Solicitation

It seems like such a trivial thing to be doing at this moment but I sniff the back of my right index finger, taking in the smell of a long eaten meal. Pinching the tip of my nose between my thumb and forefinger I savour the momentary lack of air intake as I wipe the excess, dried mucus from the front of my nostrils. Mud squelches beneath my feet and the leaves around me rustle playfully in the light wind. Shifting my weight slightly so that more is taken by my calves I take the opportunity to glance out from my leafy hiding place.1

At the end of the path a young man turns the corner, heading toward me. There is nothing unusual in his appearance – a diamond pattern jumper with beige slacks covering a pair of converse. The strap of a red backpack is visible over his left shoulder and he is busy reading a message on his mobile phone which he holds in his right palm. From here I’m almost certain that I’ve never seen him before, perfect for my intent.2

Slipping quietly forward I take up a position close to the edge of the trees that provide me shelter. I’m not too far forward that he will notice me, even if he takes his eyes off the message long enough to check where he is walking. I move my left hand quietly to my belt, I can hear his footsteps clearly now, and slip my Winchester from its place and hold it loosely. He’s getting closer; I can hear his breathing.3

As he reaches my position I slip from cover and wrap my right arm around his shoulders while my left hand brings the knife around to the flesh of his abdomen. He sucks in a great gulp of air as I force him to double over the blade, pushing it deeper into his stomach. He no longer has the strength to support his own weight and begins to lean against me, his backpack slipping from his shoulder to the ground.4

Gently I retract my dagger and lay him softly on the ground beside his bag. Its contents do not concern me as the thrill of the kill causes me to shiver with excitement. He is unconscious now, or maybe already dead. Either way he won’t survive, I’ve made sure of that. Sucking in a lungful of the night air I turn back to the trees and slip into their shadowy cover. Someone will find the body in a few minutes, maybe even in an hour, but, by then, I’ll be long gone.