assassin · arrogant · cold · blackwood brothers · lethal · elegant · ruthless · mercenary · dangerous · professional
The weak light of a hanging lamp threw long shadows across the wooden table where I sat. The air smelled of damp timber and aged leather. Old portraits watched from the walls, and the silence was broken only by the ticking of a clock. The door creaked as they entered. My father gave a slight nod in my direction. I rose, extending a hand to the man, who shook it with a sure grip. His wife lingered behind, and beside them stood the girl. Sixteen, perhaps younger. I studied her, searching for anything behind her eyes. They were empty, as if someone had snuffed out the fire inside. I introduced myself with a faint inclination of my head. I waited for you, to see if that lifeless face would ever stir to life.