He heard his cat calling out to him. Emperor, that's what he always called one of the one's who rule the world. I mean cats are the main characters of our universe. Fearless little predators. He named him Emperor while getting a job done about seven to eight years ago. He clearly could remember that day but not the period.
'Down the alley he was chasing a frightened slim man in a black dirty and blood stained tuxedo suit. After dealing with the bodyguards, his prey was able to escape his grasp. I mean he did missed his last shot which failed to make a victim of the fleeing man. Nevertheless, the task must be completed. A failed kill is a stain to one's reputation and career record. And never forget, that reputation is the key to this business; Cause any man can hold a gun, but not every man can get the job done.
His prey slipped, lost his footing and rolled over the floor. Like a cat, he pounced on his mouse and a scuffle began. To his greatest surprise, the terrified man was able to hold his own against him. He wondered if it was the hidden strength that comes with the desperation to survive or if this guy has been taking lessons in basic hand to hand combat, along side self defense exercises. Despite the guy been slim and he having a bigger build, he was able to hold his own and the fight was getting prolonged. He expected it to have ended in less then ten seconds but it was almost a minute.
"Meow"
"Meow"
Then it happened just for some few seconds, they were both startled and lost concentration. As they stared at the place where the cat sounds came from. Their gaze were met with two little illuminated green slits staring back at them. He thought another devil wanted to steal his prey. And his to be victim felt another predator breathing down his frail neck; he needed to get out fast. But to his dismay the window opportunity was already shut closed as the bulky man on top of him flipped out a knife and jammed it into his throat. It pierced his Adam apple like a dagger stabbing a chunk of roasted meat enroute to the mouth. His life flashed through his eyes before the sound of a gun ringed, finishing the job quickly. Otis saw the opportunity of a lapse in concentration. He thanked the cat silently as he took that seconds of advantage to ram in his dagger at the victim neck. He missed the juggler vein by a distance and ended up striking the bulging apple as blood spurted unto his face. A light crunching sound resounded as the blade digged itself in. Pulling out a side arm, he proceeded to finish the job before been overwhelmed by a last struggle. The gun finally did a goodnight kiss on the man's cheek with a metallic almond shaped object which was angled at forty five degree to efficiently rip through his brain in and out. He stood up slowly with less vigor than usual and stared once again at the dark space where the distraction came from.
"Meow!"
Elegantly and in a sleek cat walk, a little black kitten came out of the darkness with bright green slits and circled round him before walking ahead. Slowly he turned and followed the cat while giving the dead body on the floor a last look. He heard the crackle of the skies.
The thunder was loud and sharp. Lightning flashed for a few minutes before a light drizzle began. The sound of the cat drew him away from his thoughts as it came closer to him and nudged his feet. He didn't understand animal languages, though he heard that it existed, not like he needed nor wanted a pet. Quickly he picked up the pet and tucked it in his shirt. It made a sound which
he felt was a happy one since the furry animal cuddled towards his shirt. Slowly he walked away from the crime scene not caring about the fact that the blaring sirens were getting closer than before.
"Meow!"
The cat swiftly jumped through his open window and landed gracefully on the rug without the sound of a thud. It tail held high and proud, as it walked slowly to its owner. In its mouth was his daily tribute of a small grey mouse, a fresh kill for his owner. It wasn't like Emperor was bringing a gift to appease his god or Lord but a show of appreciation towards his humble servant for all the care and love he had been showered. Right from the day they met to this very minute, because he knew that his food was ready at his usual corner, no his usual throne. He jumped unto Otis leg and purred after dropping the present on his lap. He enjoyed the feeling of his head, behind his ears and below his chin been rubbed. Occasionally he purred, until he felt he had gotten enough petting and decided to call it a day. Quickly he jumped down from his owner's lap and slowly walked to his throne as the smell of his already prepared morning banquet drifted into his nose.
Watching the cat slowly walking away, he smiled and stared up at the ceiling.
"mhmm"
He slowly breathed out. He took out a jotter from a drawer and crossed out the number 'fifteen'. With a sigh he returned the short booklet to its former place.
Staring at the mirror shard in his hand now, which he picked before unconsciously he could see his reflection grinning widely.
With a low sigh he stood up and stretched for a short while. He grabbed a small black framed photo beside a flower vase. He traced his index finger across the screen slowly with a fond but sad gaze. He stared into the eyes of a little blue eyed chubby smiling blonde girl who was hugging the neck of a kneeling man. She really took after her mum. Speaking of her mum, sorry 'his ex wife' he mentally corrected himself. Inaudible he hoped she was doing well, wherever she was. Not
that he cared anyway. But a little concern us always expected for someone who gave birth to your kid, unless the person is the devil. In this case, she wasn't a devil, she just couldn't cope with his career and even his absence and their failing marriage couldn't help things either but made it worse; their relationship was stained. Then one night he heard his phone ringing, while doing surveillance. He didn't want to pick, but after a second ring, he decided to check out who it was. The name 'Darling' with a love emoji flashed on the screen. "oh" he softly whispered and quickly tap the green button. There was an immediate silence as only the breathing of humans could be heard from both ends. Of a sudden, he heard her sobbing. He would be lying if he said he felt her pain, though he understood it but experiencing it was another thing. He just stood and waited till she was done before speaking:
"I will be back home this night".
"That's what you always say" she quickly retorted, her voice loud but cracking.
"But you never do, always promising and fail". She continued. Taking a breather, she shouted:
"Otis you never change!"
"I'm just tired, I'm tired of everything ".
she wailed loudly.
"Don't worry, Annie is asleep, she won't wake up because of my pain and sorrows". She knew he was thinking about his daughter, now that her voice had gained more tempo.
"Thank you"
He said warmly. Staring at his wrist watch on his left arm, he spoke into the phone again:
"I promise babe, I will be there".
"And yeah, happy birthday babe" He continued. Yeah, he knew he fucked up. Today was her birthday and man forgot and didn't even wish her at all. I mean he literally fucked up, the day was almost over, he had about four hours left before the next day to be with her before her special day moves on. Saying nothing, else he told her to take care and ended the call.
"Fuck" He muttered as his target started moving and he wasn't ready yet to tag along. But to cut the memory short, his mission didn't go according to plan. He got off late with bullet wounds, one to the arm and the other to the ass; left cheek to be precise. He got home the next day and found the house empty. Lisa and Annie were gone. He called for a week, no one answered. While tracking them, he met dead ends at every corner. It seemed Lisa learned one or two things from him, cause he actually was surprised that for a week and counting, he still couldn't find his daughter.
Well he never did and she was the one who contacted him or should he say her lawyer with divorce papers in arms. What could he do? nothing. knowing fully well that it would be selfish to tie her down with him, especially when she had tried her best to make sure their marriage stay afloat. But then, he was a sinking ship, one meant to be cut lose. she didn't want to, because she still wanted to save him, save what they had. But alas! wishes don't work in the real world, and she too began to get weigh down and slowly been submerged. If she didn't let go, they both knew she was going to sink alongside him, yet the hope of a happy family of Otis, Lisa and Annie, kept their hearts beating and hoping for the very best.
But he knew that with time, she would realize he was a lost cause and it was time to move on with his life. She got custody of Annie, which he didn't disapprove.
Then one day she left, just like that. He got a call from a trust worthy friend of theirs to come pick Annie from her home. No explanation apart from she got a note from an unknown number pleading with her to pick Annie from the school and then phone Otis. She did according to instructions, since this was a family friend, and she had nothing to lose. Besides, Annie was a sweet, adorable little kid. Otis was called and he left immediately to pick his little creation. Annie was five when this happened and later on, she always asked for mama until she grew older and stopped asking because the one who could give her the answer wasn't really around that often. Most of her time was spent in the company of her nanny and her toys.
"Annie"
He called out softly. He kept on staring at her pretty innocent happy face while losing track of time. Slowly he reached for the white napkin, not taking his eyes off one bit. Gently he dabbed his cheeks, rubbed his light skinned head down to the temple and gave the picture a brief kiss before placing it gentle on the desk.
There was a sudden change in mood. His demeanor got cold quickly. He picked up the black sleek glock 66 and used the same napkin to clean it until it gleamed. Turning off the safety and hearing the clicking sound, he checked the magazine and softly nodded.
He stared down at the mirror piece, his reflection glanced at him with a slight smirk. Nonchalantly and with an unbothered tone, he quietly said:
"You know what to do".
With a brief pause he continued:
"let's get it done".
"Took you long enough".
Two seconds later, a hoarse voice said with a delighted voice.