August Whodunit : Where Loyalty Lies

Epilogue

As Gary's flashlight guided his path through the veil of darkness which was the early morning, he couldn't help but think about later the day. To think the detective had figured out the culprit behind Mr Black's murder, or at least that was what he overheard. Just as Gary entered the house and was about to head upstairs, he heard light footsteps running down the stairs. Taking his chance of being next to the light switch, he turned it on only to find it was none other than him.

The man in front of him was the man who had been persuading him to investigate his Master's death, the man who he had been slowly getting to know since the investigation started, Mason Herend. Gary was stunned to say the least, even more so when he noticed the gun shoved into his right pocket. He did what anyone would do and asked him a question.

"Mr Herend? What are you doing up this early in the morning?" Gary asked, making the man in front of him swore.

"Gary, Gary, Gary. Oh, you shouldn't have been here," Mason cocks his gun, pointing it at Gary's head. "I'm sorry."

"You know, it's rather rude to point your gun at someone before you answer their question," Gary said as calm as possible given his current situation. "You know, I had my suspicions it was you but I guess I couldn't believe it entirely."

"Now you know," Mason smiled. "And what am I doing? I'm leaving, getting out of this goddamn country."

"So impatient, but I suppose that's understandable. In any case, you won't get far without this," Gary said as he toss a key ring to Mason. "The keys to the gate. I'm not expecting you to put down the gun but can I ask a question or maybe two?"

While the keys flew through thr air, soft 'cling clang' sounds could be heard as they hit one another. Mason miraculously caught the ring with one hand. His face had a shocked expression, for two completely different reasons Gary would assume. What the hell, he probably thought.

"Go ahead," he hesitantly granted.

"Like the keychain?" Gary asked. "Master Black gave it to me when I started working for him. I imagined he gave one to everyone he trusted. He gave one too you to right? You can have mine since you lost yours."

He gaped up at Gary. "Yes he did," Mason narrowed his eyes. "Why are you helping me?"

"A man who spent his entire life affecting the lives of those around him, someone who made their life miserable has finally come to the fact that it would be best if he.... A sudden last chance to redeem himself, giving one of his many foes the chance to end it all, all the suffering, hatred, dissatisfaction and murderous intent--" Gary said hoping Mason would remember the rest.

"--All it would take was for one of them to act before the others for it to all disappear," Mason finished.

"If that were the case, wouldn't you think Master Black would want his murderer to get away with it? Or more so escape?" Gary questioned.

"Yes, I suppose he would." Mason said before wondering whether there were reasons behind everything he did to him. "Thank you."

"Just doing my job, my last job for Master Black. Is the silencer on Mr Prodigal?" Gary asked referring to the gun.

"I think so," Mason examined the gun. "It doesn't matter if I don't have to use it."

After he finished, his eyes turned back to Gary. For a few moments, he probably thought about letting the man live. Seeing his obvious change of behaviour and tone made Gary shook his head and chuckled.

"If it is, then do me a favour," Gary pleaded. "Don't miss. My life revolved around being Master Black's security guard and right now, at the receiving end of interrogations. Now that he's gone, I'm really at a roadblock. At least this way I can say, I won't be on either side of another interrogation," Gary said as he took in one last big breathe.

"Alright." He wavered for a few moments before chuckling lightly. "Goodbye, Gary Woods."

Gary said nothing, all he did was close his eyes and hummed sweet melodies only he can hear. If he was being honest with himself, he was ready to accept everything but maybe a bit to scare to look death in the eye, still he was ready. He had been preparing since Mason first raised the gun, aimed at his head. Your entire life does flash before your eyes he thought, and he had a good---

~~~~~

"Master Black," Gary called out from outside his office.

"Yes Woods, come in. What is it? The guests will be arriving shortly," Mr Black stated.

"That's just it. I have some concerns about the guest you invited. Master, you invited Mr Herend your rival and Mr Crafter a former arsonist?" Gary said.

"Your point Woods?" Mr Black asked as he lit his cigarette.

"Master, regarding security I would like to accompany you at all times during the festivities. I know Miss Gena will be there but--" Gary tried to say but was cut off.

"Why? What has gotten you so worry?" Mr Black asked puffing out some smoke.

"I'm worry for your safety Master Black!" Gary exclaimed his worries.

"That's very thoughtful Woods but you need not to accompany me. Even if half of my guests have bones to pick with me and the other half are emotionally unstable, I'll be fine," Mr Black claimed. "And if I'm not then so let it be."

"Master Black, what are you--" Gary tried to ask but the words couldn't come out of his mouth.

"I have a lot of regrets throughout my life, a lot of secrets I kept to myself as well. The truth is, I wronged a lot of people, my childhood friend, my business partners, workers, the list goes on. And I'm sure they would like to take me out every chance they get. Woods... Gary, I would like you to fulfill a job for me," Mr Black asked.

"Of course Master," Gary wavered a bit.

Without another second wasted, Mr Black leaned forward and whispered into Gary's ear his wish. Though completely dumbfounded by the odd request Gary agreed and nodded. Mr Black smiled as he finally sent Gary away.