Cross Roads

Templeton hung up the phone and clenched his fists. He stood and walked over to the end of his study, and pushed a button that opened the wall, showing an elegant bar behind it. He poured himself a stout glass of whiskey, and added a few ice cubes, but no water, and paced the floor while drinking the liquor. When finished, he pushed the button for the bar to close, once again hiding it behind the wall. It was then that he picked up the phone and directed Jim to join him in his office.

“I met with my banker friend today, Jim, and it seems that Sticks is doing very well. He doesn’t think that Quinton will default on his loan.” He looked at his right-hand man with a stare that sent goose bumps up his arms. “I want this problem fixed, and I don’t care how you do it, but make it happen tonight, do you understand me?”

Without saying a word, Jim nodded and left the office. Once outside, he began to have a sense of great pleasure. Jim had first met Templeton in Chicago, over a decade ago. In those days, Jim had had the luxury of many assignments like the one he had just been given. Doing that kind of work gave him rushes that he didn’t experience doing anything else. It was important for him to keep Templeton happy, and with this new assignment, maybe he could make himself more valuable to his boss. He decided not to enlist any assistance, but would do the job himself. He left for his home to put together some supplies, and then he returned to finish out his shift at Templetons. Yes, his plan was perfect, and his blood was pounding in anticipation of the excitement that lay ahead of him.