The homeowner watched out the window then flashed the porch light on and off. The car slowed at the curb in front of the mint-green two-story on West Waldburg Street then stopped. The visitor got out, walked to the door with a briefcase in hand, and knocked. He was welcomed in.
“Good to see you again. It’s been a minute.”
The man, Abraham Norris, nodded. “Do you have the list and our agreed-upon price?” He crossed over the threshold, into the foyer, and waited there.
“Yes, I’ll go get it. Do you want to come in, have a beer, talk?”
“No. Just the list and the money, then I’ll be on my way. I don’t socialize when conducting business.”
“Suit yourself.” The homeowner disappeared down the hall and returned seconds later. “There are three people on this list, and they all deserve to die if that makes any difference to you.”
Abraham shrugged. “Doesn’t affect me one way or another. It’s just a job, nothing personal.”
“After they’re dealt with and I have the evidence of their deaths, that should be all I need. Here’s twenty thousand dollars more, all in fifties like before.”
Abraham fanned the bills then replaced the paper clip on each stack of a thousand. “I’ll bring in the robbery goods. I’ve been driving around with all that shit in my trunk, and that isn’t smart.”
“Was there anything you wanted from it?”
“I don’t deal with hot merchandise. I’ll go get the bags.”
“Yeah, okay. I’ll stash everything for now.”
Abraham returned to the car, lifted two bags from the trunk, and took them inside. “Here you go. Enjoy. Now, back to the matters at hand. How long do you want this to take?”
“Today is the second of May. I need them all dead before the fifteenth, but space them out a little so the cops remain overwhelmed.”
“Not a problem. Nice doing business with you.” Abraham placed the stacks of cash in his briefcase and, with his gloved hand, turned the doorknob and walked out.