The Fool and The Deranged

The doors of the mansion where we were meeting were daunting and perfect. I was always amazed at the places Zero picked out for us to meet. They always exceeded my expectations, although I wouldn’t be telling him that. He was the sanest out of all of us, but if I even mentioned I liked the place, his ego would blow up so big that his tiny body would combust. That would be a mess to clean up, and that’s always the worst part of any job. Cleaning up the brain matter and blood. 

As I walked in, I checked myself out in the huge mirror in the foyer. I always looked good, but jeans and a leather jacket did things for me. Plus, the combat boots made me look ready to kill. This was definitely a good day to have a meeting. 

The arguing got louder as I followed Astor to the designated meeting room. I could already tell that everyone else was here. I liked being the last to enter because then I never had to listen to Corson and Grey argue about who had more of an alpha vibe. They all knew it was me, but the insisted on fighting about it each time. The red doors opened and revealed the scene that was unfolding behind it. 

Holland was draped over the chaise in the corner like some sort of Grecian leader posing for a portrait. Zero was sitting at the head of the table in the middle of the room, just watching everything in the room. As I suspected, Corson and Grey were two inches apart and pointing fingers. Neither seemed to notice as I shoved them apart and sat right on the table. 

“Ah, Moon. I’m glad you’re here. Are you okay? How was your last kill?”, Holland rushed out as she moved her way over to me. She always acted like everyone’s mother and worried about all of us. I let her look me over for wounds, but she only found a bruise on my jaw. She nodded in satisfaction and then motioned for me to talk about my last assignment.

Corson and Grey had their way over to the table and were sitting across from each other. Still glaring. Still puffing out their chests like some roosters fighting over a chick. Which was usual for them. Being the youngest, most of the time I always listened and observed their behavior. I only ever spoke when spoken to, and to put a stop to anyone’s bullshit. 

“It was good. He didn’t really fight back. I just have a few bruises. I gave his eye to Astor like you asked me to, and shoved the other one down his throat.”, I said, pleased with myself. 

“You really are insane, Moon.”

“Shut up, Grey”, Holland snapped. She gave me a smile, and I returned it. She handed me a packet and returned to her chaise, glass of champagne in hand. Zero cleared his throat, and I figured the meeting had started, as everyone had directed their attention to him. 

“I handed each of you your assignments for the week. If you finish earlier than the next meeting, then you’ll get another one like always. Grey’s got a corrupt president in a small country in Africa. Corson’s got an assassin who’s planning on shooting a mafia leader.  This leader in question keeps the government from being too greedy and takes care of those who need help. In both ways that you’re all thinking. Moon’s got five men who are a part of the KKK. All of them have histories of child molestation. Your jobs are to eliminate and report back. I want videos of warning from each of you. Make them cry and plead a bit before to kill them.”

We all nodded at Zero and went to collect our assignment bags from Astor. Assignment bags were essential for all of us. They carried cash, weapons, and the necessities. Holland always packed snacks and taped a note to my gun. She’s too sweet to be in a business like this. 

Holland found out she couldn’t have kids and her husband beat her half to death and left her to die. Zero found her. They swore to create a team and help those who couldn’t help themselves. Revenge and bloodlust on their minds, they found us. They saved Corson from his abusive father. They took Grey off the streets and got him sober. I was going to kill myself when they took me in. I’ve been with them for three years since I was 14. 

I said goodbye to everyone and headed back out to my motorcycle. I looked over the file quickly and shoved my helmet onto my head. I took a deep breath and started my 22 hour trip to Dallas, Texas.

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Driving eleven hours straight without a break should’ve been horrible. I welcomed the pain and exhaustion. Anything to stay out of a hotel. I finally pulled over into one, and let my body rest. After I showered the gunk and sweat off of my body, I looked over the case file. These guys would be easy to slaughter. 

I laughed at my code name in the corner of the page.  Grey had called me the “Throat Corset” after I choked a guy out with the strings from a corset his wife had been wearing before I shot her in the head. It was one of my first assignments, and it had stuck. I didn’t feel bad about the action either. They were human traffickers. 

I woke up ready to crush skulls and chugged down a soda. My bike felt comforting as I rode my way to my destination. 

The hours flew by and soon I was parked a block away from the house listed on the file. I walked my way through the neighborhood and snuck in through a window. They really should’ve had better security considering what group they were a part of. I sat myself down at the counter in the dark and waited for the bastards to return to their precious home. 

It didn’t take long for the front door to open. I had been playing with my favorite knife when I heard keys jangling. I was practically shaking with excitement by the thought of being able to eliminate these things. I heard shoes and cots being discarded in the hallway and waited. 

The first guy rounded the corner and stopped dead in his tracks. He whispered something to someone behind him, and four more bodies made their way into the kitchen. They circled the counter, and I could tell they were getting into their interrogation positions. 

“Who are you?”, one of them asked.

I didn’t answer. Instead, I flipped the lights on. I always do that, just so they can feel even more pathetic about being beaten by a girl nowhere near their age or build. 

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I groaned as they kept crying and pleading with me to let them go. I had them all tied up in the basement, bruises and blood scattering their bodies. So far I had been offered money, favors, armies, political immunity, and three islands. I hadn’t said a word to anyone since they woke up six hours ago. I’d just made noises of disappointment and annoyance.

“You guys are annoying, you know that? Anyways, time to get this show started.”

I set up the camera where it could see all five men in their pathetic positions of fear. I opened my assignment bag and took out my gun. She glittered nicely, under the fluorescent lights. I loaded it and cocked it. I heard each man whimper quietly.  I turned the camera and started recording.

“All of the people chained up in front of you are members of the KKK. I’ve been continuously questioning and torturing for the past six hours. I’ve gotten offers for all sorts of things, in exchange for their freedom. After making a few tough decisions, I’ve decided not to let them go. I’m going to introduce each of them to you, tell you their crimes, and then shoot them in their disgusting skulls.”

My fingers danced over my gun as I made my way to the beginning of the lineup.

“This is John Felt. He has multiple counts of manslaughter, child molestation, rape, and much more. His punishment is answering for his crimes.”, I stated, staring right at John. 

I shot him square in the head.

“Next up we have Dean Elrick. Dean has the same crimes as John. In fact, they all share their crimes together, so I’ve decided to do this all at once. Dean Elrick, Alan Jones, Ed Ricks, and Jerry Sunlan you have hereby been sentenced to death for your crimes against the human race.”

I shot them each in the face and turned off the camera. I packed up my things and left, knowing their bodies would be found soon. 

My journey back proved to be uneventful. I met at the rendezvous point and traded in my assignment for a different one.  Smiled as I read the contents and all the evil in my head ran loose.