With a Pull of a Trigger

Chapter Five

“Yes,” replied Samuel.

“The green rose represents the element of the earth and the season of spring. Sunlight is what is in between the green rose and the white rose. And finally, the white rose represents the element of air and the season of winter. Snow is what is painted in between the white and the red rose.”

Samuel nodded slowly, sipping his scotch. “What is the name of the painting?”

“Beauty of the Battles,” said Gil.

Samuel nodded and looked back to Gil who was staring at him, as if he was observing Samuel’s every move. Samuel slowly put his glass of scotch on the table, clasping his hands and trying to relax his tensed back.

“Look,” started Gil, putting his glass of scotch on the table and clasping his hands, directing a pointed look at Samuel, “it’s hard, I get it—”

“No you don’t,” stated Samuel, letting out a shuddering breath.

“Excuse me?” asked Gil. It wasn’t condescending or angry; he was merely curious.

“You don’t get it,” said Samuel in a dangerously calm tone. “You don’t know what it’s like.”

“I lost someone too,” argued Gil.

“Not in the way I have,” said Samuel. “Tell me, is she dead?”

Gil was about to respond when a knock was heard, three loud knocks against the door making the two people in the room abruptly pause the conversation and look towards the door.

“Come in, it’s open.”

The door opened, revealing a tall man in a suit, standing impeccably straight. “We have two people who went on restricted areas; the second and third floors.”

Gil nodded curtly. “I trust that you are better and haven’t handcuffed my guests?”

“We haven’t,” confirmed the man.

“Bring them inside, gently and without pushing them.”

The man nodded and exited the room, closing the door behind him.

Gil turned to Samuel, an apologetic look on his face. “Samuel, I am very sorry, but I fear that I have to deal with these two first. I hope I would still get a chance to talk with you later.”

“Likewise,” said Samuel, standing up and shaking Gil’s hand.

The door opened, alerting Gil and Samuel of the two new people in the room. Samuel turned to face the door and exit the room when he saw her.

She was still the same—same haircut, same beautiful face, same kind features—and yet Samuel couldn’t help but feel as if she was different. Gone was the smiling face of Reini he was used to seeing everyday at the office; it had been replaced by her look of utter seriousness, standing so still in the suddenly quiet room.

“Reini,” he breathed out.

Gil’s eyes widened and he smirked, a quirk of his lips showing everyone that he was amused. “Tell me, Samuel, is she dead?”

Samuel turned to look at Gil and glared at Gil’s twinkling eyes of mischief. “Smartass.”

Reini looked up as she heard Samuel speak, and her mouth opened, but no words came out. She took a deep breath and blinked back tears, frustration, guilt and sadness warring inside her.

Samuel turned to look at her for a moment, at her eyes brimming with tears and the guilt and sadness taking over her features, and walked away, his movements stiff and cold, the door slamming behind him as he exited the room.