‘Good evening, ma’am. I trust you have the files we talked about?’ I hated this part of a job. Maybe it’s the romanticized nature of my job, or I really am as good looking as I’m told that attracts these women. But I can never remember their names, much less break professionalism to return their affections. With luck I could let this one down gently before walking out of her life.
‘Of course, but are you really in such a hurry? I was hoping we could go back to my place for a bit. You know…have…another chat?’ She held up the files invitingly. I gently pried them from her fingers.
‘I’m afraid not. I’ll admit you heard all my good small talk the first time. Here,’ I offered her the case I brought with me. ‘The rest of your payment; a portfolio of solid investments; and the all the documentation needed to establish a new identity. You can get away from your Duke and start that new life you told me you had been dreaming of.’
She stared at me, hurt and shock filling her face. ‘I don’t…I thought you…you won’t come with me?’
‘I’m afraid not. I thought I was clear in our negotiations. This is my life, and I’m happy with it. I’d just be out of place in yours; I burn easily and beaches really aren’t my thing. I’m sorry.’ I slipped the files into the waterproof pocket inside jacket. I almost felt bad about sticking those lies on at the end, but it seemed she wouldn’t be taking this with grace anyway.
She didn’t. I think it was putting the files away with professional ease while I said my goodbyes did it. But then I got a surprise: as rage filled her face, it began…flowing. Her hair flattened and spread across her body. Her nose flattened, and her teeth and fingers lengthened.
Fuck…I had time to think as I reached across for my gun in my opposite pocket. A changling. I stepped back as it lunged, and tripped. It bore down on me as we went down, pinning my gun inside my coat. It grappled my free arm; I was only able to keep it off of me by shoving my elbow up into its throat. But it had the drop on me, and it was stronger.
Then I heard a soft click, and without warning the changling’s head exploded.