Xuan finished planning for his first kill - Tim Marshall. It would be harder than expected since Tim was working long hours trying to forget about Anna. Two weeks had passed since Xuan had last seen Tim. Tim called Xuan yesterday, inviting him to hang out after work, and told him to meet him at his job at five. Xuan told Tim if he wasn’t there by 5, he’d have to reschedule due to a large shipment of herbs coming in.
Earlier in the week, Xuan got his firearm license in the mail. The old man had no problems getting one now that he’s running a business. Texas’ gun laws were so lax he only had to show a copy of the renter’s contract for the store. Xuan needed only one gun to finish off what he came to America for.
Xuan studied the revolver, a Baretta 92F, lying on the table. He was ready and as he put on his coat, the doorbell sounded. It was Katherine. Xuan placed the gun in his coat pocket and proceed to the door.
“Xuan, sorry to bother you. May I ask a favor?”
“Yes, sure.”
“My youngest is over for the weekend, and his temperature isn’t going down.”
“Give me a minute and I‘ll be right out.“
“Ok.“
Xuan closed the door, took out the gun and it, then placed it in a flowerpot nearby and came outside. Katherine hurried as Xuan had never seen her like this before. They reached her home and proceeded to her son’s room at the far end of the hallway. He was laying in bed, scarcely breathing and sweating heavily.
“I gave him medicine this morning, but his temperature isn't dropping. From what I see, he has a high fever.” Katherine gave Xuan a plastic chair and the old man looked over the young man. The scene reminded Xuan of his wife, Binh whenever she was sick. The old man deeply reflected as he closely monitored Katherine‘s son.
“I have some herbs that may help.” Katherine handed Xuan a plastic bag in which he saw White Willow. That herb was discovered thousands of years ago by Chinese doctors and oddly, Katherine had them.
“You’ll need to make him tea with this White Willow.” Xuan handed her the herb, and Katherine rushed to the kitchen. After finding Yarrow inside the bag also, he joined Katherine to make another treatment. Xuan took elderflower, peppermint, boneset, cayenne, and ginger from Katherines’s counter and told her it would be the perfect blend. Katherine finished making the first blend and rushed back. Xuan came inside minutes later, giving the young man his medicine and watched his response as the young man‘s sweat began to decrease. Katherine jumped up in joy, embracing Xuan. Then, Xuan excused himself, as he was a man on a mission.
Xuan scouted the area before Tim left from work, discovering an alleyway nearby. It would be the ideal place to execute Tim with nothing but junkies' things left behind. Waiting outside, Xuan watched the workers as they left for the day. His leather jacket didn’t stop the fall‘s wind from entering. As the clock reached 5:10, Xuan wondered if Tim was bullshitting him. The old man arrived over two hours ago, so another a few minutes wouldn't hurt.
A little boy came up to Xuan, selling a newspaper, and he kindly declined. “I’m sorry.” Subsequently, Tim came to the front entrance, looking disturbed. His hair was rumpled, and his shirt was half-open. His troubled expression stood out as he walked slowly, often looking behind as if he was expecting something bad to happen. Xuan was waiting far enough that Tim couldn't spot him. It was 5:32 and Xuan already gave him a heads-up about not coming. The only thing Xuan wanted was for Tim to walk through that alley. The pistol felt cold against the old man’s skin. It would be his first murder, and he felt high-strung.
Tim turned down another block, catching Xuan off-guard, as the old man almost collided into a pole. The sound caught Tim’s attention, and Xuan quickly hid behind a dumpster. The moment was getting close as Tim getting closer to that alleyway. Xuan checked the surroundings and there was no one in sight. The streets were almost empty, making an escape fairly easy. He then ran up to Tim from behind. The old man pulled out the Baretta and aimed; the cold barrel pressed up against the back of Tim‘s head made him stop. Tim placed his hands in the air thinking someone was robbing him. Xuan smiled speculating about this bastard’s final seconds.
Tim turned around and his eyes widened. “What are you doing, Xuan?” Xuan didn‘t immediately answer. Two worlds collided in the strangest of manners and yet it will be ashes to ashes, dust to dust for one.
“It's time to pay for what you've done.” Xuan’s voice shivered violently, ignoring Tim‘s endless sobs. Tim pleaded to Xuan why was he doing this.
“My wife, my daughter.” Xuan pulled out two photos, holding them up. Tim was at a loss of words. He remembered and felt ashamed. Tim‘s weeping only grew louder.
“What do you have to say, you fucking bastard before I kill you?” yelled Xuan regretting he hadn’t already done so.
“I’m sorry, please don’t.” Tim dropped to his knees, crying. “We were drunk fucks. Ok? It wasn’t my fault.” Xuan stood there shaking his head in disbelief.
“Well, this is mine.” Xuan shot Tim in the head. His body slammed on the cold ground and the old man stared, relishing the display of blood pouring. He knew Houston‘s news stations would be flooded with the death of their decorated marine, Tim Marshall. Xuan promised himself the other executions would be more extreme.
Two days had passed since Tim Marshall's death and Xuan was walking through the Galleria looking for a gift for Katherine‘s son. He thought about buying a watch but had trouble finding a good one.
The Galleria was packed, and Xuan had already been to his third watch store. On the top floor, he spotted a decent jewelry store. A gentleman was wrapping up with a customer when an old lady came from behind the counter. “Hi, how can I help you today?" "Can you show me your best watch? I've looked around and haven't seen anything good yet.”
“Sir. why of course.” The lady smiled and went behind the counter, pulling out a black box. “This is my favorite. I'm sure it will tickle your fancy.” She brought a Gold Seiko with a slick black leather band. Xuan looked at it for a long time, knowing the young man would like it. He wasn't easily defeated by an illness like his daughter.
The woman gift-wrapped the watch and the old man felt happy for once. He even strolled around the mall for a few hours before heading to Katherine‘s. She'd invited him over for dinner at seven, and now it was close to six. Xuan wanted to look presentable, so he bought himself an outfit at the mall.
Tim Marshall's funeral was held earlier in the day and Xuan excused himself, offering his deepest condolences. Joshua called Xuan the night before and Xuan acted shocked by Tim‘s passing. Xuan was arrived back home around 6:30 and after getting dressed, went downstairs to watch the news. The news coverage had a picture of Tim in the military and a quote enveloped in an American banner. The news reporter mentioned police were still searching for his killer and asked for the public's help in doing so. “Why is Tim‘s death getting so much coverage? He was an auctioneer overpricing his pieces of shit,” shouted Xuan.
The news anchor kept sobbing as if she knew Tim personally. “Tim Marshall was Houston‘s face of auctions for years. We will forever remember his bid calling. It‘s a shame his life ended so violently.” Xuan turned the TV off, not wanting to hear anymore. Whatever they know about Tim, was a lie. The man was wicked, and he deserved it.
Xuan left to go to Katherine‘s house and for the first time, he greeted his neighbors. They were baffled seeing an Asian man in their area.
Xuan rang Katherine‘s doorbell twice and she opened the door, embracing him in a hug. “Come inside, please.“ Xuan smelled the food as soon as he walked in. It seemed Katherine cooked better than Anna.
“Make yourself at home. My son Ethan will be down shortly.” Katherine touched Xuan and he smiled. “Is she flirting with me?”
“Tell him to hurry. I have something for him,” said Xuan holding up a bag.
“You shouldn’t have. That boy has everything.”
Katherine to go back to the kitchen and Xuan sat in the living room. To him, it was strange how American families were when getting to know them. Unlike the many Americans in Vietnam who were going around looking for prostitutes and drugs. As Xuan meditated, Katherine’s son entered, introducing himself.
“Good day sir. I’m Ethan.” The young man bowed respectfully surprising Xuan.
“Ethan, I’m Xuan. It’s a pleasure to meet you in better spirits.” Xuan urged him to sit down beside him. “Are you feeling better?”
Ethan was puzzled this strange man was asking about his condition. Xuan realized Ethan didn’t recognize him from the other day.
“You had a fever the other day. Your mother and I helped take it away.”
“Oh yes, sir. Thank you for the herbs. I feel much better now.”
Xuan reached into his bag and took out the black box. "Call me Xuan.” Ethan smiled as the old man handed the box to him.
Before Ethan opened it, Katherine walked in carrying plates of food; roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, salad, and corn on the cob.
“Hopefully, you’ll enjoy this. It took my whole day and I need a new oven,” said Katherine wiping the sweat off her forehead. Xuan valued her time even if the food would taste bad. Judging from the smell, it would be better than Anna's.
“You deserve a cooking award, Mom,” laughed Ethan, forgetting to say grace while eating.
Katherine slapped him in back of the head. “The guest goes first and what about grace, dear. You remember?”
Ethan froze staring at Xuan, disappointed. "Yes, mom. I'm sorry."
"Now say grace and let's eat."
Katherine joined them after getting a few cups from the kitchen.
Xuan praised Katherine repeatedly as the three entertained in lengthy conversations, forgetting about their concerns. He learned a lot about Ethan and saw many similarities between the young man and his daughter, Binh. Suddenly, a hope sparked in him to spend time with the young man. Reasonably, as a way to fill the gap in Xuan's heart. He envisioned Binh looking down on him happily.
“So, Xuan,” asked Ethan. “Why did you move to Texas?”
“Ethan, I think we should draw the line there and give Xuan privacy,” stated Katherine.
Ethan lowered his head. “Sorry again, mom.”
“It's okay,” Xuan reassured Katherine. “I wanted to open my herb business in America. It will be good for Americans to experience different sorts of healing.” Xuan answer was complex but enough for Ethan to comprehend.
“I’m curious about these herbs' ability to treat. Are they better than our medicines?” asked Ethan.
Xuan took a sip. “I wondered that too when I was your age, young man. My mother always had many herbs laying around our kitchen, and I grew interested. Little did I know, I would become an herbal expert later in life.”
Ethan and Katherine laughed as the spirit in the house felt calm.
“I wonder, now that summer is almost here. Would you have a job opening at your store?” asked Ethan. Clearly, it was the last thing Xuan expected to hear. Many teens focused on school in Vietnam until graduation and did little odd jobs if they weren't.
“Ethan,” warned Katherine, playing with her food. She was afraid her son was annoying Xuan.
“I’ve been looking for someone since your mom did all the work with fixing everything and we're now partners. I think your hands could do me some good.” Xuan gave him a handshake agreement and Ethan accepted.
“Thank you, Xuan. It’s such an honor.” Then, Katherine warned Ethan if he didn’t listen to Xuan, she‘d send him back home to his father for the summer. After supper, they played cards and Xuan lost every match. Ethan was winning and Katherine accused him of cheating. It was fun ever for Xuan.
“I have to excuse myself. I’m feeling a bit tired.”
“Ok, Xuan. Thanks for coming.” Katherine and Ethan then walked Xuan to the door.
“Oh! Before I forget. Ethan, come on Saturday for your first day of work.”
It was Ethan’s first day, and he was more excited he was out of college than starting work. The young man was top of his class, and Xuan respected that. Ethan might have had a girlfriend but didn’t reveal much.
“Where should I place this, Xuan?” he asked while unpacking a big box filled with commodities.
“Line them up on the shelves. It’ll look like we have many things for sale. Don’t you agree?”
“I do.”
While Ethan was stacking the items, in came Xuan‘s first customer; a middle-aged man, who seemed worried. “Do you need help with anything, sir?”
“Do you have any rosemary and chamomile?” The man went in his pockets, taking out a few coins. Xuan knew he was poor and it saddened him. “Sure, sir.”
Ethan helped, and the man asked the price, counting his coins.
“Your total is two dollars but—” paused Xuan as the man went to give him the money.
“It’s on me.”
Ethan packed the herbs and gave them to the man who smiled thanking them.
After the man left, Ethan had nothing but praises for Xuan. “We must help when we have it,” remarked Xuan.
Xuan went to the back and picked out one of the newspapers from the heap of mail at the door. Reading the front-page, it took him by surprise when he saw Tim's widow's interview mentioned on Page 3. She talked about Tim, telling that their marriage was the best time of her life and how she couldn't imagine living without him. “Such lies,” Xuan deemed. The old man shook his head and turned the page.
The day went by quickly with Xuan was tallying up the inventory in the back. Ethan didn’t bother Xuan as he was needed out front. When Xuan and Ethan were ready to leave for the evening, a man was waiting outside the door, startling Ethan.
“Zachary!?”
“I was the man but not no more. Oh God! Tim‘s gone.” His words slurred as it appeared Tim had been drinking.
Xuan told Ethan to go, telling him the guy was a companion. “Ok, Xuan. See you tomorrow.“ Xuan tucked the shop's keys in his pocket while he walked over to Zachary. “What the hell are you doing here?” asked Xuan. Zachary stumbled with his face landing in Xuan’s chest. Xuan pushed him away but It was clear Zachary was too drunk to walk. A car rode by seeing Zachary and the driver shouted his name but he didn’t stop.
Xuan had no plans of killing him yet. He could have just left him on the sidewalk but Xuan carried Zachary to his house. He laid Zach down on his couch, hearing his heavy breathing that rocked the living room. The smell of alcohol scented the entire downstairs.
“Tim’s gone and now others are alone.” Zachary’s words caught Xuan‘s attention as he took his shoes off, kicking them aside.
“What do you mean?”
“They think someone is after them after all these years. It’s probably because it’s—” Zachary's words stopped. He dozed off asleep. The only thing stopping the old man was Ethan who saw Zach and could implicate Xuan being the last person to be with him. Xuan went through Zachary’s belongings and found only curled up dollars. He let Zach sleep in peace; a word that shouldn’t be associated with this monster. Xuan went upstairs and knew he would gather more in the morning when Zachary was sober.
It was morning and Xuan Lang couldn’t sleep well because of Zachary who was still asleep. Xuan went downstairs to wake him; stomping loud on the wooden steps. Xuan sensed Zach's loud snoring disturbed his neighbors. The old man cleared his throat at the bottom of the stairs, waking Zachary who jumped up in fear.
“Morning, Zach." Zachary rubbed his eyes while coughing.
“Xuan.” Zachary hesitated, straightening himself up. Xuan came for one reason; a confession resulting from last night.
“I must’ve crashed here. Huh?” said Zachary tripping over his shoes.
“You did and coming to my shop drunk wasn’t a good sign of faith. You scared my worker.” Zachary couldn't look up at Xuan. “I’m sorry, bud.”
“It’s okay, but while we were chatting, you fell asleep saying something. What’s happening to us?”
“I don’t know where to even start, Xuan?” Zachary covered his face, plopping on the couch.
“Tim and I had a secret business involving gold. Tim had his own venture in the auction business, so this was a little extra on the side. We didn’t mean to invest much, but as time went on, we were forced to.” Xuan got up and brought Zach a glass of water.
“I stopped paying my share for a few months and the business failed.” Zachary then began to cry.
“So what happened after that, Zach?”
“We borrowed from a loan shark, and now Tim's gone, they are after me."
“So they’re following you?” Xuan wasn‘t sold on Zachary‘s story.
“Are you fucking kidding me? Of course, they are. They chased me around town yesterday. I’m lucky I survived.”
“So, what to do now, Zach?” Xuan was worried the men might finish Zachary before he did. "Are they professionals?”
“I don’t know, Xuan. I need your help."
“Tell me more about these people."