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Fuck.
Looking between the two of us, Kenneth Ellington angles the door between his body and ours. “Can I help you?” He asks, eyeing us suspiciously.
I step forward, extending my hand. “Hi I’m Casper and this is-”
“Juliette.” Arriana cuts me off, offering a small smile.
Feeling my own smile strain, I direct his attention back to me. “And we’re here to survey the area for the solar panels you were interested in installing.” Kenneth perks up and I feel bad we’re not actually solar panel technicians. Fuck if I know anything about the invention except that it’s supposed to help ease the strain on the power grid.
I wait patiently, hand still extended. Appearing a little less wary than before, Kenneth sidesteps the door, taking my hand with his clammy palm. “Oh great, you guys are a week early.” Suspicion is etched into his face at the mention of an upcomingappointment date. Thankfully for us, and not so much for him, Andrew did his homework.
“Oh yes,” I agree, shaking his hand with confidence. “The office was supposed to contact you. We had a cancellation and due to you being on our high priority list of potential clients, the appointment was moved up.” Some of the worry lines ease on his face and I feel a pang of guilt hit me.
What is wrong with me?
Pushing through the unfamiliar emotions, I retract my hand, slipping it into my pocket. “We could leave and come back on the 27th as planned?” I offer, knowing full well he won’t accept it.
The kid is not only on his way to revolutionizing some big tech thing I won’t pretend to understand, he’s also very eco-conscious. The kind of person we should be protecting, not erasing from existence.
Suppressing a weary sigh, I shrug and turn to Arriana when Kenneth doesn’t immediately respond. “Alright Juliette, let’s go then. Don’t want to bother Mr. Ellington anymore than we already have.” We make it down the first step before a quiet voice calls out.
“Wait!” Kenneth yells. I turn around and watch as he clambers out of the house. “We can do this now. Sorry, I’m just a little on edge because…well, regardless, right now works. Come on in.” He gestures inside as he speaks, my heart rate picking up as we cross the threshold.
I really don’t want to have to kill this kid.
My gaze drifts to Arriana and I can see the same grim line set on her face as mine.
Even psycho princess doesn’t want to do this. Fuck, I wish we had a say in these targets.
Kenneth closes the door and steps in front of us, unaware of the danger he just let into his home. “The electrical panel is thisway.” He says cheerfully, starting down the hall to the left of the entryway.
Even the interior of his home reflects the kind of person he must be. The walls are lined with photographs of organizations he has contributed funds toward, several animal rescue photos, an award for helping to provide internet to underprivileged populations. Every step farther into his home sends a stab of anger into my gut.
He shouldn’t have to die.
But it’s not up to me. Never has been.
Just as we’re about to pass through the living room, I speed up my steps and place a firm hand on his shoulder. Glancing back at me, Kenneth begins to ask, “What’s up ma-” The question gets caught in his throat as he takes in my expression. Eyes darting between Arianna and me, he whispers, “You’re not really here for the solar panels, are you?”
I shake my head somberly. “I’m afraid not Kenneth.” He shudders in my grip, terror filling his eyes. I scan the room quickly, noting a small sofa chair tucked into the far corner.
The least I can do is give him comfort in his last moments.
Angling him toward his last resting place, I apologize. “I really wish we didn’t have to do this.” Blowing out a heavy breath, I begin to march us forward, feeling every bit the executioner.
“Then don’t.” Kenneth brokenly whispers.
I squeeze my fingers and he winces. “I wish I had a choice. Believe me, I really do.” We reach the seat and I push him down. “Now there were specific instructions given for your death.” Kenneth whimpers at the word. Pushing away the emotions threatening to break me, I continue. “I’d rather give you a quick and painless end and fulfill them after.” Turning my attention to the woman watching from across the room, I raise an eyebrow. “Good with you?”
Arriana looks between us and inclines her head, her continued somberness surprising me. “Yeah, works for me, old man.” Even the use of the nickname falls flat as it comes out of her without inflection.
Turning back to Kenneth, I snatch a small pad of paper and pen I had noticed resting on the coffee table. “Would you like to leave a message for anyone?” I’m not sure why I care so much about this kid, why I’m offering him a painless death and the opportunity to say goodbye when I’ve killed dozens of others just as innocent.
Tears running down his face, he wordlessly nods, extending a shaky hand. I give him the paper and writing utensil, crossing my arms over my chest. He scribbles down a few messages, tear stains blotting out some of the words. I take the notepad and, after a quick examination to make sure he didn’t try to say anything incriminating, I set it back down on the table. Peering down at him, I bite the inside of my cheek and use every ounce of control I have to say the next words. “Are you ready?”
Kenneth looks up at me, a sorrowful acceptance on his face. “Thank you.” He murmurs.
I’m frozen in shock. We’re here to kill him and he’sthankingme?
