The Knife Job

Prologue ⚠

Andy felt a tap against her shoulder and she turned around sleepily with a spark of annoyance woven through her facial expression.

The man took a start and lifted his hand, inside of his weathered limb, he clutched a shard of metal which caught the light from the sun, making it glitter amorously.

Andy breathed a sigh, aware of the knife in the man's hand. The migraine bounced against the walls of her head, causing her to catch her breath as it insisted a dose of drowsiness.

"Who are you?" She asked slowly, her ears popped after she had incredulously mumbled every word.

The man's lip curled into a sly grin. He didn't usually reveal his name, only to his victims because they would die anyway.

"Jack Valentano, you heard of me? I'm Britain's number one wanted criminal, 12 murders, I'm here to save you from your misery.

Andy attempted to chuckle at the handsome, dark man in front of her.

"Of course I've heard of you." She scoffed, "You're the plonker who tried to murder 100 people in Trafalgar Square by spraying blanks! The only reason why 12 people died was because of the stampede afterwards. I've heard 10 people have already recovered, so technically, hotshot, you haven't even killed 2 people.

You're number one wanted by a mental facility!"

Jack's cheeks faintly resembled a pink lady apple and he stuck his arm out towards Andy.

"See, I've got a scar from my experiences, my arm had to be amputated that's why it is shorter than my left." He showed both arms to Andy, his right arm was indeed a foot shorter than his left.

Andy scoffed feebly, "You were born with a right withered arm idiot, you said so in your blog."

Jack's eyes lit up and danced with excitement. "You read my blog?" His tone was hopeful.

"Of course." Andy agreed, "It's gone viral because of its stupidity. Everyone at school laughs at it. Especially your lack of spelling skills, it's definitely not defiantly!" Andy caught a glimpse of the knife, it was rested downstairs on the floor; she exhaled a sigh of relief, her diversion was working.

Jack's smile lopsided and his eyes fell on the floor in disappointment.

"Don't worry Mister, It will all get better soon." Andy gave him a pat on his shoulder and slid past him. He held her tie and pulled her back towards him.

"Not so fast missus, I've got to kill you first remember."

Andy pouted in disappointment and set her gaze on the knife which was rested by the criminal's feet.

She surreptitiously took a step forward and stuck her hand out, ready to capture the weapon. Jack reached for his knife on the floor, Andy tried to pick it up but Jack was too fast.

"You sly snake!" He hissed, running his fingers slowly against the edge off the knife. Andy took a step back and held the straps of her school bag firmly.

"Can't you kill me another day, I've got a terrible migraine," Andy pleaded, tilting her head back and sighing dramatically. Jack held his mouth firmly and shook his head to the side.

"No, besides, I've already told you who I am."

Andy carefully clutched the side of her head, motion caused her migraine to deteriorate.

"But I've heard you are the master of disguise." Andy said in flattery. Valentano's head tilted to the side in thought.

"True."

"And," She added enthusiastically, playing along with the felon, "They wouldn't recognize you if you let me go."

Jack weighed the options in his mind, it was essential that this girl shouldn't reveal his identity, even though he was, as she put it, a master of disguise.

"Please, not today, I can't be bothered to die."

Jack's lip curled into a wide smile. "I'll let you go for today, only, meet me at this exact spot at this time."

Andy checked the time on her watched, "4:00 tommorrow."

"4:00, I'll free you from your misery, if you report me to any authorities, I'll be out for your blood."

Andy nodded carefully in consideration of her migraine. "4:00 tommorrow, no authorities." She echoed. Jack smiled in approval, "Be there,"

She smiled uneasily, her stomach began to churn as the acid swished and swirled like a torpedo.

"I will."

Jack nodded pleasantly. "I'll see you soon Andy."

Andy nodded slowly. She was sure she didn't reveal her name to her captor. How did he know?

Her eyes darted around the neighborhood in discomfort. Maybe Jack wasn't as stupid as he looked.

She took one last glance at the distancing figure who was blending in with the robust clouds, and she made her way home, walking in the opposite direction.

Behind the comfort of her window and her large red tulips, a woman picked up her phone and dialled three numbers on to the key pad, her finger wavered on the call button, before pressing it firmly.

"12 Samson's lane, I'm reporting an attempted murder..."