Once a Thief

Sample of my contribution to Infinite Possibilities "Once a Thief"

"Once a Thief"

by

DJ Shaw

Prologue

The universe is not one; it is infinite. A multi-verse of possible lives where history and science can change our experiences and mold who we are. I am only one of many possible me's that exist. I have lived, loved, and died a million times, and there are millions of other lives waiting to be led. My name is Ember Addams, and these are my stories.

                                                                                                     *****

Sebastian Koller wasn't sure what to expect when he walked into The Thunder Tavern, owned by a Roscoe Stone, a biker bar with a reputation for being rather rough at the end of town, but it was the place that Ember Addams had insisted that they meet. Her name had come highly recommended for a job he needed done, so he agreed to meet her at the bar inside of The Thunder Tavern.

As Sebastian approached the raven-haired beauty he made sure to keep his gaze down and mouth shut so as not to gain unwanted attention.

"Ms. Addams?" Sebastian asked as he took a seat on the bar stool next to the woman.

"Ember, please. Mr. Koller?" she responded.

Sebastian cringed when she called him 'Mr. Koller'. He knew that she was just being polite; had probably been brought up to use 'Mr.' and 'Ms.' but he hated it nonetheless, "Sebastian. Mr. Koller is my father. I have something I need you to acquire for me and someone that needs to be disposed of. I understand that you can do these things discreetly and with no questions asked."

Ember held her hand up, "Follow me before you say anything more."

She nodded to the bartender who handed her a bottle of Jack Daniels and two shot glasses, then made her way to the back of the establishment taking a seat in a dimly lit corner booth. Right away Sebastian could tell Ember was a different type of woman altogether.

She settled into her seat and poured them each a shot, "Please step into my office and let's discuss terms."

Sebastian took a seat and accepted the shot glass Ember handed him.

She raised her glass, downed the shot and then continued, "This is how I do things: You put together the information I need; the name of the subject and a picture, their routine, etc., then give it to me. For the item you need acquired I'll need a picture as well and any information you can give me on its where abouts. When you get all of that together we'll meet again. Depending on the information and how tough I think the job will be my price might be steep. If you're not sure you can afford me walk away now, otherwise it's half up front and the other half after the job is done. Are we clear on the terms?"

Sebastian watched as Ember drank another shot of whiskey while he pretended to consider his options. He already knew that he was going to hire her, no matter the price. He needed a professional to take this job of his and Sebastian had been told that Ember was that professional.

"So, what's it going to be, champ? You're not my only appointment tonight," Ember said as she drank another shot.

Sebastian gave a quick nod, "We're clear. I'll gather all the info you need. It'll take me a few days, so why don't we meet back here on Saturday? Say ten o'clock at night?"

"Sounds good. I'll see you then, Sebastian," she replied.