PREPARATIONS (5)

< Athaire

UTC+2 1035 AM SAT

Suburbs, Alley >

Jack kicked a box. Dark and dirty places always entailed rats and other disgusting creatures he couldn't stand. And people being late, although he was usually one of them.

"You're late," a voice greeted him.

He perked up. "You Kira?"

"Why did you want to meet me?"

"Not the most social one, are you?"

"Your point."

"I'll get to it, but why don't you step out here so we can talk in the light. A bit more comfy, don't-"

He couldn't finish his sentence. A knife came flying at him, struck the wall, and left a red stoke over his earlobe.

"I don't like repeating myself."

Jack shut his mouth. This dude wasn't messing around. But what would you expect from a freelance killer?

"Just a babysitter. I'll get the merchandise and I need you to watch it for a while just in case she makes any issues."

"I don't take orders from a waiter."

"Huh?" Jack glanced down and cursed. He was still wearing the hotel uniform. No wonder he felt like something was choking him. He quickly released the tie around his neck when his fingers brushed against one of the disgusting bugs. He shrieked and stomped it to death beneath his feet. "Urgh," he shuddered, "I hate bugs." To the man named Kira, he continued, "you will get your fair share after today's deal is done. For now, take this as an advanced payment." He dropped a thick envelope, and turned to leave, "Now, I have to get back to work and set the stage for a wedding."

Silence returned. Until the man named Kira stepped out of the shadows and bent down to pick up the envelope. He remained in a crouched position and stretched out to pick up the bug Jack had stomped on earlier. What an interesting bug this was. Smart and connected, but now dead.