All I can think as I am carrying a pack of papers in one hand and a medium cappuccino on the other is that I did not go into student dept to get a fucking Computer Engineering degree only to deliver coffees to the CEO of United Healthcare. It is usual for me to run under his tumb however this day would mark the end of my torment.
Climbing up the stairs to his office in the top floor of the skyscrapper that he owns at the heart of NYC- I am not allowed to use an elevator since shareholders shouldn't see the immigrant worker of the CEO- I am reminded of the revolver under my coat. The words of a woman echoe in the busy hallways, remember the stakes Luigi. I wish that today I would forget them, but I know that at heart, I have always been the person that will kill Brian Thompson.
Tears form under my eyes as I find myself on the top floor. Gasping for air, I find confort in the thought that prisons have limited stairwells. I look at my little office, hidden behind glass panels right next to the wooden doors of his office. I used to hide behind them while shareholders and other important personel visited him, but while we were alone they parted, allowing full view of the luxurious sitting room. I take a short breath, but it comes out uneven as my nerves crack.
I know that if I take too long to collect myself, he will notice that I am late. He will notice my hesitation...
WIthout knocking, I open the doors with my shoulder and enter the room like usual.
"Mornin' sir." I say, noticing the strange atmosphere of the room. Brian is sitting in his office like always, glass panes letting sunlight purr over the room but my gaze falls to the person sitting in front of him.
I twitch at the sight of JD Vance, one of our two possible future vice-presidents looking at me like I was something he had picked from his shoe.
"Excuse me." The words spill out of my mouth without any grace.
"...and with the help of our assets..." Brian's words collapse as my entrance is noticed by the two men. Gulping, I make two quick strands to his office and place the coffee and the papers on the desk. "Sir." I say looking at Vance trying to stop my gaze from falling to his pants. Trying not to remember what he did to me last night. My feet shake at the memory.
I nod to Brian and leave the room, closing the doors behind me.
Fuuuuuck....Why didn't she say something about any of this???
It's okay Luigi, it's just a small bump in the plan. Vance will probably leave in a half hour at most, depending on how long he has been sitting in front of my boss. Then, I will enter the room and...
And...
I sit at the desk, noticing for the first time the fact that the glass panels had already been closed before I arrived, indicating at the presence of a guest.
With the help of our assets...
What had they been talking about?
Curiosity and a deep desire of knowledge drives me behind the door with my ear pressed against it, trying to desipher the wispers that pierce through.
"You hadn't told me that...he is one of my favorites..." Vance's words, followed by Brian "Not my..." Come on, talk louder! "...Better watch out."
What are they saying? Are they talking about me? But Vance already knows that I work for United HealthCare so what are they talking about?
"Luigi?" I jump back and fall to the carpeted floor, my heart pounding, "Come in please."
Everything is spinning around me, probably due to the lack of sleep but also of the adrenaline that is pulsing through my veins like an armadilo set on fire. I take a short breath and open the door to a crack. I peak through, "You asked for me?" Brian nods.
I enter.
"Can you help me take a look at these reports you gave me? Some of the numbers seem to have fallen since last month? Is this true?"
Brian is holding the paper in his right hand, and a pair of glasses with the other. He is distracted, and before I can say the words, Vance is mouthing NOW.
I can't do it. I can't. Moments pass with Vance starring at me like a hawk while I do nothing.
Then I remember her.
Reaching into my coat, I grab the revolver.
"Brian?" I ask.
Before he looks at me, I have already fired the shot.
