"Puppets" or "The Slow and Painful Death"
"You may come out now, Thomas.", the tall man said, his voice
thick with exhaustion, his job finally done.
Mr. Harris didn't seem alarmed when a strange figure stepped out
from behind his curtains. In fact, he didn't seem to feel much at
all any more. His job was done, too.
"Well done, sir. Very well done.", Thomas said as he joined his
superior. His grin spread over his young face.
"Lose the exuberance, Thomas. It won't help you."
"Yes, sir. Certainly, sir.", Thomas said, still gushing
enthusiasm.
The older man shrugged and reluctantly replied, "You will
learn." After a pause, he continued, "Do you understand your
assignment?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Give the letter to me."
Thomas handed his letter of assignment to his elder and folded
his hands before him, trying not to fidget. The man glanced at the
letter, then slipped it into his pocket.
"You may finish the job, Thomas."
The young man's face brightened. "Me? You want me to finish?
Oh, thank you, sir! Thank you!"
The older man merely grumbled. He handed Thomas the revolver
and waited. The young man raised the gun and slipped it carefully
into Harris' fallen hand.
"Good. It is done.", the older man said with a sigh. Raising
his eyebrow, he spoke directly to his student, "You know what you
must do now?"
"Yes, sir. You've been a wonderful teacher. I'll miss you."
"Don't bother. It's not worth it. You'll learn enough of that
later. Good bye, Thomas. I... am ready."
His student nodded and pulled a small device from his pocket.
He placed it on his teacher's forehead and took a few steps back.
"Good bye, sir."
And then he was gone. All that was left was the golden ring
with the diamond "L" adorning it. Thomas bent, picked up the ring,
and walked calmly to the door.
The company was efficient.
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