Friday, February 14, 2014

The Status Quo

The Man in the Black Suit
The Status Quo

The attacker ignored his dislocated elbow, grasping his stomach instead.  He collapsed.  Just to be certain, the man named Jameson kicked the stiletto safely out of reach.  It spun across the marble.
      There was no danger of a second attack, however.  The man in the gladiator mask was writhing, pounding at his stomach in agony.  Blood dribbled from his mouth.  Then, abruptly, the contortions ceased.
      Jameson rolled the man’s head over with his foot.  The eyes were rigid.  Warily, the man named Jameson knelt, placing two fingers to the throat.  No pulse.
      Jameson stood, satisfied.
      “He . . . collapsed?”  Aprill was asking a doubtful question, unbelieving.
      “I poisoned him.”
      “Oh, damn.”  She gulped hard.
       “Now, it is time for us to leave.” 
      The security guards were congregating, staring uncertainly at the body.
      “Mr. Benedict,” Jameson said, “I think you will now listen to what I have to say.  Take care of this.”
      Benedict was shaken, but surprisingly compliant.
      “That man tried to kill me.  Please, clean it up . . .” he gestured at the body “. . . and inform me when the police arrive.  I need a minute in private.  This is quite a shock.  If not for my bodyguard . . . .”
      “Of course, sir.  Please, follow me.”
      A security man led them to a private room.  The moment the door clicked shut, Aprill started spewing words.
"You probably saved our lives.  We're grateful, of course.  But it's illogical!  If you're some contract-killer like you claim, then why turn down an assignment to kill my father? Money is money.  And why warn us?"
Jameson observed her disapprovingly.  She was businesslike, but without a grasp of the status quo.
"You should be waiting for my explanation rather than demanding answers from me."

Aprill’s outrage mounted, but Benedict touched her shoulder.  "Honey," he said quietly, "let's hear him out."  Benedict shook his head, trying to clear away the last dregs of inebriation.