Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

The special agent panted as she landed several firm kicks and punches in quick succession, on the heavy bag hanging from the ceiling. She had always been drawn to combat. It was a flair that stemmed from childhood memories long buried in the sands of time. To her, the love for combat – whether in training or in the field – was a direct result of her desire to be the best at her job as a field agent and had nothing to do with the memories she'd rather not have. At least, telling herself that made it easier for her to forget the hurt.

Being the best agent out there was a goal she was yet to achieve, no thanks to the irksome special agent, Caiden McDouglas. Quite frankly, she didn't think he was better than her but unfortunately, he was regarded as the 'best' agent of their graduating class at the FBI Academy, beating her to the Director's Leadership Award.

That award meant the world to her. It was something she didn't get because she developed a muscle pull during her fighting test, which slowed her down enough to grant her opponent the undeserved advantage. It had nothing to do with her opponent's skill or strength, but that was something no one was willing to accept. That opponent was none other than Caiden McDouglas, who shamelessly beamed with pride as he received the prestigious award that was meant to be hers. It was something she never really forgave him for and while she didn't dwell on it daily, it didn't stop her from picturing his face as the heavy bag every time she hit it.

"Still crushing on McDouglas?"

The voice belonged to her partner and best friend, Coleman Hale. He was the one person who could tease her with anything, but picked Caiden every time because he knew it got under her skin. She turned around to face him, making sure he saw her roll her eyes.

"Not even in his wildest dreams." She laughed.

"You know, it's kind of creepy to picture his face every time you see a heavy bag. Are you sure you guys never dated?" Coleman asked, plastering a grin on his chiseled face.

"Shut up, Cole." She replied.

"Did he dump you like a bag of banana peels?" Coleman taunted, making a funny face.

"You're an idiot, Cole." She replied.

"Well, this idiot is going to miss you." He replied.

"What are you talking about?" She asked. "Stop with the games now."

"I heard you'd be pairing up with McDouglas on some serial killer case soon." He continued.

She actually stopped listening at the mention of the name, McDouglas. That was the last person in the FBI she could possibly want for a partner. It was bad enough to see him every now and then when their paths crossed. Being partners on a case meant they were bound to see each other a lot more often than she would like, and she certainly didn't want to be stuck with him for who knows how long this case was going to take.

"Please, tell me you're lying." She pleaded, making the puppy face she knew was sure to get to him.

"I wish I was, Em." He replied.

"Cole, I'd put you to death by electrocution if I find out this isn't true." She threatened. She laughed, hoping he would join in and tell her he was kidding.

"Can't you at least pretend to hide your excitement?"

Coleman's sarcastic question surely achieved its desired intent of riling the young agent up.

"You're a nut job. You know that, right?" She asked.

"You know I can see through you, Em. Right now, there's just one sentence swirling around that head of yours. Emma Roosevelt and Caiden McDouglas, a match made in heaven." Coleman added, his sarcasm was clearly evident.

The kick landed on his midsection before he had the time to react. By the time he registered the pain shooting through his body, she was already behind him with one hand wrapped around his neck and the other threatening to push his head in a direction that was sure to separate it from the rest of his body.

"...and snap. You die." She teased.

"How do you move that fast?" He asked, raising his hands in surrender.

"It will serve you well to picture McDouglas's face when you train." She teased.

"Do you know how gay that sounds?" He asked, scrunching his nose up.

"Roosevelt, Bone wants you in his office now." Another male agent shouted from the door of the training area, interrupting their conversation.

"I'd be there in five." She replied.

"Now, Roosevelt!" His face was as expressionless as ice.

"Someone doesn't like me very much." She whispered to Coleman, who winked at her as she walked out of the room.