Judgment Day (Available in paperback & eBook-SAMPLE)

Chapter 3

Thank you all for your support. I appreciate it. I hope you enjoy the new chapter and I will have another one for you next week. Have a great weekend. :)

(Michael)

He was sitting near the fountain, a paperback in his hands. As I approached the bench he occupied, my gaze swept over him and I noticed he was fidgeting. I sighed heavily. I hated dealing with nervous people. They required more of my time and attention.

Hoping to get through this without any complications, I unbuttoned my suit coat and took a seat on the other end of the bench. From the corner of my eye I saw him drop the book. It hit the bench, bounced off, and fell to the ground by his feet. I held back a curse.

"Relax, James," I said, in a calm voice. "I'm not going to harm you. You're safe with me."

"I-I'm sorry." He bent forward and retrieved his book. "I've never done anything like this before."

"That's alright," I assured him. "Take a deep breath and relax. Pretend we're just two guys hanging out and talking. Tell me how your girlfriend is doing."

"She's not well." James passed a hand across his face. "She can't sleep without having nightmares. She has crying spells, where she cries until she throws up. She doesn't want to be touched. I feel so useless and lost."

"I'm sorry," I said. "Have you suggested to her that she see a therapist?"

"Yes, and she doesn't want any part of it." He shifted slightly. "I'm hoping if you got rid of the sick son of a bitch she would feel safer."

"I have the information you gave my assistant so you don't have to repeat yourself," I told him. "I also have the picture of him that you faxed me. Once the job is complete, I will destroy all evidence of you ever contacting me."

"Good," James said. "Every Tuesday and Thursday night he goes bowling. His favorite place to go is Bricktown Lanes. He gets there around eight pm and leaves at closing, eleven."

"You've been doing your research," I said, impressed.

"It wasn't hard," he muttered. "I've learned that he's a creature of habit."

I adjusted my sunglasses and said, "I'll do it tomorrow night. The police are going to suspect you before anyone else. Therefore you'll need a solid alibi. I recommend you find a public place full of people and stay there all evening. The more people that see you the better off you are."

"Got it," James mumbled. "Will you call me after and let me know it's done?"

"No," I responded. "When we go our separate ways you won't see or hear from me again. Don't worry though. You'll know when the police show up at your door to question you. Do you have my money?"

"Of course." He stuck his hand in the inside pocket of his jacket.

"Do it slowly and try not to draw attention to yourself," I cautioned him.

James slowly brought out an envelope, placing it on the bench between us. "It's all there."

I scanned my surroundings, picked up the envelope, and tucked it into my pocket.

"You're not going to count it?" he asked, sounding surprised.

"I trust that it's all there." I lowered my sunglasses and looked at him. "You know what will happen if it's not."