Cut a deal

You hear the assassin begin to stir. You wait patiently and soon she opens her eyes. You see her trying to blink off the effects of the sedative. She tenses up as she realizes where she is, sensing that she wasn't alone. Her eyes soon lock on you, then dart around the room. Seeing no one else she relaxes a bit. She pulls the blanket up to her chest.

"How long was I out?" She asks.

"Not long, couple hours." You respond.

She lay there very still as she collects her senses. While you wait you pour her a glass of water from a pitcher and set it next to her. You take up your seat once more. She looks you over.

"You really aren't from 'the life' are you?" She asks, still not moving.

"No, like I said to you in the barn. I'm just a guy."

"Just a guy who now controls one of the most powerful organized crime families in the country." She responds. "What game are you playing here? It's a hell of a gamble."

You laugh. "I just got caught up in all of this. They thought I was Vincent and I just haven't had a chance to get out."

She is quiet. "Huh."

You continue. "I've decided to stay though, my old life has nothing for me."

She looks over at you. "It's dangerous."

"I know. But..." You pause, "...I've made up my mind. I'm going to make some changes. Vincent Calabrese is going to retire."

"Uh huh." She says. You can't read what she is thinking right now.

You continue, just happy to have someone to talk to. "It will take some time but I'll shift what money I can into legitimate businesses then write the rest off as a loss. I'll make it seem like Vincent's just had enough and wants to settle down quietly. I'll cut Louis and the boys loose..."

She almost smiles. "It sounds so easy doesn't it." With some discomfort she props herself up a bit in bed. "I was retired you know. Tried to get out of the life. Then this contract comes up, friends I couldn't say no to contact me, I actually do the thing, and the next thing I know I am tied up in a barn in the middle of nowhere. Getting out of this life isn't as easy as you think."

You look at her grimly. "I'm still going to do it."

"I'm not saying not to, its a wonderful opportunity you have here. I give you credit for going for it." She pauses and takes a sip of water. "But...your going to need friends, allies. The dangerous kind."

"I thought I could do this without..."

She gives you a stone cold look. "Listen, there is a way to do what you are doing. But there will always be a few bodies along the way. Freedom is paid for in blood. Always."

You sit silently, letting what she said sink in.

Then she adds with just the hint of sarcasm, "Besides, they'll all be bad guys."

You are not sure what to make of this but you do sense an opportunity. "You mentioned I need friends...dangerous friends."

She leans back. "Yep. I might even know a semi-retired assassin who is available for the right offer."

"The right offer?" You query.

"Ohhhh...probably something like...half a million now, twenty percent of what we end up with at the end of it all, and...a woman." She takes another sip of water as she judges your reaction.

"A woman?" You say, surprised.

"A girl has needs..."

The image of your buxom maid springs to mind. "Hmmm, I might have someone that fits the bill." You hold out your hand. "Deal?"

She takes it, her grip is impressive. "Deal."

She then adds with a sly smile. "You know...If you want your old self to disappear completely, I happen to know where there is a body that looks just like you."