MZS stared at the flickering flame produced by his lighter.
The fire; shining in all its glory, spread a welcoming warmth which attracted him dearly. He kept on inching his index finger closer to the glowing yellow, until the fire snarled at his skin, biting it mercilessly.
He pulled it back as a reflex action.
Fire. So warm, so beautiful and welcoming. Yet one nip from it and you're gone.
You and all you loved.

"Sir, a new task file has been received." A flat robotic voice spoke from his phone, interrupting his inner monologue.
MZS wiped the lone tear that threatened to settle in his well-groomed beard and flung the lighter away.

"Details Humna." He voiced with the sound of the lighter smashing against the wall in the background, sending plastic shards fluttering in the air.
He knew he would have to deal with a new homicide rather than spending what was left of the summer, with his family.
The 'task' would probably involve spying for government secrets, using heavy weapons or fighting skilled enemies. 

"The keywords are a veiled girl, Manchester UK and shadowing." Humna replied, contrary to all that he had expected.

"What?" His brows raised incredulously and a spark of interest ignited in his being. MZS hastily grabbed the phone and opened the file. Shock and frustration both sprouted in his heart when he read the mission statement, contemplating whether his leader was serious or whether it was a sick joke.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ☆