Chapter 4 – On the Flip Side

With the letter sealed and addressed, our masked reaper put on a coat and took a midnight stroll: 

1. To deposit the update in a surrounding mailbox. 

2. To also get a bit of fresh air. 

Certain nights of work were draining, both physically and mentally. Our sly fox was a person after all, with feelings and thoughts. Their work kept them to be silent and blend in; as a leading role in a production of it all… 

While yes, there might be some excitement in their line of work, they still missed the connection of human interaction. Exposed and natural with others. Sometimes it’s the attention that wasn’t meant to be given that is all we need to change our course in life.

As the note was sent, the walk at an end, our nameless murderer (or saint) laid down on the mattress, held tight to the sheets and began to nuzzle against the pillow. 

While in bed, they thought of the unforeseen events that unraveled that night. Replaying the evening’s accounts in their head, wondering what went wrong and what could have been done better. Like most art, killing does have its craft. Some are executed with such poise and effortlessness, while others are untamed and impulsive (or spontaneous).

This minor inconvenience will rattle the rest of the night’s hours. As they fell asleep, the steps taken and choice made would make the person they saw in the mirror the next morning. This is a person of skill and craft and yet a minor mistake was made in their execution. The fleeting thought as they fell asleep was of the piece of glass they so coincidentally stepped on. Why? Eyes heavy and mind at ease, it was time for rest. 

Like any major city, such as London, Paris, Tokyo, New York or even San Francisco, this city was vast , full of life and so much excitement. A night at a gala could end in a cliché club or back at someone’s flat for an after-hours. The options were endless when given the right contacts, some cash, and a devilish outfit. 

The next day, they awoke tossed somewhat ajar in their bed, but that was nothing new. The morning had come and gone, it was late in the afternoon. Our hooded character got up and made their way to make their first cup of coffee. With blaring light coming from a loft window, merchants on the street selling their nicked goods, and a slight hangover from the wine, they proceed to go about their day. 

With that first sip of coffee, their stomach growled. Reactionary, they reached for the fridge to see what was on the menu for the day. Sadly, the fridge bare, their late-night encounter had muddled their procedures. It was time to hit up the local market for some grub. Hood situated, money secured, they were set to head out. But there was a voice in their head saying there was something missing. And of course, it was the pair of sunglasses that sat on the kitchen counter, longing to see the rays of light that was forgotten.

The trip to the grocery store was short and simple as in kind with their diet, fruits, some greens, and of course protein. It was a diet that had sustained this work ethic for years now. The occasional donut here and there.

Once back at their flat, the first meal of the day was prepped on the stove. Then vanished. With a full stomach, it was back to the drawing board to figure out how the rest of the job would play out. A knife here, gunshot there, a dash of artful display… These crimes were not just meant to get rid of some weeds but to make a statement. After all, murderers never really get their credit till they’re caught.

With all the intel gathered, our person in debt set out to keep some tabs on the others. The list of the soon-to-be-dead. First on their mind was that woman that never showed. She had been living in a rental flat on the southside of the city. It’s where the lavish and wealthy spend their time to unwind.

She was someone who had grace, but also an alter-ego. With every phrase that came from her lips was a hidden message underneath. She had made a name for herself, she was the ones other women envied and gossiped about behind closed doors. She knew how to make an entrance.