Riley's Last Job

"Very," the man smiled back.

"Good- where's my money- the other half."

Lamar produced a thick envelope from his coat.

Riley opened it and counted- $25,000.  That along with the other $25,000 and the other "service fees" as he thought of them brought his account to well over $300,000.  More than enough to make him comfortable where he was going.

"He died this morning- I had a man watching him all night.  I have to say I had my doubts, Mr. Riley."

Riley didn't say anything, didn't look at the man.  He just wanted to be out of the car- he put his hand on the door handle but Lamar put a well manicured hand on his arm, stopping him- Riley stopped but didn't look at him.

"It was necessary, you understand.  He would have ruined both of us- Charlotte and I would have just been contributing to the scoundrel's bank account.  He was a very disagreeable sort.  I can assure you."

"I don't really care.  It's done," Riley said, exhausted.  He had to get out.  He made an attempt only to have Lamar's cold steely voice come to him again.

"What if I need to reach you in the future- for further services?"

You won't be able to- I'm retiring.

Mexico?

This time Riley did look at him and his eyes narrowed, How did you know that?

A man in my position can not be careless.  Will you leave me a contact number?  Should I be able to persuade you out of retirement?

I don't think that's a good idea.

Come, now.  Riley- a man of your talents, is highly prized.  I have the position and contacts to put your services to good use.  You could become a wealthy man.

I have enough money, Lamar.  I have to go now.

Alright, suit yourself- but I have to ask-

I don't know how- he said, knowing the question, It's just something I've always been able to do.  Not all the time- but I can control it mostly.  It started out different, you know. I can turn it around sometimes.

Lamar had a quizzical look on his face.

I can do the opposite.  Whatever it is, works in reverse, too.  I can bring things to life- if they haven't been gone for too long and the damage isn't too severe.

How remarkable.

Riley thought for a moment and looked at Lamar.  The man wore a complacent cold countenance.  Riley's voice was steady.

I don't want you to contact me anymore, Lamar.  I mean it.  I'm retired.  I know you probably could if you wanted- but I'm telling you not to.

A thin smile was on Lamar's lips.

Riley started to get out, then a thought struck him, he looked back, the rain splattering on him, Lamar, it's curious about this thing I have- whatever it is.  I don't have to touch people- I've found I can just be around them and I can do it.  And I can make it slow and painful.  Remember that.?

Before he closed the door, Riley saw the smile falter- just a little- but enough.  As he got back into his car, the envelope in his own jacket pocket, he knew that would be the last time he would have to see Lamar or anyone like him.  What he said wasn't the truth- he did have to make contact in order to do it- but Lamar didn't know that.  He was officially retired.  All he had to worry about now was sunburns and hangovers. 

As he drove through the rain, to the airport, Riley allowed himself to think about his short career.  Six men, one woman, in two and a half years.  He had been careful and discreet.  He had turned down over a dozen possible jobs.  Once, he had come close to being caught- Chicago- a police chief.  But, that was due more to bad luck than anything he could control.  Still, it had made him paranoid and that paranoia probably had saved him a few times.