The fighter side of her is what kept Chiara motivated and putting in hard efforts over time during the first several months after meeting Emma.  She trained in different training exercises that would enhance her range of knowledge.  Hand to hand combat was one of the more difficult ones to accomplish, but she eventually developed her own style of fighting that was effective and got the job done.  Chiara discovered she was quick to learn the art of using a knife in more ways than she'd ever contemplated to maneuver with one.  She liked the fact they were easier to handle than a gun, and so many different types of knives to choose from; short blades, long blades, straight edge or curves.  

Chiara would get a feel for the chosen knife, adjust to the weight of the handle, length of the blade, and toss it very loosely in her hand just loosening her grip to gauge the entire weight before arching her arm back, eyeing the bullseye target then hurl the knife through the air with enough force to hit the designated target spot.  Emma often told her how impressed she was with her gun skills, but the way Chiara handled a knife pleased her moreso.  When using seduction in their line of work, knives were easier to conceal, especially in the style of clothing Chiara preferred to wear.

"I keep telling you Chiara.  You're a natural.  I haven't had any trainee show this much potential this quickly."

"Yeah but this is all is just practice and whatnot.  I'm not shooting at actual living things.  What if I freeze up?  Fail?  Forget the techniques??"

Emma smiled softly then spoke with assurance as she'd been through this time and time again.

"That's why we're training you so hard.  To make sure you are ready, for anything, anytime.  Guiding you on various techniques; put you in different scenarios to prepare you to think on your feet, in an instant.  In no time you will be ready for whatever comes your way."

Throughout the current training session Chiara's mind kept running over the different tactics she could use to best subdue her opponent.  The various maneuevers had her briefly envisioning the precise moments she could retrieve any hidden weapons, but the best weapons she could ever have were her hands.  Knowing how to subdue a target or attacker without killing them was vital in this line of work because too many casulties would have the outside world questioning things.  Her favorite technique was the armbar hold, and even received comments from her trainer how impressive she was to quickly gain the advantage mid fight due to her natural athletic ability.

"Damnit!"

"Again!"

The sound of her trainer's voice grated on Chiara's nerves.  He wasn't the one fucking laying down on the mat for the countless time in minutes. She looked up from where she was laying on the mat, glaring at the ceiling....again.  Chiara could almost feel Emma's gaze on her from where she stood watching the training session.  She struggled with the anger inside for yet again failing this lesson. 

"Alright.  Gimme a break will ya?"

That brought the tally up to six times now she's fallen on her ass.  Chiara's trainer for the day stood there with his hands on his hips waiting for her to get the hell up. 

"Not gonna go easy on you Chiara.  Get up.  Now."

Slapping her hands to the mat in frustration, she quickly got up, took a deep breath then got into her fighting stance once more then mumbled softly to herself.

"Listen. Breathe. Relax.  Now close your eyes, and do it this time."

Whenever Chiara became frustrated, she would have to close her eyes and remember Emma's words from the very first lesson eight months ago. She said the words aloud then again three times after closing her eyes.  Breathing in deeply, Chiara told her trainer she was ready.  Another round of intense movements ensued for a solid hour, working on engaging her senses, and testing her reflexes.  Her determination was what kept her going, and not giving up. 

~*~

She stood there over his body watching as the blood oozed from the wound.  His eyes flew open causing a soft gasp from Chiara as his hand grabbed hold of her ankle. 

"You ain't going anywhere girlie."

"Let go!"

She began struggling to break free from his hold then felt unable to move as if just frozen, bound and tied up.  She broke free then turned to run for cover as he pulled a gun from his waistband aiming in her direction.  She hid behind the sofa, feeling her heart rate increase as the echo of bullets filled the air.  She began perspiring, feeling the sweat drip from her forehead, her breathing labored, and that feeling of being confined was setting in as the echo of gunfire grew louder and louder until she woke up with a scream.

"No!!!"

The sheets had her bound from all the tossing and turning during her nightmare.  Glancing around the bedroom, with the sun peeking in more through the curtains, Chiara hurled herself from the bed with haste, feeling the nausea resurfacing again, then headed towards the bathroom for the third time that morning.  She sat back against the bathroom wall, closing her eyes letting a sigh escape as her mind retraced every moment of the night before.

"For fuck sake.  What the hell is wrong with me?"

Chiara often wondered how she got to this point in time, a place in her life where she could easily take another person's life without any qualm. After her first kill, she felt the adrenaline coursing through her body at having the power to control whether someone lived or died. That feeling was what made Chiara feel alive. It also gave her something in her life she never had, control and power.  Hurling that knife, taking his life was one thing.  The after effects however, were a different story.

Ever since the loss of her parents, being cast aside as unwanted trash by her aunts, people who were supposed to have her back and failed, Chiara felt she finally had control of her own fate.  That night once she returned back to her apartment, the adrenaline had faded.  Her body was paying the price, coming down from the rush, and now all she could see all the events from beginning to end in her mind was everything in slow motion.

"Here's the information.  Instructions will be given once you arrive at the hotel later, get going."

Chiara nodded in response to Emma as she handed over a folder with the details she needed to be debriefed on for this assignment. 

"You remember failure is not an option.  This might be a training exercise, but the target is very real."

"Emma, if you think I'm ready then let's do this."

"No Chiara.  YOU have to know you're ready.  This isn't up to me.  You put in the work, and we have been watching."

Granted she was told it was only a practice exercise, she was to be working alone without any assistance.  Should she fail, the penalties would be severe.  Emma always had a sweet disposition about her, yet the woman could give a stare that would freeze Hell if she so wanted.  Taking leave of the office, Chiara headed home to pack and read up on the information she had just received.

Chiara sat at the desk in her small office, placed the folder down then began reading over the material.  The packing could wait until she knew exactly where she would be going, and what her assignment entailed.  Chiara kept reading until she discovered she was traveling to San Diego.  Target's name was Daniel Williams, one of San Diego's finest, according to the publicity he typically received.  That was how he wanted it to be though, always showing his supposed good deeds to the public; rescuing his fellow officers while in pursuits and under fire, photo opportunities at the locals schools after assembly for the children about police officers, and how to be sure it was the right path you chose in life, etc.

She read over the details in the folder during the next hour before she began packing.  All the good publicity didn't erase the behind the scenes actions he was delving into; drugs, extortion, and whatever he could get his hands into.  Chiara She had acquired a nice small collection of different knives, but of course she had a favorite one which she carried with her everywhere, so she made sure to carry it.  The Kershaw knife itself was on the small side, a curved blade, with a textured handle which made gripping the knife easy, and the size of the handle fit her hand to perfection.  The way it felt in her hands when she held it made her smile just then.

Arriving at the hotel in San Diego two hours later, Chiara was pulling the curtain back from the window, getting a view from the 8th floor when the telephone rang.  She answered it, receiving instructions from Emma regarding the evening ahead. 

"The award is for his civic duty blah blah blah.  All just a front for his back alley deeds the public isn't actually aware of, so you need to get him alone.  I don't really care how, but just do it.  There's gonna be an agent posing as part of the hotel security.  Philip is a damn good agent, and knows his shit."

There was a policeman's ball to honor the newest achievement award from the city to Daniel Williams.  Her mission was to infiltrate the event, lure the target off somewhere private away from any of the gathered guests then deliver the message that he was due for a permanent retirement.

"Alright.  I got it.  When do I need to check back in with you?"

"If all goes well Chiara then you will debrief Andrew and I when you return home.  Philip is there as backup only.  This is your assignment alone."

"Yes ma'am.  Someone's at the door.  I'll be in touch."

Chiara placed the receiver down just as someone knocked again on the door.  She looked through the peephole then relaxed the grip she held on her knife at her waistband.  She opened the door slowly, still keeping a hold on the knife handle, just in case, but the hotel porter stood there with a small grin on his face as he held a good sized package.  Chiara released the grip on her knife, opened the door enough to receive the item then closed the door with a soft click before turning to walk into the hotel suite.

The bow on the package was black velvet material giving the glittery gold coloring of the box an elegant appearance.  She opened the package revealing an evening gown, luckily it was a navy blue.  She preferred darker colors, and at least Emma had appeased Chiara's fashion style.  She held the dress up then pulled it out so the skirt of the dress flowed towards the floor.  Her eyes caught the other items in the box that were safely nestled below the folded up dress.  A .38 revolver, ammo, a small variety of knives, and the invitation to gain access to the event.

Several hours later Chiara was dolled up in the new dress, then glanced down in the reflection to a pair of her black heels.  She tilted her leg slightly to one side, pivoting her foot around lifting the heel and balancing on the toe of the shoe.  She smirked as she thought Emma could have at least sprung for a new pair of heels.  A lady could never have too many shoes...could they?  At least Chiara was content with her favorite pair she brought along for the trip.

A knock on the door caught her attention, and once she cautiously opened the door, Chiara visibly relaxed upon seeing one of the agency's men who was undercover as hotel security for the event standing outside her hotel room.

"Do you have the package ready?"

"Yes.  Let me fetch it."

Chiara walked a few steps over to the table with the small briefcase containing the gun, ammo and knives inside then headed back to the open door.  She handed it to him then inquired if the target's room security wouldn't be an issue.  He shook his head quickly then informed Chiara that he himself would be escorting her upstairs once she managed to separate the target from the event and crowd, and acting as Williams' security detail. 

"How are you gonna get inside without being seen, or asked questions?"

"I'm already on the security detail as you can see."

Philip arched his eyebrow slightly at the obvious attire he was wearing.

"I can enter the suite without alerting anyone by doing a 'security sweep', so I will stash the case in close proximity of the door.  You should have at least one weapon on you, and use the case only if needed."

"I got it.  I always carry a knife on me anyways."

"Right well I'll be shadowing him around the event.  I'll have a five minute window to get in and get out then go downstairs to the ballroom.  Be on guard at all times."

"Yes. Of course."

She nodded in reply then closed the door.

She was running over scenarios in her mind in case anything went wrong, planning escape routes, back up plans, and most importantly making sure without fail the target reached retirement before fleeing the city.  She wasn't anxious; Chiara had had plenty of training to remain calm under pressure.  She was if she wanted to admit it, a little excited with the unknown.  She fetched the clutch, opened the clasp then placed the invitation to the ball inside.  Once she arrived at the event downstairs, she presented the invitation at the entrance to the ballroom then went inside without any issue.

The speeches went on and on by various people acknowledging all the commendable efforts Daniel Williams had performed over the past year. Knowing what she knew about the man, it was appalling to see him receive something of such esteemed praise.  A police captain who was on the take, corrupt as far as anyone could go, but I.C.A. has received intel on the captain that certain people in power just couldn't tolerate anymore.  The praise spewed out nonstop was appalling to have to sit through as well as his phony modesty.

"....Captain Williams has served our community with diligence and great pride in protecting its people.  He goes above and beyond the call of duty....."

Cheers and applause ensued yet again as he stepped forward to make another short speech in acceptance.

"It is with great honor I am here today, and couldn't do so without the fine people of this community and those who work alongside myself. This is our city, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep it safe.  I humbly accept this award, and thank you all for your support and kind words....."

She shook her head fighting a soft growl of disgust.  Such lies and fake modesty just rolled off his tongue, and what was worse is everyone here seemed to buy into the fakeness of it all.  The crowd died down in applause as the host began to end the speeches part of the evening.  He wished everyone an enjoyable evening, but Chiara kept her eyes focused on Williams.

Redistributing drugs that were confiscated in busts was one thing, but making said drugs available to children was intolerable.  Framing innocent people for crimes when they couldn't afford to pay the extortion fees he demanded for protecting their businesses was another thing pushing Williams into an early but permanent retirement.  Dirty cops could be and were useful if they were controllable.  Williams was simply out of control, and it was time for the mess to be over.

The way she moved, the slender fit of the black dress to each curve of her body, the somewhat low cut neckline had his attention and gaze focused upon her and no one else. She caught his stare once, acted shyly as her cheeks grew a slight shade of pink before turning her gaze elsewhere.  She could feel his eyes on her, and she toyed with biting her lower lip while reaching for the glass of champagne.  Chiara took a sip then placed the glass back down as she made another coy glance in his direction. 

He caught her look then smirked as he turned to his present company, mumbling a few words for his departure.  He downed the glass of champagne, laughed at something someone said before heading to the table where she sat.  His brazen attitude as he sat down in the seat beside her, introduced himself then told her they would have a dance, instead of asking if she was even interested, showed his downfall in her mind.  Arrogance was a dangerous thing to have, but she merely smiled in response to him then danced a couple songs worth of dancing.

The conversation flowed before it took a turn for her probing to begin.  Little hints and inquiries about his behind the scenes ventures, all of which had him arching his eyebrow from time to time in surprise that someone with such beauty and grace as he claimed would have any knowledge of such ghastly things in life.  He would attempt to steer the conversation away to more pleasant things, but Chiara held her ground in pursuing the questions. 

"So Captain Williams I hear you are...."

"Daniel.  Anyone so beautiful surely should call me by my first name."

Chiara smiled softly as she cleared her voice before continuing.

"Daniel... I hear you have a vested interest into a few contrabands here and there."

"Darlin' I'm not here to discuss any kind of business this evening, but what you are asking is a tad too mundance for dancing conversation.  How about you tell me about yourself."

It made her stomach churn to slide her hand across his shoulder and midway down his upper arm, but it was enough to make him lose focus in resisting answering her probing questions.  Chiara lowered her voice even more then leaned closer, and to any onlookers it was just dancing to the rhythm.

"I work for people who are deeply interested in the illegal substances you can acquire with ease.  They are looking to make a purchase.  I would so disappointed to have to report back having failed to even discuss things with someone with such a great reputation."

'You drive a hard bargain, but I think we can take this discussion to a more private location.  Perhaps enjoy a nightcap as well."

Williams took the assumption wrongly as Chiara had intended, so he began to ease up, slightly flirt and charm his way to have a more private meeting with her.  The willingness she displayed caused a huge smile upon his face, and he told her to meet him outside in the lobby in five minutes.  He then manuevered his way through the crowd to speak to a couple of his fellow officers.  They nodded in response to whatever was said then glanced subtly in her direction.  After another couple moments, Williams left the ballroom followed closely by Philip, who caught her gaze briefly, gave a slight grin then followed out into the hallway leading to the lobby behind his supposed protection detail.

Chiara waited exactly five minutes after his departure from the ballroom to make her own exit.  She carried on with the deception feigning such interest in the target as the trio rode upwards in the elevator to Williams' floor.  He brazenly placed his hand against her back, and she fought the urge to slap it away as he escorted her to his suite.  Philip trailed within a few feet, and kept a watchful eye out.  There were two other security men posted at the door, but Philip spoke to them informing them he had this covered.

"Care for a drink sweetheart?"

Williams asked with a hint of hopefulness in his voice.  Men like him were used to plying women with drinks to make the fight easier to handle, but he was in for a rude awakening.  Chiara smiled softly, but her eyes quickly traveled to the small suitcase stowed away beside the desk, knowing Philip had delivered it without issue.  She wasn't sure she'd need the items inside, but was better to have the necessary tools for any job, just in case something went wrong.  She already had one knife on her person, so she felt confident in the situation at hand.  Chiara returned her gaze back to Daniel as he turned back with two empty glasses in hand awaiting her answer.

"Don't mind if I do."

Daniel patted the back of the sofa to invite Chiara to come take a seat.  It was clear the type of discussion he was ready for, but she kept on task as she sat down, Chiara began with the questions again.  Once the conversation enused again, Chiara began discussing the possibility of getting in on some action with the drug scene here in Los Angeles.  Williams was curious and admitted out loud to that fact of why would a young and beautiful lady be interested in such a scandalous side of life.  She explained she worked with people who were interested, and she herself was intrigued by the amounts of money he himself would bring in.  

"As I've said the people I work for are extremely interested in the products you move around in and outta the city.  They have the connections to handle big quantities, especially your specialty with heroin."

That bit of information had Williams pausing in his drink to arch an eyebrow.

"You sure know a lot about me little lady.  How'd you come by all this?"

Chiara shrugged then placed her glass down on the table in front of the sofa.  She stood up then moved to behind where they were sitting, and  moving slowly as she trailed her fingertips along the back of the sofa.  She knew this assignment and open window of privacy was time sensitive.  Chiara stopped directly behind where he sat with his back to her.  His nonstop chattering came to an abrupt halt as she reached one arm around his neck while her other arm attempted to slide up underneath his arm.

She wasn't prepared for his alertness with all the alcohol he had consumed, and he caught her by the wrist jerking her closer to him asking in a thunderous voice.

"Just what the fuck are you trying to do little lady?!  If you wanted some action, shoulda just said so."

He gained the upper hand by tugging her forward closer to him, but she couldn't keep a good enough grip.  Her body fell to the cushions, but she quickly managed to get to her feet then face him.  His face was filled with anger as he realized what her true intent was here.  He shouted angrily at Chiara threatening to shoot her.  He darted towards the bedside table where she could only assume he stashed his weapon.

"I Don't Know Who You Are, or who you're working for, but you crossed the wrong person missy.  You ain't getting outta here alive."

Once he tugged the drawer open, retrieved his piece then turned around to aim it in her direction, Williams called out.

"Come on.  Show yourself little lady.  Right Now!"

She kept hidden around the corner from the sitting area, leaning against the wall inside the bedroom.  She couldn't see him in the view of the mirror in the bedroom. Her back was pressed against the wall, with her eyes closed,  listening to the sounds he was making, using every bit of her training to enhance her other senses, trying to listen and feel when he was moving about in the sitting room.  She blindly reached under the hem of the dress, moving with slow motions as to not make a sound or noises, pulled the knife from the garter belt.  His voice grew louder indicating he was coming closer by the second.  He bumped into the coffee table end then stopped walking, but still growling for her to stop hiding.  

"Damnit."

She heard his mumbled curse, and knew exactly which end he was standing at because the glasses made a soft clink when he hit the table.  Her heart rate was pumping as she opened her eyes, peeked into the mirror now able to gain sight of him.  Chiara took a deep breath, relaxed, and knew she had to act fast.  She'd already screwed up in thinking she had complete control of the situation, yet didn't as he had gained the upperhand and was still alive.

With her mind set on what she had to do, she envisioned the scenario play out in her mind then took action.  Already having the blade of the knife opened, Chiara saw her chance as he lowered his weapon while yelling out once more.  She twisted and arched her arm back with the knife in hand, eyes on her target; hurled the knife with a sureness in her abilities to hit her target dead on.  One thrust, one chance.  The look in his eyes as he spotted her in the doorway, began to raise his gun in what seemed like slow motion, but in reality was all a blur.

The knife flew through the air, then imbedded itself in his throat.  Williams managed to get one shot off in her direction, grazing her shoulder before passing through the door behind her, and sinking into the wall.  He dropped his gun and fell backwards as Philip barged into the suite.  He saw the blood on her bare shoulder, and Williams laying on the floor clutching his hands at his throat, gurgling blood and gasping for air as he squirmed about on the floor.  Philip asked if she was alright, so she nodded in reply then grabbed her shoulder to stop the blood flow.

"You're bleeding.  You knew to signal if you needed backup.  Are you okay though?"

"It's just a flesh wound.  I'll be fine."

"We gotta get going before anyone comes up here.  Next shift reports in in about ten minutes time.  Get the case, and let's head out."

Philip watched as Chiara went to stand over his body as Williams still struggled to get air, watching as the blood oozed and spurted at a rapid rate.  There was a terrified look in his eyes as he knew he was drawing in his last breaths.  Chiara crouched down beside him to speak softly, but loud enough he could hear.  

"You crossed the wrong people Daniel.  When you fuck up, you get what you deserve."

He was weak in his attempt to grab for his fallen weapon beside him, and as his body grew still the blood kept oozing out at a steady pace.  She heard Philip mumble in an urgent tone again that they needed to leave.  Nodding in reply, she followed him out the door then made their way down the stairs.  She couldn't get the image of him laying there gasping for air from her mind as they raced towards the car.