The Border Part Seven Read Free

just a few words once the job is done, for my other potential customers.”
    She stared at him. “Can’t you make that stuff up?”
    “That would be dishonest.”
    “Oh.” She paused. “Well, sure, I guess… I can give you a testimonial. After we’re done.”
    “I have fought in two wars,” he continued. “I have seen men die. Women and children too. And animals, so many animals, from the big ones like sheep and cows, to the small ones, even the insects. I tired of war, but I still want to use my skills. Do not be afraid, but this is actually my first job from the advertisement. In truth, I…” Reaching into his pocket, he took out a notepad and pen. “I want you to know that I am a real professional. I also want you to know that what you’re contemplating is not unusual. Do you know how many people in the world use the services of someone like me, in order to simplify their lives?”
    “How many?” she asked.
    “Lots.”
    “Really?”
    “Your life is a struggle,” he added.
    She nodded.
    “You look at your friends, your neighbors, and you wonder how they manage to do so well. Why don’t they look so haggard? Why aren’t they miserable? Why do life events seem to fall into place for them?”
    “I do wonder that.”
    “It’s almost like they avail themselves of secret services, of people like me, to make their lives easier.”
    She took a deep breath. “Is it?”
    “And do you know how many get caught?”
    She shook her head.
    “Almost none of them. How many times have you heard of a wife, for example, being caught arranging her husband’s death?”
    “I think I’ve heard about it in the news a few times over the years.”
    “A few times. Exactly. That’s less than one thousandth of a per cent of the times it happens. People like you use people like me all the time, in order to make their lives easier and happier. If that’s a crime, then shoot me.” He smiled. “Well, not literally. Shooting is my job.”
    “Sure, but…” She paused. “The way you do it,” she whispered, leaning toward him. “That’s kind of a crime, right?”
    “Let me worry about such things.”
    She paused again, before nodding.
    “I realize this is a difficult decision,” he continued, “and that taking the plunge might seem like a step too far, so I have come up with a solution that I am certain will make you happy. Here is my suggestion. I will take the full payment today. This is non-negotiable, it’s just the way things are done. The risk, in this regard, is entirely upon you, although I hope you consider me to be trustworthy.”
    “I do,” she replied, figuring that no-one with such blue eyes could be a liar.
    “After all, you must remember that I need your testimonial for my site.”
    She nodded. “Absolutely.”
    “And then you have twenty-four hours,” he added. “Twenty-four hours in which to call me off. If, during those twenty-four hours, you decide you don’t want me to do this, you simply send me a message. The money will be returned to you, minus a small fee, and the matter will be forgotten. If, on the other hand, you don’t send me a message during the twenty-four hours, I will know that you want me to go ahead. Your decision will be irrevocable, and I will strike fast and I will strike hard, and you will never hear from me again. Your husband will be history within minutes of that deadline passing.”
    She paused.
    “Do you understand what I’m saying, Mrs. Hague?”
    She nodded.
    “So are you in agreement?”
    She paused, before realizing that she couldn’t back out now. Besides, his way of doing things seemed reasonable, and she’d still have twenty-four hours in which to change her mind.
    “I have all your husband’s details,” he continued. “Just slide the money to me under the table, and we have a deal.”
    Fumbling through her bag, she pulled out the envelope of money and paused for a moment, before holding it under the table and pushing it toward him. After a few