping hidden from the public for decades."

"This cannot be traced back to us for we don't know who else he has discussed his plans with about us and his evidence to expose us. Our entire agency rests upon you."

It was beyond odd and nerve wracking to read all of this knowing he had more qualified people than me hired to give orders about assignments. It was a great honor for him to take the time to tell me this himself. Which only fed into my worrying and concern for this mission. Following protocol, I burned the folders after retaining the information.

Deciding to unpack my things later only wanting to get a little shut eye before staking out the Vanderbilt estate tomorrow. "Carmen D'Angelo." I muttered softly to myself trying to get used to saying it. Making my way into the bathroom to get ready for bed.

"Hello. Nice to meet you. My name is Carmen. Carmen D'Angelo. I'm Carmen D'Angelo." I smiled brightly in the mirror. "Just thought I'd pop in while I was here visiting for the holidays." I mumbled fake niceties as I got cleaned up for bed.

"I can't wait until this is all over with." I breathed knowing this would be the most stressful case I would have. And that was definitely saying something.

Waking up from the best sleep of my life to the sun shining in my face making me let out a groan, turning my head away. Prying one eye open to read my alarm clock seeing it was almost noon making my lips part. I couldn't believe how much sleep I had. Not even able to remember the last time I had a full morning of constant sleep.

Sighing sitting up out of bed throwing my messy bed head in a bun opening my phone seeing I had missed calls from Julian and my brother. Ignoring Julian's voicemail knowing he was just asking for a check in which was typical of him since it was his job.

"Hey, it's me. I was just on my way to work and thought I should give you a call. I hope to see you while you're in town. Hopefully on Christmas. It really isn't the same without you." My brother said before the message ended making me feel even more guilty for prioritizing my work over them.

Letting it go not wanting to get caught up in my feelings or my personal life. It only got away with this line of work.

Feeling my stomach rumble, I decided on ordering room service before finding the estate where the party would take place.

After quickly eating my late breakfast, I got dressed in my usual attire with adaptations for the weather. Wearing a plaid scarf, long sleeve under my dark warm jacket and my thigh high heels. Deciding to walk the busy city streets wanting to get used to being here.

Everything was festive and decorated for Christmas with lights and garlands on some of the shops and street lamps. Beginning to get tired of the cold I walked into a nearby coffee shop. The door chimed as I entered and shook off the light dusting of snow. Everyone stared at me for a moment as I stood straight unfazed before they all continued to work and talk amongst their friends.

"Welcome. What can I get you?" A young woman asked with a smile. "Just a black coffee please." I replied hoping to warm up before taking a cab to the family estate.

There was low chatter with the strong aroma of coffee in the air making me smile loving the smell. I paid for my coffee as I heard the same door chime. Ignoring it as she handed me my simple order before I turned around.

An insanely attractive man walked inside dressed in an expensive fitted suit and tie with a heavy jacket. He had dark brown, almost black hair and some facial hair. He spoke into his phone with a frustrated expression in a hushed tone. "What part of 'no' do you not understand?" He said softly through an angry tone.

He walked up to me to order, too preoccupied with his phone all to notice me starting. I was unashamed to admit how attractive I thought he was, but I knew I didn't have the time to have fun while I was here like I normally would. I needed my mind focused.

The attractive businessman gave his order to the same woman as she stared up at him with wide eyes. I was surprised she wasn't salivating. Honestly, I wouldn't blame her if she was.

"Large coffee. Cream and sugar." He barked, putting money on the counter before walking away. He continued to speak into the phone until his eyes met mine.

His eyes softened as he stopped talking mid-sentence. I gave him a small flirtatious smile bringing my coffee cup to my lips. The person on the other end of the call snapped him out of his trance and continued arguing in the quiet coffee shop.

Leaving, calling a cab before telling them the address. Pulling up across the street from the enormous white mansion, watching the house from across the street in the trees as workers scurried around bringing things inside the home. Others decorated the front of the house and the bushes with lights and garlands.

There were catering trucks parked outside on the curb bringing in dozens of trays of food. I watched as a young man struggled to carry trays of food and a food out table. He fell behind as everyone else rushed inside making me come up with a quick plan.

I took off my coat and hid my phone and purse under a bush. Rubbing snow and dirt on my pants, pulling my shirt down showing more cleavage as I rushed up to the teenager.

"Please, you've got to help me! I-I was just mugged." I ran up, scaring the boy making him stumble as his eyes met me. "They took my purse with my wallet and my phone!" I listed frantically. "C-Can I please use yours to call the police?" I asked with fake urgency and desperation. He raked me up and down before his eyes met my chest. So predictable.

"I would be so grateful." I said in a slightly seductive tone making him look up at me. He nodded, fumbling to not drop everything. He placed the trays and table back in the truck turning his back to me. I looked around to the front yard seeing the few people still outside had their backs to us.

I held the boy's mouth as I grabbed him in a swift headlock dragging him around the van to not be seen. "Sorry." I breathed as he fell unconscious.

Unbuttoning his catering shirt before taking off mine and throwing it on. I put my hair in a ponytail and put on a pair of my glasses not wanting to be too recognizable later on at the party.

I effortlessly grabbed the trays of food and the heavy table that he had struggled with. Making my way inside the home looking around with obvious shock etched on my face. There was a grand staircase where people hung garlands and wreaths. Beside it was an enormous fake Christmas tree that was almost as tall as the staircase itself. It was only partly decorated as a woman stood on a ladder putting on ornaments.

"Excuse me, are you new? The kitchen is this way." An older woman barked as she continued to walk past me, making me quickly follow. The rooms were filled with people from different companies trying to finish putting together the finishing touches in each room.

"The food goes on the metal serving trays and is set in the oven to keep warm. Surely you can manage that. I cannot serve cold food. Again." The woman of the house muttered looking around.

"What do you think you're doing? You're not done. Does that look like enough lights? Everything needs to be even more extravagant than last year. This sets everything in motion for the Christmas party. I have a reputation to uphold!" She beamed rushing into the other room. "I thought this was the Christmas party?" I said slightly amused walking up to a young woman putting down my trays.

"You must be new." She smiled softly as I began to help her with the food. "Yeah. They said something about needing more help." I lied, making her nod. "This is only their annual fundraiser for their law firm. To honor their leaders who go 'above and beyond' to provide justice and hope for those who are less fortunate." She quoted unamused, making me hum in reply.

"Which is just another way of saying it's to brag about how much they say they've helped the lower and middle class by doing the most pro bono work." The young woman continued making me chuckle.

I casually tried to look around needing to know every exit, entrance, and closet for anything that may happen later tonight.

"Is there a restroom?" I asked her, making her nod pointing to the distant hallway. "Two doors down on your left." She said, making me walk through the busy rooms. I walked up to the door she spoke about before looking around. The older woman I presume is Mrs. Vanderbilt was continuing to yell orders at the help. I kept walking to turn down the hallway unnoticed, wanting to snoop around.

I needed to gain insight on the man I was sent here to kill. Curiously got the best of me but I couldn't understand why my boss wouldn't tell me specifically what he has done. How was he able to find evidence against our company?

All of the other people I was sent to kill were horrible people. Men and women who were murderers, abusers or people who didn't get what they deserved in a court of law. Or couldn't be found.

If the only thing he was accused of was doing his job, then I wasn't comfortable being here. But I needed to be certain and have proof before I even thought about doubting my boss. That alone would have me killed.

I inched down the empty hallway, cracking open and looking into every door I passed. Not seeing