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45
Miranda
Things were falling into place smoothly, like the interlocking pieces of some giant puzzle.
Except for the human element. Those pieces kept squeaking unpleasantly as they took their places as the cogs in my grand design.
I’ve always hated dealing with people. They are the most unpredictable variable in any situation, mostly because of weakness, fear, or greed.
My new ‘employee’ was exhibiting all three at the same time.
“This could ruin me if they discover our connection,”he whined over the phone.
“They won’t,” I said.
“You can’t know that!”
“You’re being compensated handsomely to take a small risk. For God’s sake, do what I paid you to do and stop whining.”
“But – ”
“Just do your job. In 24 hours this will all be over.”
A pause on the other end of the line. “I’m not sure I can go through with this.”
“You can, and you will. You’ve already taken the money.”
“I’ll return it.”
“If you try to get out of our agreement, I will personally make sure you are ruined.”
“You wouldn’t dare – you would risk outing yourself.”
“How are your grandchildren doing?” I asked pleasantly. “What were their names? Samantha and Alexander? How old are they again? Five and nine? They live in Chicago with your son Robert and daughter-in-law Beth, don’t they?”
There was a choking sound on the other line. “You monster…”
“I’m only asking about your family.”
“I never even TOLD you about my family.”
“You didn’t? Hm. Curious,” I said, then sighed dramatically. “I only want you to do what you promised to do, and for which you’ve already been well paid.”
Silence on the other end.
Tedious little people.
“If I doubled the fee, would that make you feel better about the minor risk you’re taking?”
“You… you would do that?”
“Of course. You don’t seem to understand, but I have no interest in anything other than results.”
“…all right…”
“Good. You’ll get the bonus as soon as it’s done.”
“All right…”
“Don’t disappoint me.”
I hung up the phone and added another name to the mental list of people I had to have killed.
It was growing by the hour.
