The Lottery Council- Chapter XX: Chaos
What did he want? Jim's mind was going in ten different directions at once. Before he could speak, Metzger went on...
"Look, Jim... there's an open-air coffee shop right down the street from your office, right there on the corner... we can meet there, there's always plenty of people around in case you're worried. I just need to talk to you- that's all."
Jim was thinking hard. What would he want to talk to me about? Surely there would be no harm to meet in such a public place- a busy Boston street in the financial district... what could he do there?
Metzger continued: "I want to go over some Council business... nondisclosure stuff mostly- that kind of thing. We just want your assurances that our business stays just that... our business."
At least now it made sense. Jim thought for a moment, he needed some time. "When," he asked.
"It's just after 9:30 now, how about an early lunch- say 11:45. We can beat the rush and you can be back in your office before noon to eat your lunch, or whatever."
"Ok," Jim agreed. "See you at 11:45." Jim planned to leave early enough to have a little time to survey the surroundings. he considered mentioning something to Leyland, but thought better of it... just in case. He wanted desperately to trust Leyland, but wasn't sure enough yet. Sitting at his desk, he took out his encrypted cell-phone and holding it under his desk, just above his knees he texted David, asking that he inform Jack as to what was happening. he was pretty sure everything would be ok as long as he was careful and didn't get into a situation where he was alone with Metzger. It couldn't hurt to have another set of eyes on things, he figured.
'Got it,' came David's reply.
Feeling a little better he went back about his work. At 11:35 he informed his secretary he was running an errand and would return in just a few minutes- just after noon, if anybody wanted him. In front of his building he looked up and down the busy street, looking for any suspicious or unusual vehicles... there were none in sight. He then looked in the direction of the outdoor cafe for any sign of Metzger, who had apparently not yet arrived. Jim began making his way toward the coffee shop on the corner. Just as he arrived a cab pulled up and Metzger got out.
"How's that for timing?" He asked. "How about getting us a cup of coffee... I take mine black. I'll hunt us up a table."
Jim entered the crowded coffee shop and finally got them each a cup of coffee. When he returned, Metzger was standing next to a table with his hands clasped behind his back. What Jim couldn't observe was Metzger pushing on the stone of a college class ring, depressing it slightly, activating a tiny needle-like prong, no more than 1/4 of an inch long. It was impregnated with aconite, a deadly poison, the effects of which emulated the symptoms of a heart attack. It also absorbs quickly into the bloodstream and if administered- the victim would be dead in seconds, apparently from a cardiac arrest. It was also virtually untraceable.
Metzger extended his hand saying: "I figured if I had you buy the coffee, you'd know I wasn't trying to poison you," he smiled.
Jim reached out to take his hand when suddenly Metzger was thrown sideways into a table full of young women who jumped up and began screaming frantically. Looking down, Jim could observe that the left side of Metzger's head was gone and blood was beginning to pool on the ground around it. There was a smaller hole on the right temple about a half-inch in diameter. His eyes were opened wide staring straight ahead and his mouth appeared as if he was shouting "Oooh!" Jim looked around for the shooter... he had heard no report from a gunshot. When Metzger lunged sideways he could feel a wet spray of his face which he wiped with his hand seeing that it was blood.
People were moving around, he could see... taking photographs with their cell-phones. Jim felt numb, shock was beginning to set in. He slumped into a chair someone had offered. Someone was talking to him, but it took a few seconds to register.
"Are you all right, Sir," the voice asked.
Jim looked up unable to answer as yet. He had never seen a dead body before, except at a funeral once or twice... certainly nothing like this. He shook his head.
"The police are on their way," someone else said. "Do you need an ambulance? Are you hurt?"
Jim shook his head again, indicating that he wasn't. "My coffee," he managed numbly. One of the many people who had gathered handed him his cup, asking if it was the right one.
Meanwhile, on the 6th floor of an office building nearly 1000 meters away, Jack was breaking down an M-14, outfitted with a high-power scope and sound suppressor. He hated taking a headshot but Metzger was standing sideway to him and he had no time to wait for a better shot...l a chest shot would of course have been preferable, but time was of the essence. Metzger was about to grasp Jim's hand and that would have been it... Jack knew all too well from experience how these guys worked. he pack up his stuff, packed it away in a golf bag along with a set of clubs and departed into the crowded street... an executive on his way to a golf outing.
At the coffee shop, the police had arrived... it had taken only minutes. Jim, unaware of the certain death he had just avoided, prepared himself to answer the many questions to surely come...
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-i-seminar
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-ii-elation
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-iii-back-to-work
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-iv-david
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-v-the-beginning-of-the-end
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-vi-the-plot-thickens
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-vii-councils-within-councils
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-viii-after-the-game
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-ix-leyland-makes-a-move
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-x-jmeoff99
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xi-the-council-meeting
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xii-arkansas-part-1
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xii-arkansas-part-2
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xiii-while-the-cat-s-away
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xiv-home-back-to-danger-part-1
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xiv-home-back-to-danger-part-2
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xv-dr-winstead-summons
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xvi-picnic-jim-s-uncomfortable-epiphany
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xvii-metzger-takes-charge
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xviii-the-clock-is-ticking
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xix-fear-creeps-in
Ah ! Long time
Fiction stories are something with more suspense!!
I love reading some of them and novel too !
Thank You for sharing
I'm really enjoying writing this.
Definitely WASN'T expecting that sniper shot- and quite the shot too, at 1000 meters.
Not all that difficult under decent conditions (not a lot of wind, rain, etc.). In sniper training you're taught to go for the center of the chest. A .308 will do the job nicely... I always use Lapua Match Grade boattail rounds, they're more accurate. I can cut center 8/10 times at 1000 meters using them.
yeah, but a HEADSHOT at 1000m?
If I can put 8/10 in a 4 inch circle a head shot isn't anything... It's just not what one would choose as an ideal shot... too many variables, always go for a chest shot when you can. Besides it's a STORY... not a fucking news report!
yup lol... nice twist tho
Now that was a close shave! For a second, I thought Metzger might try to poison himself but then the sniper attack totally took me by surprise! What a cliffhanger ending to another exciting installment - the next part can't come any sooner! ;)
Metzger isn't the guy that would ever poison himself... he's a killer! (Was) Thanks!!!
Yup the killer just got sniped. Great story so far Rich - keep 'em coming!
Just keep upvotin them lol!
Always do! Thanks Rich!
See what you think about this... thought you might be interested.
https://steemit.com/health/@thecryptofiend/new-study-suggests-blood-proteins-may-be-useful-in-testing-for-autism
Cool even the title is intriguing. I'll check it out - thanks for the heads up Rich!
He's a good friend... someone you might be interested in following!
I have to go back to the beginning!!!! Ahhhhh.
Jeez... is it that bad???
Geese as authors we are soooo worried what others think of us ;)
No. I want to read it all!!!!!!
Actually I know I'm not a very good author... I'm really a beginner as far as fiction goes. My background is economics- I'm used to the rigors of academic writing. This new found freedom is fun!
Oi! Do not do that.
Are you having fun? And practicing? Then you are doing more than 80% of aspiring writers and artists.
You would benefit from the sound of paper (book) -- don't vote on them (not even the new one) but do go check out my previous posts. Goooo way back to the first one. About a month ago.
I didn't know what to expect here... The poison and then screaming. I was just going to scan the article and now I'm hooked. Do you read any Brad Thor?
No, not familiar with him. I left links to the other chapters at the bottom. This story only has a couple of chapters left. You might check The Night Gods- another story I'm working on.
Nope... going back to reading from the beginning. : ) Should I leave comments on each chapter or just wait until the end? I don't want to annoy you.
That's up to you!
Reading your two stories together I'm feeling affected by double identity, but they are both great stories and I can't resist. Excellent chapter, dear friend! ^_^
LOL... Imagine how I feel... I've got to keep them separated in my head! Trying to remember which one I'm working on that day!
Good post thanks for sharing
Thank you!
U are welcome, please help me and Upvote
Excellent Rich! Keep going!!! 📖
Thanks Buddy... we're almost there. I can't make up my mind whether or not to do a sequel or weave these guys into the Night Gods.
Hmmm - Night Gods - the sequel - makes sense. Lot's of great authors do it.
Yeah... except- The Night Gods is the sequel AND I'm not a great author!!!
Stop putting yourself down Rich! The success of Night Gods based on upvotes speaks for itself. Congrats Buddy!
I didn't say I wasn't ok... I'm not a great author by any stretch! But thanks!!!
Thanks now when do we continue lol
Monday!