Rosanna Hamlin Writer

A small excerpt from my spy turns superhero novel, ‘Red Spectre’. It follows our protagonist; Anya as she receives an assignment from her handler; Steve whilst undercover in Paris.

‘“You have a new commission for me?” The blonde man stared at her for a long moment as she ignored him. They turned toward the river bank, passing the long queue of tourists. Steve was fascinated by her. On most occasions he counted himself lucky to have been her handler for so long. She was the best of the best. Everyone wanted her. She had mastered the craft in every aspect and it didn’t matter how long he stared at her, she refused to give herself away. He’d come to accept that whatever she gave him was of her own volition. Yet there were days, much like this, when he fought to resist the desire to shake her with frustration, to scream at her that she could trust him. But he knew if he did that she would close off even more. That was more than her training. It was instinct. It was in her blood. He hissed out a breath between his teeth. Instead of revealing his irritation he unzipped his jacket pocket and pulled out a memory stick.
“Louis Arnaud. Minister of Defence.” He handed her a USB file. “He’s been a naughty boy, selling military files and state secrets.”
“To whom?”
“Whomever bids the highest.” He lowered his voice as a family passed them by. She watched the animated children run past her in excitement as they pointed at some pleasure beyond her line of sight.

They are bizarre little creatures.

“He’s been making deals with terrorists and any unscrupulous international intelligence agencies that are interested.”
“Do the French know?”
“Of course. Thanks to us, they were brought up to speed a couple of weeks ago. As an expression of good will, the President has granted us consent to dispose of him however we please.”
“So we are to play clean-up for the President’s mess. How charming.”
“If the French dispose of one of their own then questions will eventually be raised. He wants this done with discretion. Campbell informed him that he had in his employ an agent perfect for the task.” She swallowed, stomach churning unpleasantly.

I know what you’re going to say next.

“He has a particular proclivity for pretty young women with brown hair and green eyes.”

There it is.

Anger flared up in her again. A raging red flame burning in the darkness.
“Why do you do that?” She snapped before she could catch herself.
“What?” He frowned.
“Every time I have to seduce some filthy mark; you build up to the order as though you’re asking me for a mundane favour even though we both know you’re not giving me a choice.”
“I’m trying to make you feel like you’re more than just a–”
“What? A ‘honey trap’? I believe that is the correct term is it not?”
“You’re not a honey trap. You are the best agent we have.” He pressed his lips together before he could add,‘ And the most beautiful’. That would have incensed her further.
“I wasn’t trained to be a Serpent. It was never part of my contract. I was trained in espionage only.”
“What’s the difference?” She clenched her fist at her side, the urge to strike him down beginning to itch inside her.
“The fact you even have to ask that speaks volumes.” She scoffed, running a hand through the brown bob she wore.’