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“Tell me, Mr. Turner, have you ever watched someone die?” Pryor asked me. 3
I tried my best to stand tall next to the old yet daunting figure, but I felt my shoulders slumping under pressure. I looked him in the eye and noticed a particular glitter I hadn't seen on his face before. A revolver had apparently materialized in the hand he held at his hip, and he held it in a delicate fashion, as though it were as familiar and dear to him as his own child. 4
Then I looked across the table at James. It was saddening to see him in such a position, especially since he had done so much to conceal himself as an arms dealer, from the flamboyant way of dress he chose to his flippant and positive disposition. It didn't take long to figure out whose name was on the bullet which waited so eagerly in its chamber. James was nearly in tears—I would have been too. 5
“I take from your silence,” Pryor spoke again, “that you haven't witnessed death before. But with your cold and heartless ways, I'm sure you'll do fine handling the experience. It's why you were brought into this, don't you remember?” The gun rose so that it was parallel to the floor, aiming in James' direction. “So, Mr. Turner, will you answer my question? Have you ever watched someone die?” 6
The hardness in my face was beginning to melt away, I could feel it. Fear was beginning to show through. This wasn't what I wanted! 7
I closed my eyes and shook my head, waiting for the sound of the gunshot. 8
“Open your eyes, Mr. Turner, or it will be your life that ends today.” 9
He would have done it, I was sure of it. My eyes snapped open as if awaking from a bad dream, except this time the dream was still there. James had pushed himself backwards against the wall, petrified with his hands up. His eyes were on me with the most pitiful “please help me” look emanating from them. I really wish I could have helped him. 10
“You see, Mr. Turner, there are many people in this world,” Pryor said in an eerily calm voice. I watched his index finger slide down onto the trigger of the revolver. “Some of them cooperate, like I'm sure you will learn to do one day. And others... well,” he let out a quick laugh and smiled, “others just get in the way.” 11
Adding your comment:
yet again amazing. Well done.
