Thread: Murder Me (redux) [AndNich123 & ShadowsLitany]

Sleep barely touched him, it was more a daze as he lay back closing his eyes and felt himself float. To be truthful with himself he was nervous, unsure if this was right. Something about it crossed a line that one should never cross. There were some paths that once you took them, you cannot go back. To take a life, anyone's life was so all encompassing the enormity of it seemed to weigh down on him and it was that which kept him from really sleeping. Just as he felt himself drift off again momentarily there was the ping from his phone. Bruce froze for a moment, knowing that it was a response to his message. It couldn't be anything else. For a stretched out moment he looked at the phone wondering if he could do this and make that step. It was agonizing and it kept getting worse the more he thought about it. Going around and around as he thought out the scenarios, taking the step and taking a life wondering how different he was going to be after. Thinking that anyone who looked at him would know, like a stain on his face anyone who looked him in the eye would know what he had done and the guilt would slowly crush him like a man under a heavy stone. Reaching out tentatively the sound went off again and again as his hand went for the phone, then pulled back. Finally as if frustrated with himself and being unable to make a decision he reached out and checked the message. Meet her at the cafe at noon, he mused to himself as he read the message for the fourth time. She'll be in black. How appropriate, he could see a faceless body sitting at a cafe table, a veil over her face as well. Like some spirit that waited for a passerby to notice her, before dragging them down to hell. Laying back he finally pulled himself up, Bruce you've done nothing yet. It's new territory and you've done things a hundred time scarier than this. He told himself over and over as he got up and walked to the shower and stood under the water for a long time feeling the nervousness collect in the pit of his stomach turning it in knots. It's just like any other business arrangement, get the terms and work them out like any deal. Don't fear it, just do it. You've jumped from places, skied down mountains, raced a burning motorcycle and car this is nothing. Who knows it may just be a joke and at the most you'll waste an hour and a cup of coffee. Taking time to get ready he dressed more casual than he might usually do, jeans and a black t-shirt. It definitely showed how in shape he was but it gave him a sense of comfort, of normalcy in this whole thing. Not feeling quite ready but also growing curious he took a car down to the street and waited in the car for almost an hour until the time was right. Trying to keep his pace slow felt accusing eyes as he walked through the crowd, down the sidewalk and into the cafe where the sweet smells of baked goods mingled with the bitter scent of roast coffee. Ordering a cup he looked around and let his eyes linger, on the only woman in all black. Ignoring the smile from the barista he walked over to the table and took the seat opposite. Afternoon, he began politely suddenly unsure how to start the conversation and knowing that even in the busy cafe with the noise and everyone glued to their phones no one paid them any mind. I am the one who answered your ad.