For Samuel his strolls through the grounds of the Tillman estate had always been a wonderful way to serve multiple purposes, and since his return from the training facility roughly thirty-six hours earlier, he had been attempting to clear his schedule for one such stroll with Courtney. He intended to discuss a rather challenging assignment which he had specifically designated for her, and now on the morning of Thursday February twenty-fifth, he hoped to make that intent a reality. Soon after the youngest three members of the Tillman clan had headed off to school, Samuel looked across the breakfast table and asked Courtney, “When you are finished with breakfast, how do you feel about taking a long walk with me?”

Standing to take her plate to the sink, she replied, “Sure Samuel. Just let me rinse this off so Ms. Holloway doesn’t have to, and I’ll get my shoes.”

Roughly twenty minutes later they arrived at the bench near the gravesite of Chance, and Samuel in typical fashion motioned for her to have a seat. Then while still standing he looked at Courtney and asked, “Do you remember what we discussed on our last visit to this site number thirty-seven?”

Shifting quickly into the character which Samuel sought, she returned his gaze and replied, “Yes I do number two. Is the subject matter of that discussion still relevant?”

“Indeed it is number thirty-seven, and I feel that the time has come for me to provide you with additional information toward that end.”

“Very well number two. And should I assume that you want me to move forward with this assignment quickly?”

Pulling a letter sized envelope from his pocket, Samuel replied, “First I would like to show you who the target is. If you are prepared to take on and follow through with the sanction, then we can discuss the timetable and other specifics.”

Nodding with understanding, Courtney reached for and then opened the envelope. Along with a folded piece of paper, there was a small photograph of the intended target enclosed. When she looked at the picture to see who it was that Samuel wanted her to kill, she was surprised. Unlike the mission target of the past November in Colorado, whom she had never seen or even heard of before shadowing his movements, this person was known to her. After a moment of contemplation in an attempt to ascertain Samuel’s motives for the sanction, she looked at him and said, “Alright number two, I’ll do it. And now that I have agreed to do so, is there a certain way that you would like this sanction to be handled?”

“Not with regard to the act itself. And to be quite honest number thirty-seven, I don’t care how you do it. Just please understand that it must be done. Now if you look at the piece of paper which I put in the envelope, you will notice that it provides you with both where it should take place and the block of dates that you have to work with.”

Unfolding the paper, Courtney read over the brief notes which were scribbled upon it. The dates listed would provide her with some time to prepare, and she intended to put that time to good use. As to where the sanction would be carried out, Courtney realized that she needed to do some research in order to become more acquainted with the area. After another moment of solitary thought, Courtney looked directly into Samuel’s eyes and replied, “Alright number two, I understand the parameters of the sanction. Now you also stated that it could be carried out my way. If that is indeed true, then I have a thought as to how I should proceed.”

“So you are accepting the assignment fully with no reservations?”

“Yes I am number two.”

“That’s excellent my dear, and thank you.”

“Well I have lots of work to do before I will be ready for the attempt, so perhaps you should save the thank you for the time being. However if I’m successful, then you can thank me afterward.”

“That sounds fair enough.”

“I’m glad you agree, because I may have a favor to ask of you upon my return.”