A Locked Box

Chapter 32

   Kat swallowed the bile rising in her throat. The name was right there. Why couldn't she wrap her head around the idea? She didn't even know the couple. Yet, it was so hard to pick up a knife and finish the job. They were placed in witness protection, but that wasn't the problem. It was the idea of going back to Devin and explaining the pain she had to inflict on innocent people.

   "I know what you're thinking and this man is not innocent. He lied to get to his influential position." Jack continued to drink his liquor, content with the seething beast in front of him.

   Kat's jaw clenched for a moment. She cleared her throat and closed the envelope. "It'll be done."

   "In twenty-four hours, yes." Jack leaned back and stretched his legs out on the glass coffee table to his right. Kat's eyes widened a bit. "You'll listen to me this one last time. It's part of the deal you made with me." He reminded when he noticed how reluctant she looked.

   "Yes," Kat gave in after a beat.

   "Yes?" Jack looked up with a smirk.

   "Yes, sir. You'll have your job done in less than twenty-four hours." Kat said with a dead tone.

   She had found the safehouse in an hour. Her way there took thirty minutes. The job would only take two.

   She took a deep breath in the stolen car she had taken from the hotel parking lot. This one and she could be out. It would be so simple. She messed with the silver heart pendant as she checked her rearview mirror for anyone who followed. She was clear.

   The protective guards were gone seconds later. It was a cake walk. She could simply walk in, dispose of the targets and walk right back out. That's what Kat told herself. She kept her mind on Devin who was probably worried sick. She would assure him later.

   The screams rang in her ears, but Kat ignored them. It would all be over soon. Two well-aimed pops to the brain and she was out. Her tears streamed down her face as she raced out of the building. Her stomach flipped violently as she emptied her gun and left it there. Her forehead dug into the steering wheel as she settled her coursing emotions. It took longer than she had expected. Clearing her throat, she typed in the number with no longer shaking hands.

   "It's all been taking care of," Kat said with a now even voice.

   "Took you longer than I had expected." Jack chided.

   Kat smiled despite her near breakdown seconds ago. "Goodbye, Jack. Goodbye forever." She ended the call before she could hear any more of his voice. It truly was the last time she would hear it.