A Job’s a Job
Rex Miles answered his ringing phone with such authority that he nearly ripped the phone cord out of the wall. It’s been four whole days since I’ve killed a man, he thought quickly. Rex instantly recognized the voice as Dr. Henry Peppersmith, an old acquaintance, who had needed Rex’s experience as an assassin a time or two before.Peppersmith informed him, “Rex, I’ve got a bit of a situation here at the Loomis Towers. My latest experiment has turned my whole crew into flesh-eating zombies. It’s a horrible mess. I’ve got them contained, but don’t have the heart to…”
“Kill them?” Rex broke in, with a hint of excitement in his baritone voice. He breathed deeply, his chest rose like a soldier ready for battle. “I’ll do it,” he declared, smiling and licking his lips. “A job’s a job.”
Dr. Henry Peppersmith sighed, “The governor is pretty pissed about this little mess. He gave me the money that you asked for,” Peppersmith shrugged his hefty shoulders, “and more. I guess he really wants to keep this out of the papers and off the television.”
“I suppose,” Rex said, taking aim on a tall, blood-covered zombie.
Peppersmith’s eyes widened. “I’ve known some of these people for years,” he said hastily, his skin turning pale. “That’s Harvey you’re taking aim on. He’s been working for me for years!”
Rex looked at Peppersmith sternly. “I don’t care,” he began, and turned his attention back to the zombie Harvey. “Now, you watch this, because you’re the mad doctor responsible for this fuckup.” Rex squeezed the trigger. Harvey’s head exploded in an array of blood and bone.
Vomit swam up Peppersmith’s throat. He choked it back down as Rex pulled the trigger seventeen more times.
As the bodies oozed out red-black blood, Rex let out a satisfied sigh. “It’s done.”
Peppersmith shook his head gingerly. “Yes,” he croaked, eyes tearing up. “The governor will be pleased. The madness that I caused is over.” He hung his head and began to walk away.
Rex lifted the rifle, and took aim on Peppersmith. “Oh, Doctor,” he said.
Peppersmith turned around and threw his hands up and yelled, “What the hell are you doing?”
Rex looked at Peppersmith through the scope. He could see the beads of sweat forming on Peppersmith’s brow. Rex half-smiled and replied, “The governor’s more pissed than you know, Doctor. What did you think the extra money was for?”
Peppersmith frowned. He realized he was the dumbest son-of-a-bitch in the world for handing over his own assassination money. “Wait!” he yelped, licking his dry lips. “Can’t we work out some kind of deal?”
“No,” Rex answered, moving the crosshairs between Peppersmith’s eyes. “The governor and I have already made the deal.” He pulled the trigger, then stood over Peppersmith. “Sorry,” Rex said to Peppersmith’s headless body. “But a job’s a job.”
I just love Rex. Chad’s got a really solid character going here.
Comment by joshua scribner — May 11, 2009 @ 7:16 am
Good story! Loved the ending!
Comment by Bob Eccles — May 11, 2009 @ 7:50 am
There’s a bit of an edge to Rex. Kind of like Snake Plissken from ‘Escape from New York’. There is always room for good anti-heroes.
Comment by BrianBarnett — May 11, 2009 @ 8:20 am