**COLD NAME**
We are introduced to Hannah Nguyen, codename Lady Cold, a highly-skilled assassin for a clandestine organization known as “The Compound.” For three decades, she has endured a brain implant that emits a extremely annoying and problematic buzz, used to notify her of new assignments. This implant also causes severe, unique PTSD, that comes after the completion of each assignment, forcing her into addiction to legal medication. Despite the wealth derived from her occupation, she despises her life; nevertheless, is trapped: The Compound will not remove the implant (claiming it would be fatal) and will use her as long as she is “useful.”
She receives a buzz. Time to go to work.
**COLD SEARCH**
Hannah receives her latest assignment via a coded book in the New York Public Library: a hit on an embezzler in Madrid. The assignment method and verification process (handled by unseen “Planters”) are detailed, highlighting The Compound’s meticulous control and Hannah’s constant suffering from the buzzing. Hannah efficiently completes the assassination with a single headshot. Upon returning home, she delays reporting the kill to prolong the buzzing, knowing the intense PTSD symptoms will follow. Therefore, due to their severity, preferred being home when they came.
**COLD CALL**
The Compound’s new psychiatrist, Dr. Katrina Sewell (Kat), takes over from the recently retired Dr. Helen Bertolotti. Hannah calls Kat to seek stronger medication for her escalating PTSD symptoms. Kat cannot see her immediately due to a previously planned absence. However, new to the Compound’s true nature and unaware of the cause of Hannah’s suffering, Kat insists she come in for an in-person assessment after a few days, unknowingly setting off a chain of events.
**COLD LIES**
Desperate for relief, Hannah disregards Compound rules and seeks help “off campus” from Dr. Joan Yin, a prestigious Manhattan psychiatrist. Despite Hannah’s evasiveness and fabricated past as a soldier, Joan is intrigued by her “unusual PTSD.” An unexpected personal connection forms between them, leading Hannah to drop a bombshell on the good doctor: she is a professional assassin.
**COLD HISTORY**
Hannah, now trusting Joan, reveals her traumatic origin: orphaned at ten and later at eleven forced into assassin training in Japan. She explains her group was the first to receive brain implants. Joan, horrified, agrees to help Hannah with her medication.
**COLD CAINE**
Hannah details the brain implant’s function—a constant internal buzzing that enhances focus for kills but drives her to severe PTSD post-mission. She explains her cold demeanor as a result of her brutal conditioning and the trauma of her past, contrasting herself with the peaceful Kwai Chang Caine of “Kung-Fu” fame, accepting her identity as a “villain.” Joan provides new medication and increased dosages, solidifying a fragile trust.
**COLD REVELATIONS**
Kat learns from Peter Traversa, Director of Operations, that The Compound is a secret assassination organization and that…
Well, looks like you’ll have to get the book to see what happens next.