A Pessimist's Fiction

The Piano Man Part 2

I walked back to my apartment slowly, wanting to kill myself. I let myself be manipulated and I killed the only girl I had ever loved. I was mixed up in a lot of bad things and that was the only way The Shark would let me out.

I couldn't stop thinking about the last thing she said. With her last breath, the breath I took away, she said she forgave me. I killed the woman I loved and she forgave me.

I opened the door to my apartment and something felt off. I cautiously walked through my spacious home to find no one there and nothing missing. It wasn't until I sat at my desk that I noticed what was wrong.

My pens were rearranged and the sheet of paper I left there that morning was gone. I opened all the drawers and found nothing strange until I unlocked the only drawer that required a key. Laying perfectly in the center of the drawer was an envelope with my name etched on the top in neat cursive: Kenneth Braxton.

I opened the letter and read it slowly, carefully.

'Your job is not complete. She has a sister. Take care of her. Then you will have completed your mission.

The Shark

Mr. Ivan Darcy'

No. I will not kill again, especially not her sister. This isn't what I wanted. Not what I thought I was getting myself into. I folded the letter and pulled out a new sheet of paper. I began writing my own letter, writing carefully, making sure to include everything.

'My name is Kenneth Henry Braxton. I was 22 when I got involved with a man named Ivan Darcy (The Shark) and his gang. I was part of his section for 6 years. I decided I wanted out and he granted me a way out. Distract the officer hot on his trail by killing his daughter. I did not realize that his daughter was the girl I was madly in love with. I carried out the mission anyway. I wanted out of the gang and away from Darcy. I returned home tonight to find the included note. I cannot carry out his wish. I cannot kill again, even if many think that's what this is.

My name is Kenneth Henry Braxton. I want to send my apologies to Ryan Dawson and his family. I am sincerely sorry and I wish I had had the courage to get out sooner. Before I loved your daughter. Before I killed her. I will not take anything else away from you.

I understand you cannot forgive me. I just hope you can see, I didn't want to hurt her.

Kenneth Henry Braxton'

I folded the note and placed it with the one from Darcy in the envelope. I tucked the envelope safely into my pocket and walked to me bedroom. I opened my gun cabinet and pulled out my revolver. I sat on the edge of my bed, pressed the barrel beneath my chin, and pulled the trigger.