I take a long drag of my cigarette as I view the night sky above me. It wasn't much of a picture, but it helped calm me as I breath in and out. The smoke leaving my lungs as I breath out, rising into the darkness of the night that would consume me; if it wasn't for the light from my small apartment and the street lamp below me.
The night air nipping at my exposed skin as I still reside in the outfit I had worn the previous night before. Having yet time to shower and change as I normally would every night. As I take another drag of my cigarette the events of the evening run through my mind.
Every day is the same for me. But no. Not today. I didn't get to meet with Willow at our usual spot for drinks after a long day. My routine interrupted by my own actions. Every night is suppose to be the same. No interruptions. No delays. But somehow, it happened.
I look down to the small table next to me on my balcony, putting my cigarette out in my ash tray. Letting out a collective sigh, I stand and grab the ashtray before heading inside. The temperature changing fast as I enter my living room and set my ash tray down on my coffee table. I return to the balcony door and slide it close, making sure to lock it shut before sliding the curtain over the glass.
Turning around, I walk towards the kitchen and flip the light switch on. Everything looked different now. I felt different. Walking towards the fridge, I open it and grab an unopened bottled water. As I close the fridge, I hear a knock at my apartment door. My breath now caught in my throat as I squeeze the water bottle that is in my hand.
Upon hearing a second knock, my feet move for me as I walk toward the door. The unopened water bottle still in hand as I cross the short distance to my door. I lean forward only slightly to peer into the small glass hole that allows me to see outside my door. A lone figure stands a few feet from the door, the outside light glims off of his leather jacket. His dark hair comes into focus as my eyes adjust. Having never seen this man before, I step back and look down at my locked door.
"Who's there?" I ask through the door, my voice loud enough to flow through the cracks.
"Names James. The boss sent me." I can hear through the door, the mans voice young but timid.
"The boss?" My brow raises as my mind tries to contemplate who this young man is. Knowing I've never seen him. Also knowing my 'boss' wasn't your everyday typical office boss.
"Don't play games Sawyer. He knows your here." I can feel my throat tightening as the man speaks.
"I think you may mistaken. I don't know you." I keep my voice stern as my hand reaches down to my belt, withdrawing my knife from its spot on my waist.
"Look.." There's a break in his speech. "Be at the Blue Horizon in an hour. He'll be waiting."
I stay quiet for a moment, hearing nothing from the other side. Deciding to take a look, I slowly raise to my tippy toes, my eye just inches from the peep hole. Seeing nothing but the light and hallway, I finally let out the breath I've been holding in. A small relief lifted as I back away from the door. My hand releasing my knife onto the small counter beside me.
One hour.
Of course he had gotten word of the events of tonight. I don't know why I let myself believe otherwise.
"Shit!" I curse myself as I close my eyes. So many thoughts. My eyes open as I make my way to the hallway and to my bedroom at the end. My door already open, I cross the open space to my closet. Sliding open the door, I pull my jacket from the hanger and throw it over my shoulders.
You never keep the boss waiting.