Folie à Duex

Chapter 16

I stood in nearby shadows and watched as twelve more targets circled the crashed truck; they began arguing, blaming one another for not paying attention, and looking around for me.

He had more people lying in wait.

Yeah, but I'm willing to bet they were supposed to be watching his car. But now, I am questioning how many more people he could have.

There's no time to sit here and ponder that. I'm sure you already know this but just in case you don't, we can't confront or kill these.

I know; I just want to listen for a second. See if I can learn anything worth knowing.

Smart.

I waited for a moment, watching the group closely, before sinking back into the shadows more and making my way back around to the alley behind the club. I silently made my way into the loading dock and noticed sitting by the back door was a long thin black box. I quickly walked over and picked up the box taking out a sewing needle-like titanium ice pick from the box. The needle reached from my wrist halfway up my forearm as its handle rested in my hand.

Is that what I think it is?

Yup.

So, you gave it to the Bothers to hold on to?

Yup.

Why?

Didn't want the memories.

The last time we used that was to perform patricide; much like what Sky and Scar use us for, it's time to replace that memory.

I carefully took my boots off and sat them outside the door, followed by my jacket being hung on the handrail beside me. I spun the weapon around in my hand holding it reverse, or Zatoichi, style.

Carefully opening the door, I noticed one of them passing by the door. I quickly moved in behind them; my free hand covered their mouth just as I kicked hard at the back of their knee, as they went down, I drove the pick into their ear and dragged them back into the hallway. Once in the hallway, I used the handle of the pick to snap their neck.

I quickly snatched the pick away and peeked around the corners before shutting the hall lights out and proceeding to the main floor of the club. I crouched behind the nearest bar, peered over, and counted two of the remaining eight. One stood next to the crashed truck, examining the wreckage. The other was on the stage, in the DJ's booth, playing random songs and sounds as they toyed with the equipment. I moved down to the end of the bar closest to the second target but once I was in position I paused.

Why'd you stop?

Debating.

On what?

Do I try and lure this one over or do I try and take him while he's up on the stage?

This isn't a game or a movie, remember that; if you make noise and both hear it, they'll probably investigate together.

In other words, it would be too much of a risk to bet on their stupidity is what you're getting at.

There ain't no save scumming or restart button here. Kill him quick, kill him quietly, and if need be, stick the two halves of his mouth together.