Stay On Target – Installment 3

Stay On Target

By

D.M. KURTZ

Installment 3: A Nefarious Seed

Third cup of coffee… Always black.

He scribbled the notation in a notebook he’d laid out on the corner table nearest the exit of the local deli. The pocket-size Memo pad was freshly purchased and soon-to-be burned once its purpose had been accomplished. Despite his lack of love for fire or for destroying things before they had been fully used, he found this particular part of the job rather satisfying. Through keen observation, he was able to piece together a profile for each target. It was a practice that had served him rather well. Plus, the time amongst the masses served to soothe the lonely ache that had slowly grown over the years.

Emma Swanson was having breakfast with one Rose Parker, the sister. The pair had finished eating more than an hour ago, yet they had remained at their table where they continued to chat. Tenebra found it rather curious that neither of the women ever cracked even the faintest hint of a smile.

Not a social gathering, he surmised. Strictly business. Rose and Emma had exchanged papers early on in their meeting, some of which were reviewed while the others were quickly tucked away in their respective purses.

Why not use email?

The documents were likely of a sensitive nature for the women to take the extra step of handing them to one another in person. While the contents might shed some light on Emma having been selected, he was never so foolish as to risk an in-person interaction, despite his desire to have the secret revealed. In any case, the odd and tense nature of the meeting did serve to somewhat ease his hesitation.

She’s nothing like the images across social media, he mused. Something to hide, after all…

He leaned back with a brow that furrowed as the pair rose from the table and shook hands before they parted ways.

Fascinating… he scribbled a few more notes before downing the last gulp of coffee with just a hint of cream and honey that his own mug contained. His observations were carrying him in the right direction. He need only pursue a little further before the answer to his burning need to know would reveal itself, and he could put to rest the unsettling questioning of his orders.

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