Death's Hitman

Chapter Six

She sat up with a groan the following morning which made Hitman smirk from across the room where he was sorting through their bags. But then she observed that he was taking a lot out of her bag and putting it into his own. When he passed hers across to her after she'd showered and dressed it was significantly lighter. She also noticed that the water he handed her to drink was tinged with silver and a lot of her soreness from the day before faded away. Though she was curious about these acts of kindness she was wise enough to not question them.

As they set off she was careful not to complain, but he set a slightly easier pace for them, ensuring she could keep up easily. It seemed he was in a good mood and she made the most of it.

"Tell me about John," he suddenly said. She glanced up at him and smiled.

"We met at a club about six months after I split with Jim. He was standing at the bar and I never saw such a handsome man. He had the bluest eyes I ever saw and he was serious, not like the other boys. He ate well, didn't drink, worked out every day and kept on top of his studies. I guess he was the boy every mother wishes their daughter would bring home. We sat and talked about our college work and he said he liked a girl who knew what she wanted. We had a few dates, went out for meals but he didn't drink and told me he didn't want me doing either. I guess it was strange for college students to do the whole not drinking thing but it was OK." She paused and he looked down taking in the slightly strained look on her face.

"Did he tell you what to do all the time?" he asked. She shrugged.

"I guess. I didn't mind so much for the most part." Her face scrunched up slightly and he observed her expression.  "But... something happened... something happened...: She broke off and her eyes became glazed. "It was when we moved in together. I used to get a lot of dreams. I'd dream about... someone else... I don't remember. But he'd get real mad. I remember that."

"What did he do when he got mad?"

"Not what you did," she said, sliding her eyes towards him and then away again.

"Yeah well, you asked for that," he replied without a trace of guilt.

"He was kinda cold, would make me sleep on my own. Or he'd walk out, not tell me where he was going and be gone for two or three nights with no contact at all.  Then when he came back he'd make it clear he wasn't happy with me for a few more days, kind of snipe at me or give me the silent treatment. I didn't like it. I guess I'd rather what you did so it's done with and we can move on."

Hitman considered this and then nodded, he understood what she meant.

"Any idea who you dreamed about?"

"I wish I did." She paused. "I did love him though and I guess I miss him."

"What do you miss about him?" Hitman asked and she was thoughtful.

"I don't know really. He'd got a real sweet side, would surprise me with little gifts all the time. And he helped me out with my studying too, helped me make up schedules for myself so I could keep on top of everything. It's hard to pin down what I loved about him, but I guess I must have loved him as we were living together..." She broke off again and that same confused look came on her face.

"Did you know someone called Bret?" Hitman suddenly asked and she froze as if he had poured ice down her back.

"I don't think so," she said,  but her voice was shaky. "I feel real funny, sir. Please can we just stop for a minute?" He looked at her and saw that she'd gone white. She stumbled a little and he grabbed her arm, stopping her from falling. He looked around trying to find somewhere she could sit and spotted some  rocks a few feet away. Helping her over to them he let her sit and then crouched in front of her.