If only I could tell you the things I’ve seen and heard within these walls. Tales told of riches, plots of murder, bids for power, my favorite being from a girl who was in search of her friend who had been taken by her enemies. Oh, the stories I’ve heard. None of which needed my concern. I was only there to do my job. Nothing more than a simple service. For I was just a waiter.
“Sir?” Looking up from the glass in my hand, I eyed him. An elderly gentleman, one I haven’t seen in here before. Since I moved to this godforsaken place, I gave up on attempts to understand my neighbors. Everyone here is the same, but on different levels. Everyone here is a criminal. This man, however, was a criminal of a distinct nature, one that kept to the shadows, keeping his hands clean as others do his work.
“Evening. How may I help you? There is a─”
“Please, spare me your rehearsed greeting.” Placing the glass I had been drying down, I reached for my pen and paper. Since he would not allow me to complete a recitation of what our establishment serves, I would assume he knew what he wanted. “I’m here more for you than the food. Though a stiff drink may be on order.”
“Of course, sir.” Returning the pen and paper to their place in my apron pocket, I reached for a glass and poured him a glass of brandy. One of the finest in our collection, one of the few that hasn’t been shattered by bullets.
“Fine choice my boy.” I nodded slightly and returned to my task of cleaning the glasses. The bartender had left early this evening and I was left to do his dishes. A simple task that I would actually consider enjoyable. It was a slow night and he needed to go home and be with his wife for once. “So, tell me, how’s this position treating you? Well, I presume?”
“It’s an occupation that needed to be filled and I just so happened to fill it.”
“An unanswered answer.” The man grinned. “How about I rephrase my question?” I glanced at him, the glass I was drying continuing to twist around the towel. “Compared to your previous occupation, would you find this one just as exciting?”
My eyes closed for a moment. “This position is suited to my needs.”
“You’re good at avoiding questions.” Placing my glass in its place, I grabbed another from the water, continuing my task. “Just as I would expect from someone with your history.” Again I glanced at him, watching as he took a sip from his brandy. “Let me introduce myself, I’m Arthur Wilkes and I am in need of someone with your talents.”
“You’re looking for a man to wait your tables? I believe you might have better luck elsewhere for I am quite content with my position here.”
“I’m sure you are. But wouldn’t it be more interesting if the Ghost were to make a reappearance.” That was the reason he was here. Searching for a story. Shaking my head slightly, I kept my face neutral while drying the glass. This was nothing but a ploy to find a myth.
“The Ghost for which I assume you’re referring has disappeared.”
“So he would like for us to believe. I know his history, the talents he possesses. Even the missions he completed and disappeared without a trace for only a ghost could enter where he has been.”
“Talented man.” I reached for another glass.
“He is. Over fifty years of work only to vanish. My boy, I believe that you know more about him than you’re telling me.”
“If he were still alive, that would make him near sixty years old. For you to want him to return to his former glory would be far too much to ask of an old man.”
“That is where I believe you come in.” Glancing at him, I wondered how much Mr. Wilkes knew of the Ghost and his talents. The Ghost was once a great assassin, a hired gun for those who were able to find him. No man knew his face and those who did, were found with their throats slit. “Sixty years, that would be too much for one man to accomplish. There had to have been successors and the original Ghost to have retired years ago.” Mr. Wilkes leaned closer, whispering. “My boy, despite your young age, I do have my beliefs about you. Perhaps you would like to come out of hiding and provide a service to a humble old man.” Ah, he believed I am the most recent Ghost.
“Sir, the Ghost is precisely who he is. A ghost, a phantom, something that is myth. Though he did have his run, it is my belief that he has passed. My apologies, Mr. Wilkes, but I cannot help you find someone who isn’t even real.”
“Reality is not the question here. I’ve spent a great deal of resources looking for you. Imagine my surprise to discover this great assassin working in this run down restaurant. I’ll leave my offer with you and give you twenty-four hours to decide.” Pulling a manila envelope from his briefcase, Mr. Wilkes slid it across the counter to me. “I do hope you’ll take my offer.” Finishing off his drink, the man placed some cash on the bar and slid on his coat. “I shall see you soon my friend.” As he walked out, I took the envelope. Curiosity taking its hold. The only ones left were the two men in the far corner, one passed out drunk and the other talking to him. Slipping into the back, I made my way to my apartment upstairs, a small one room that my employer has graciously rented to me in return for my services. Ensuring my windows were closed and blinds shut, I opened the envelope and placed its contents on the table sitting in the middle of my room. Intriguing. First I saw the letter, followed by a few pictures, and a small envelope containing a thousand dollars in cash. Mr. Wilkes was already trying to buy services that I would not provide. The letter then caught my attention.
Mr. Waiter,
As I had explained in our earlier conversation, I believe that the Ghost is very much real, and very much alive and well. You are my link to him because I know you know who he is. Enclosed is an envelope containing $1000 in cash, consider this a down payment; upon completion, the entirety of your payment shall be in the amount of $10,000. There is also a small dossier on the intended target, a Miss Anna White. Should you consider my offer, please meet with me underneath the grieving window’s watch. I do hope that we can become friendly business associates.
-W
I held the picture of the girl, cute, blonde hair, blue eyes, and according to the dossier she was twenty-five, lived within this hellhole, and is associated with one of the local bosses. Associated is not the proper term, the daughter of one of the local crime bosses would be more exact. Why would Wilkes target her? No matter, it was not my place to question. However, returning to a life that I had pushed aside would bring out a darker side on myself. Returning the papers to the manila envelope, I took the money and pushed aside the bedside table, revealing a small trap door. Opening it, I placed the money inside and retrieved my old friends, two pistols and a watch. My eyes glanced at the small book in the safe’s corner, but I kept from taking it. Now was not the time to revisit the past, despite my interest in Mr. Wilkes. Placing my pistols in the holsters under my shirt and placing the watch on my wrist, I returned to my post downstairs. As soon as those two men leave, I too shall.
Beneath the grieving widow’s watch, a decent description of the peak along the shores where one could look out to sea wishing to see their loved one returning. Many have been lost in the past, thus the peak being known for the grieving widows waiting for their lost husbands. I had since closed the restaurant, changed into something less recognizable, out of the white button-down, black pants, and apron, and into a plain grey shirt, jeans, boots, and long black coat. The wind was whipping wildly and I was grateful that I had my hair cut short recently. I was grateful that the tide was still low, when it rises, any trace of my being here will be washed away. “My boy! Good to see you again.” I straightened from my position leaning against the cliff face to watch him. Mr. Wilkes held his hand out and I shook it. “I take it that you read my letter, lest you wouldn’t have shown.”
“Why do you want the Ghost? From what I read, you want an assassination of a local crime boss’s daughter, correct?”
“Indeed. You see,” his eyes turned toward the water, “I have tried to give this task to others, all have failed. This needs to be done and unfortunately, the Ghost is the only one that can break through the White’s defenses.” He held out another manila envelope. Taking it, I opened and began reading. It was a blueprint of a home, one with every type of security; electric fences, cameras, guards, reinforced walls, panic rooms, even went so far as to install a system to vent poison through the vents. “Can the Ghost get through?” I nodded. “Is he willing to take my offer?”
“Ten thousand up front, another ten thousand once the job is complete.” I slid the papers back in the envelope and tucked it away under my coat.
“I see. His talents are not cheap.” Fighting not to roll my eyes, I crossed my arms. “It’s a deal then. I expect results quickly.” His hand disappeared into his coat, only to pull out a white envelope. “I expected the price to rise. Here’s the first ten thousand.” I took it. “When job is completed, I’ll find you.”
I didn’t like the looks of the building. Several hours of observation revealed enough, but it was the past few days that gave me the crucial information. Around eight pm, the girl would return to the house, her father arriving around an hour or two later. A code was used to get in through the front gate as well as the front doors. There was always someone on every corner and another between. Two men were in constant motion, circling the compound. It was difficult to see inside, but using the blueprints, I figured that I could enter through a side door that had a ten second window where no one watched, provided I disable the camera. The best plan, however, was not entering the compound at all, but rather the vehicle the girl was in before they arrived. Now, I sat hidden in the tree’s leaves outside of the girl’s school. Another few minutes and she would leave. Two men were waiting for her, the driver and a guard. This was going to be easy. With the silencer on my pistol, I readied to drop from the tree when the door to the school opened. The girl stepped out, laughing with another girl who I would guess is her friend. They said their goodbyes and she slid into the backseat of the car. As they drove away, I jumped out of the tree and commandeered a nearby motorbike. The helmet covered my face, perfect, so when I sped down the road and slowed next to the car, the guard wouldn’t know who I was. He had a second between noticing me and me pulling the trigger. The driver jumped, startled by my attack. Quickly, I leapt from the bike to the trunk of the car. Bashing out the driver’s window, I held on as the car swerved. A quick shot, I reached in, opened the door, pulled the driver out, and took his place. One hand on the wheel, I pointed my gun at the girl. Her hands were covering her head and she appeared to be genuinely afraid. One shot, she would be dead, the job completed. Instead of firing, I turned around to drive. I wanted to know why Wilkes wanted her dead.
Stopping the car, I opened the back door, pulling the girl out. By now, she was crying. Why wasn’t she fighting back? We were under a bridge, the water in the drainage stream rushing by. Pointing my gun at her, I readied the shot. Quick, easy, hardly a challenge. Then her blue eyes turned toward me. “Please, don’t kill me. I don’t want to die.” My jaw tightened. If I wasn’t wearing the motorcycle helmet, she would’ve noticed my reaction. I froze. The wind around us blew the hair around her face, whipping it across her skin. This was no different from any other mission I’ve accepted. So why was I hesitating on pulling the trigger? “Please…” Tears fell from her cheeks. Shit. My finger moved from the trigger and I pointed the barrel upward before holstering it. Grabbing her arm, I dragged her up the embankment, toward the town. Once in the first alley, I turned to her. Anna was still crying and I couldn’t stand it. My hand clapped over her mouth and she understood. Be quiet. What to do now? I couldn’t take her to my apartment, but I couldn’t let her go anyway. Never leave a witness. I should just kill her and be done with it. Yet, something in the back of my mind was screaming at me to take her away. After some mental kicking, I eventually wove our way through the town, keeping ourselves hidden. We entered through the back door and I led her upstairs. It was stupid of me to bring her here, but my apartment was the only place that I could keep secure. Locking the door behind us, I watched her. She stood there, slowly looking around before returning her gaze to me. Only question I had was whether or not to remove the helmet. “Why bring me here?” Here came the questions. If I remembered anything, it was to never answer. Never reveal anything. Keep all details hidden. There is a reason I am known as the Ghost and this would be my undoing if I opened my mouth. Then again, she was already in my apartment, if she left, Anna could tell her father where to find me. Instead of answering, I leaned against the door. When would Wilkes come back? If I kept Anna hidden, and quiet, I could probably slip under the radar and leave this town. Great, it was time to leave again. It was a good thing that I had very few belongings. Anna sat on my bed, twisting her hands together, nervous. My fingers tapped the handle of the pistol on my left hip. Part of me wanted to get rid of her, part of me said we should run. Who am I to decide this girl’s fate? I’m just a hired gun, paid to do someone else’s bidding. I’ve been paid, I should kill her. I have no moral obligations. A part of what makes the idea of Ghost so dangerous. There was no honor. It was no matter who the target was, innocent or not, the Ghost would dispose of them. Morality was a detail that I shed years ago while learning from my predecessor, the third Ghost. It was how we lived in this world. The acts we’ve committed would cause a normal person to come to hate themselves. My last kill before today was just over two years ago, then I decided to take some time off, to hide while the fear of my actions lessened. “Excuse me?” My attention broke from my thoughts, focusing on Anna. She seemed to have collected herself. “I’m guessing it’s pointless to ask if I may leave, but can you at least tell me what you want?”
“Why would someone want you dead?” She cringed. The helmet had muffled my voice, but she had heard me clearly.
“Um…” Rubbing her arm, Anna looked uncomfortable. “My father is the head of the White family, one of the two major crime families in this town. I overheard my father talking to one of his men that a third family was going to try to overthrow us. If my family didn’t have a successor, it would be difficult to have any claim to power.” I see now. Wilkes was involved with this third family. From what I knew of the crime families, White was older, more engrained in this town’s history, and was primarily concerned with drug trade trough recently expanding to include weapons.
“Why didn’t you fight me when I killed those men?”
“I didn’t have a weapon and the one the guard beside had jammed before I could fire it at you.” I frowned, even though she couldn’t see it, Anna felt the heat of my glare on her. “I didn’t know what to do.” There was luck on my side tonight as well. Amusing. Then I realized what I could do with her. My mentor took me in when I was a mere child, setting me free when I turned twenty. Anna needed the training, something more than knowing how to shoot a gun.
“I was hired to kill you.” There was the glimmer of fear in your eyes. “However, I am willing to hide you from them.” She brought her feet up to rest on my bed and wrapped her arms around her knees. “I’m more curious about this than I should be. So, if you want to live, you will do everything that I say, when I say it, understand?” Anna nodded, her eyes returning to me. “Do anything that I do not approve of,” I pulled out a pistol, aiming it at her. Anna immediately tensed, a wave of fear passing over her. One shot is all it will take.
“I understand!”
“Good.” Returning the pistol to its place, I decided to remove the helmet. I wouldn’t be able to work downstairs with it. As it slid over my head, I swore I heard Anna inhale sharply. My eyes narrowed on her. Anna’s feet had returned to the floor, but she looking down, cheeks reddening. It was going to be a long night. Hostage-taking was not something I have experience in.
I had let Anna sleep in my bed while I slept in a rocking chair that the apartment owner had left. Despite it being an uncomfortable wooden form, I did manage to get some sleep, ever hour waking to check on Anna. Come nine am, she was still asleep and I was taking advantage of the still dark room. Working late then observation since early morning wore me down. Click. My eyes flew open as I pulled my gun, aiming at the source of the noise. Anna stood frozen, eyes wide, hand moving away from the door handle. She was trying to run. Narrowing my eyes, I pulled the hammer back. “Sorry!” She scurried back, her remaining in my crosshairs. “I didn’t…”
“What?” I stood.
“I didn’t think that I’d wake you.”
“You were wrong. Sit.” Anna kept her eyes on me as she moved back to the bed. Before she sat, I brought my gun down. This girl was going to be a handful. Perhaps I should just tie her to the bed while I work? Not a bad idea actually, if I had handcuffs.
“Before you do what you’re thinking, please let me explain.” What was there to explain? She was trying to leave. “When we came in last night, I noticed that we’re above a restaurant. There’s no food in here, so I thought I’d go find something and bring it up.” Food? That was her excuse? Good one since she was right, I had nothing to eat up here.
“Don’t move.” Tucking the gun behind my back, I grabbed a coat, and went out the door. If she wanted food, damnit, I was going to ensue she wouldn’t leave. My boss wouldn’t be happy with missing food, but I was low on options at the moment. Once I was down the stairs, I heard someone by the bar. Coming out of the back, I saw the bartender cleaning.
“Morning.”
“Morning. You’re early.”
Samuel shrugged. He was the bartender, but our boss had hired him as move of a guard. The body he possessed could easily throw out the rowdiest of patrons. “Wife has some friends over and if you know women, a bar fight is where I would rather be.” He looked me over. “Rare to find you out of uniform, what’s the occasion?”
“I had to run out earlier for an errand.” I grabbed two glasses. Samuel raised an eyebrow. “I’ll return them before we open.” Returning to the back, I grabbed what I needed for sandwiches. Anna was in no position to be picky.
“What is that?” Anna was staring at the clothes in my closet. There were only four clean uniforms hanging and a few other street clothes. Anything else, related to my other activities, were hidden well enough. Grabbing a shirt, I slid it on, Anna’s eyes watching me as I buttoned it closed. Her gaze was becoming intolerable. “What do you do anyway? You know, besides killing and kidnapping?” I threw a glare at her. “Sorry.” Earlier, I informed her to keep quiet about our situation, just to be quiet in general. I wasn’t a talkative person to begin with, so her attempts at conversation were met with resistance. Grabbing the apron, I finished getting ready. “I get it.” My eyes turned to her. “You’re a waiter downstairs.”
“I am.” Tying the apron, I turned to the table. It would be difficult to conceal my weapons, but I would rather have them with me than near her. “Stay here. Do not leave, do not open the windows. You will wait until I return.”
She pouted. Clearly she did not like rules. “Fine.”
“Remember, if I disapprove of─”
“Anything, I know, you’ll kill me. I get it.” While straightening my tie, I watched her. Anna was bored, that much was obvious. I didn’t know if I could leave her for the next eight hours alone. Living on my own, I’ve seen no desire for relationships. Each day I wake, read, work, then sleep. Here, Anna was reaching out to me. She was one who communicated. Constantly pressuring me to open. To be honest, the thought of shooting her to get some peace has crossed my mind, multiple times. She kept asking for my name, what I do, where I lived, what places I’ve seen. Now, she knew the answer to one, what I do, I’m a waiter. “Can I go downstairs to get dinner?” My glare leveled on her. “So, no?”
“No.”
“Can you bring me something?”
Sighing, I pinched my brow. This is what I get for sparing her. This girl is my own persona demon. Is this what I get as punishment for my deeds? If God is real, He has a cruel sense of humor. “If my employer sees you, you and I will be dead.” She sat back on the bed. “I’m expecting him soon, once I discover his intentions, I will decide what to do with you.” Anna’s arms folded across her chest. The look on her face, it was a mixture of fear, anxiety, and hope, as slight as it may be. There was this voice in the back of my mind, nagging me. My instinct had become one where I was to kill to protect myself. Kill, hide, and kill again. That’s what my life became. Emotions shed, primal reactions risen only to be molded into a weapon. This stupid girl, I didn’t shoot her when I should’ve, I brought her here, now, I’m standing in front of her, my finger under her chin forcing her to look at me. “Behave for me, Anna.” Something flashed in her eyes, something I didn’t recognize.
It had been a week since I had met Mr. Wilkes. Tonight, near closing, was when I saw him again, walking through the door, taking the same seat he had then. While he ordered a drink, I was wiping a table clean from the mess the diners left. These ruffians hardly knew how to use a fork, it seemed. This town was full of low-life criminals. Very few professionals call this place home. Without saying a word, we recognize each other, give the respect deserved, and the space desired. That was a reason I was still working here. It was a small restaurant. Frequented by the few I respect, though far between. Mr. Wilkes, however, was merely a curiosity. “Evening, Mr. Waiter.” I nodded at him as I returned to the front after placing the dirty dishes in the kitchen sinks. “Your boy did well.”
“So it would seem.” Taking a towel from the small pile under the sink, I began wiping away the water rings left on the counter. News travels quickly in this town. Earlier, there were at least three conversations about Mr. White’s missing daughter who most have presumed dead. The White’s had begun their retaliation. Not only searching for Anna’s body and her killer, but also tightening their hold on what they call their claim. I had seen two men walk in earlier, shaking down a dealer. Of course, I kept my distance, only to clean up their mess after the men left.
“His final payment is with me. Would you be so kind as to give it to our dear friend?”
I glanced up at him. Mr. Wilkes was far from being called a friend. Yet, the envelope he held out to me was tempting. I took it and hid it in my apron. “Of course.”
“Now, I would like to make a deal with our Ghost.” His voice had lowered since the bartender was still lurking nearby and the few patrons remaining still needed another drink to be completely oblivious to the world around them. “I have a few more assignments I would like to have him complete for me. The payments will be well worth his time.”
“I’m sure he will consider your offer.” Resting my arms on the bar, I leaned closer, I too lowering my voice. “What is the objective?”
“That, my boy, is a topic for a different man. All you need to know is that the balance of this town is going to shift drastically. I suggest you align yourself with those who can pay for your talents.” Again with the assumption, though I would gladly take his money. “That,” his finger pointed at me, “is a look of a bought man. I certainly look forward to doing business.”
As he paid for his drink and left, I noticed Samuel watching me. However, he kept his thoughts to himself. It wasn’t a stretch for our patrons to use one of us as a therapist. Wilkes most likely appeared to be another soul seeking an ear to listen. Myself, I had less than a half hour before my shift was over and the patrons were to be gone.
Returning to my room, I noticed Anna had found a few books that I kept in my bedside table and was reading in the rocking chair. When her eyes looked up, I locked the door behind me and carried the dinner the chef makes for me to the table. “Entertained?”
“Yep! What’s that smell?” Tonight I had been given a burger with a bowl of soup. Our chef was a good man, always taking care of Samuel and I. Myself, I was thankful for the hot meals he provided. Seeing Anna’s pleading eyes, I reluctantly caved. Cutting the burger in half, I gave her a share. “Thank you! I’m starving.” I’m sure you are. After training, I’ve conditioned my body to eat little yet work hard. Skipping a couple meals wasn’t enough to kill me. She, however, had to eat for every meal.
“There’s a war brewing.” Her eyes stared back at me. “My employer wants my help.”
“More people to kill?”
“Likely.”
“Oh.” Her gaze dropped to her half eaten burger. “I guess this means you’ve made a decision about me?”
“Yes.” Removing my tie, I hung it up on its hanger. “You’re useless.” Her shoulders fell. “You can’t defend yourself in a fight and are in desperate need of help.” She looked up, brow slightly furrowed, confused. “I’m willing to help train you.” Her eyes widened slightly and I turned to face the closest, removing my uniform’s shirt. “However, if at any point, I see you as a failure, unsalvageable, I will not hesitate to get rid of you.” Grabbing a clean shirt, I pulled it over my head and returned to face her now standing. “Prove to me that you have a life worth saving, one that can rise up to lead your family effectively.” A smile grew on her lips, a fire sparking in those blue eyes of hers. “Are you willing to call me master until I deem your training complete?”
“I will.” Her grin broadened. “Only if I know who is the one training me.”
“Very well.” My cold dark eyes met hers. “You, Miss White, are lucky enough to have the infamous Ghost training you.”
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