A Life for a Life Read Free Page A

Talking to me?"
    Guy leaned on the railing. I did the same with him, intrigued by this exotic stranger suddenly appearing in my life.
    His eyes slowly closed. "I have done things in my career, that I am not proud of. Things that have pushed the world toward evil. I have been well compensated for these deeds by many governments. Now, I have no more need for money. My conscience has caught up with me, and I no longer will accept any job without deep consideration."
    "Why are you here then, tonight? Talking to me, of all people?"
    Guy's eyes opened as he turned to me, and ran his hand over my cheek. "Because, love, I think you can help me on my road to redemption."
    My head turned away. "I'm a trophy wife married to a monster, how on earth can I help you?"
    "I feel every human being has a duty to strive for goodness. The sum of their life making the world more beautiful. As such, I am seeking to plant the seeds of a better world."
    "Asking me to repent my evil ways?"
    "Repent what? Rena Holly, you're as good person as I've ever seen. My studies showed you stayed at a soup kitchen well beyond the need to get credit for college extracurriculars, just so all of the homeless could get a hot meal. You've given every bit of the allowance you get from Lester to your mother. Even as minor as tipping 40% since you came into fortune has caused a spreading of goodness through the world."
    I let out a breath, wondering exactly how much did he know about me. "Yeah, and? I stole a twenty from my Mom's purse when I was 12. I never gave back my friend's Loverboy CD - and if you haven't noticed, I said 'I do' to a monster."
    "Minor sins. You're human, you aren't perfect. The scales of justice are heavily weighed in your favor."
    I kept shaking my head, still completely overwhelmed by the situation at hand. "Sorry for changing the subject, but if you're not here to kill me, then why do you know so much about me?"
    "Simple," Guy's arm went over my shoulder as his other gestured over and toward the man who was laughing it up with the rest of his business associates. Lester. "I request your aid in the slaying of the monster you said 'I do' to."
    "You mean you want to kill Lester?"
    "Yes. As much as you, I have researched him. He's an irredeemable blight on humanity, who the world will be better without. "
    I couldn’t argue with that, knowing as much about Lester as anyone. If I had known what I did when I was at the altar, I would have stabbed him in the face with the bouquet. The entire courtship was carefully engineered though, that I wouldn't see him for who he was until it was far too late. He was completely aware of evil, and instead of changing himself to stop it, he reveled in it.
    With my few moments of thought, I turned to Guy, and stated plainly: "How much do you want?" I couldn't believe that I spit that out of my lips. That I wanted my husband dead. That I was requesting it, breaking the law to see it happen. I could try to claim insanity if I got brought to trial, right? I mean, I was moments from tossing myself off a ledge.
    Guy slowly shook his head. "I told you, I have no need for money any longer. I am set for life."
    "Pro Bono hitman work?"
    "Hardly. I demand payment for the work done."
    "Then what do you want?"
    "You." In a flash, Guy's lips were on mine, his tongue slipping through. I found myself accepting his embrace. Passion. Real, actual passion. I thought I had it with Lester during our courtship, but I found that man could manufacture anything to get that ring on my finger. There was something raw, honest about the way Guy was touching me. His hands slid down my back, and around my ass.
    Our kiss broke, but our eyes remained with each other. His gaze was warm, caring, in spite of his career. Mine? One of confusion. "I - I don't understand."
    "There are many ways to promote goodness in the world, my dear Rena. I tend to focus on two aspects, however." He pushed my face against his. My sight glanced over to the crowd, but in