Chapter Three: Training Wheels Off

Jasmine stood in the training room, breathing heavily after her first session with Leo. Sweat trickled down her forehead as she wiped it away with the back of her hand, her muscles aching from the relentless workout. But beneath the fatigue lay a newfound resolve. She had faced her fears, and now she was ready for whatever came next.

Leo observed her, arms crossed and a faint smirk on his lips. "You've got spirit, Winter. But spirit alone won't keep you alive out there. We'll need to work on your technique."

"Technique?" she echoed, her voice tinged with skepticism. "I just got my butt kicked in there."

He chuckled, the sound surprisingly warm. "That's part of the process. You're not just here to throw punches; you need to learn how to defend yourself effectively. We'll focus on the basics before we move on to more advanced tactics."

"Basics, right." Jasmine nodded, steeling herself. If she was going to be a part of TIE, she needed to prove she belonged there.

For the next few weeks, Jasmine poured herself into her training. Every day began with grueling physical exercises—running, strength training, and sparring. She learned to block punches, throw kicks, and grapple with Leo. Each session pushed her to her limits, and the self-doubt that lingered in the back of her mind began to fade.

As Jasmine honed her skills, she discovered a surprising sense of empowerment. With every bruise and scrape, she felt more connected to her body, more aware of her own strength.

One afternoon, after an intense session, she collapsed onto the mat, gasping for breath. Leo plopped down next to her, his expression serious.

"You've improved a lot in a short time," he said, his tone surprisingly approving. "But remember, physical skills are just one part of the job. You need to sharpen your mind, too. We'll start incorporating strategy and intelligence gathering into your training."

"Intelligence gathering?" Jasmine asked, intrigued. "What does that even mean?"

"It means learning how to observe, analyze, and make decisions quickly. You'll need to gather information about targets, assess risks, and develop plans on the fly. It's about using your head as much as your fists."

Jasmine nodded, her mind racing. "How do I start?"

"Let's set up a mock mission. I'll assign you a target, and you'll need to gather as much information about them as possible. I'll give you access to our surveillance tools and resources. Then we'll discuss your findings."

"Sounds like a plan," she replied, excitement bubbling within her. This was the kind of challenge she craved, a chance to prove she was more than just a girl accused of murder.

After a few days of preparation, Leo finally presented her with her first target: a businessman suspected of shady dealings. He handed her a folder filled with information—photos, background checks, and notes on his known associates.

"Get to work," Leo said, his voice encouraging. "You have 48 hours to gather intel and present it to me. Use every resource available. Don't be afraid to think outside the box."

Jasmine felt the familiar surge of adrenaline as she delved into her task. She spent hours poring over the documents, piecing together connections, and tracking the businessman's movements. Her heart raced as she plotted out potential locations and methods for gathering information.

On the second day, Jasmine decided to take a more hands-on approach. She donned a disguise—a simple baseball cap and sunglasses—to blend into the crowd at a café the target frequented. She watched from a distance, taking notes on his interactions, listening to snippets of conversation, and observing his body language.

As she sat there, her heart pounding in her chest, she felt a rush of exhilaration. She was no longer just Jasmine Winter, the girl accused of a crime she didn't commit. She was becoming something more—an agent in training, a woman determined to reclaim her life.

After several hours of watching, she noticed a pattern in his behavior—his meetings were often brief but consistent. He had a regular lunch companion who appeared to be a close associate. With this new lead, Jasmine felt a sense of purpose coursing through her veins.

Returning to TIE, she prepared to present her findings to Leo. When she stepped into the training room, she could feel the anticipation in the air.

"Well?" Leo prompted, his eyes narrowing with interest.

Jasmine took a deep breath, ready to share her discoveries. "I tracked his movements for two days. He meets with a man named Victor every Thursday at the café. Their conversations seem intense, and I think Victor might be tied to his illegal activities."

Leo raised an eyebrow, impressed. "That's a solid lead. Good work, Jasmine. But remember, this is just the beginning. We'll need to dig deeper."

Jasmine nodded, a determined spark igniting within her. She was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. This was her chance to uncover the truth and reclaim her life from the shadows of deceit that had haunted her for too long.