Chapter 3 – Signed, Sealed, & Written in Blood
Such maudlin thoughts these were, one reflected, while looking into the glass. The dissection of their own moral compass. The continuous prodding of their resolve. With another sip, such thoughts were dismissed as the work of the luscious red liquid caressed in hand. How did the saying go? Wine was a beautiful servant, but a terrible master? Their wet lips turned-up at the corners as the glass was lowered. There was some truth in that statement.
Still at least one of those thoughts held some truth. A debt was to be paid, and this was to be but the first of many. So with a sigh, the glass was returned to the table empty and the next part of the evening’s ritual was to commence. Loath though they were to be beholden, there was something delicious in recounting their exploits.
The sound of a chair scraping softly upon the carpet could be heard in the quiet of the room. Accompanied by the click of a desk lamp coming to light. As the quietness reclaimed the room, softly and smoothly the ink bled onto the paper in cascading and elegant loops. .
The letter began:
“Dear Mr. Aquitaine,
As agreed upon, the execution of the contract has commenced. As of the issuance of this letter the contract is now binding and irrevocable. Should either party violate the terms and conditions set forth, the Finality Clause shall be enacted.
With that formality out of the way, I presume you are expecting a full account of the evening’s activities. Before I begin, though it pains me to say, I must inform you that there has been an unexpected development.
Less your blood boil upon reading those words, I assure you I’ve considered our options carefully. This is but a minor inconvenience we can work around. Though I would be remiss if I did not mention the information you assured me was accurate, was a bit more flimsy than your confidence implied. That is all I will say on that matter..
As for what transpired tonight. The intended target of this evening’s sweet kiss, was deprived of their passionate moment. I would in all honesty not be surprised if you hear from them in the coming days. Though I’m sure that was unanticipated, a clever man such as yourself should have no trouble in concocting an alibi for my continued absence.
You are probably curious as to the why. That part, at least, is simple. I was led to believe she was the one intended to be to the hotel first. What I would discover only after is that, unbeknownst to me, she had been delayed. Why she was delayed I cannot say. By all accounts she should have been there. Least so the information you gave me determined.
What was even more curious, however, was the man whom I danced so clumsily with in her place, who should have been home and asleep. This man while he now rests peacefully, is doing so decidedly more permanently and far from the comfort of his own bed.
Your nephew is dead.
I’d be curious the look upon your face as you read those words. As I mentioned, while unexpected, the inconvenience is minor. He was on the list after-all and the contract does allow me discretion in such situations.
I chanced upon him stumbling about the streets as I waited for my original caller-of-the-night. I considered keeping the peace as it were, but considering the two might also cross paths, I thought it best to at least remove one. Eliminating the possibility. Besides at that point in the evening I wasn’t entirely sure the original target still wouldn’t make an appearance. A delight it would have been to have you receive this letter noting the ‘tragic’ passing of not one but two individuals. One can not always be lucky.
Regarding your nephew, it was quite simple, though I chide myself for being sloppy. Earlier I mentioned he had been stumbling. I presumed he was drunk. This appeared to hold some water as shortly after observing his presence he continued to stumble straight down an alleyway between two abandoned buildings. I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. I seized upon the opportunity and stalked him down the darkened path. As I closed the distance to arms length, I foolishly stepped on broken glass, causing him to start. Less he to come to be fully aware of my presence and make a sound that would alert any others to our location or existence, I hurriedly slashed out. The action left him on the ground gasping for those few precious breaths all men seek in their final moments. While I could not relish what was done, there was still beauty in waiting for those sweet moments to pass. I can only hope if there were others around, they would chalk up what bit of noise was made to some vagrant or another. Better than the alternative. As mentioned previously, a rather unexpected evening, but a none-the-less successful one.
I have nothing further to report on this evening’s activities. I shall close out this first letter with a gentle reminder that you have your own adjustments to make based on what unfolded this evening. I will also, at this time, request a credit of one be deducted from my account, for which, I will need a receipt, as stipulated in our original contract.
I bid you a fair evening and a second letter in due time.
Sincerely and with regard”