I didn't want to be an assassin. I wanted to be a musician. Have a rock band. Tour the world. I was pretty good at the guitar. But that all changed the night I met Roy. Roy was a short little fat man with a bald head. He was very unimpressive. Looked like someone you would meet in Walmart or church. I was nineteen and sitting in a crowded food court at the mall. I didn't pay him any attention that day as he walked across the food court carrying a hand held video camera. I watched in curiosity as to why he had a camera out at the mall. I soon got my answer. He walked up to a business man and smiled. The man smiled back. Roy then pointed the camera at him and there was a thrust of air. The man suddenly grabbed his throat as if he was choking. Everyone looked to see what was going on as Roy darted away from the food court. As someone tried to give the man the Heimlich maneuver, I followed Roy. I already had figured out what had happened. Roy had hit the man with an air dart. As I followed, Roy suddenly spun around. As he did he pulled something from his pocket. A wallet. I thought it a bit strange as he closed his eyes and flipped the wallet open. Inside was a picture. I can't tell you what it was. Just trust me when I tell you the meer description would drive a brave man insane. Roy opened one eye and looked confused. "Doesn't this image affect you?" I shook my head no. Roy shut the wallet and grinned. "I think we can use you." That was years ago. Lets just say I was given this job against my will. So here I am now. Late twenties. With the wallet in my pocket. Containing the only copy of an image that can turn a mans blood to stone. Tonight I had one simple job. Wait in a Chicago bar near the courthouse and wait for Judge Stevens. Stevens was about to rule on a case that our employer didn't approve of. I don't know the case or really care. The money I was paid was awesome. Tonight I'll handle the judge and fly to the Philippines in the morning to chill. Judge Stevens came in just as I was polishing off my third beer. I watched him as he sat in a booth in the back. I kissed the rosary around my neck and headed to the back of the bar. I proceeded to approached the Judge like I was approaching an old friend. "Judge Stevens! You might not remember me but you sent me to prison a few years back." The Judge looked up. "Sorry. Is this a revenge attempt?" I laughed. "No Sir. I wanted to thank you for sending me up the creek. It really put my life in focus!" The judge smiled. " Your welcome I guess." Of course my story was complete bull shit. I removed the wallet from my coat pocket. "Would you like to see a picture of my family?" The Judge smiled. "Of course." I flipped the wallet opened so he could get a good glimpsed of the image. Suddenly pure terror crossed his face. I quickly put the image away and walked away calmly. I'd done this routine so many times before. I knew what would happen. As I'm walking away it looks as though the Judge is having a heart attack. As I walk out the door his hair turns white. As I get in my car his blood turns to stone. And as I drive away he dies. Like I said, the image literally turns your blood to stone. The money is good but I hate the job. I never wanted to be an assassin.
