8 Bon Voyage

The airport smelled of sweat and dust. She made her way through security and customs easily by flashing her Merc assignment on the app. Anyone who got an assignment abroad was thought to be a big deal.

She smiled nervously as she wasn't accustomed to herds of people. It felt like a lifetime ago since she'd subjected herself to a crowded space. Let alone an airport with minimal coverage and a short supply of exits. Subconsciously her fingers twitched for her gun holster but she remembered she didn't bring any weapons with her. She couldn't, not on a flight across seas. Fortunately, Uncle had connections in Paris. He had connections everywhere.

She was a little on edge when she took her seat in first class. Traveling on official government business had its perks. The mini bottle of unopened champagne sat ready at her chair. Wrapping it in her scarf, she placed it in her bag. She didn't drink on business but champagne was her favorite. She would savor it after her job was done.

Most jobs came with a picture, name, profession, the whole nine yards. This job was unique as it lacked many necessary requirements. Fortunately, the address listed for the hospital helped her track the doctor, it was only a few miles from the Champs-Élysées.

Staying alert for the 12 hour flight was excruciating. It didn't help she'd been having the nightmares again. His breath on her neck. The touch of his sausage fingers on her face. Every time she closed her eyes, she was eight again and trapped in the house with no mirrors.