The Train By: Georgepat         Copyright: 2005 by Georgepat He stood quietly behind his intended victim and waited for the 5:15 train to come into the station. People had already started to crowd around them as the train approached and glancing quickly at his watch, saw that it was right on schedule. He turned his head and studied those closest to him as he figured his escape route. He was going to have to rely on the element of surprise and trust that these people reacted to what was going to happen in the next few moments the way he planned. Thinking back to the night two weeks ago when he had first met her in the back of a seedy bar on Fourth street, he remembered her walking to his booth and handing him the card given to her by his contact. ***** “Mr. Holmes?” “Who wants to know?” “I’m Linda Watkins and was referred to you by a Mr. Garrett. He said that perhaps you might be able to help me with a…, a problem I have.” “Did he now?” Holmes said, as he indicated that she sit in the seat across from him. “Yes, he did. He said that if anyone could do what I need done, that it would be you.” “Did he happen to mention the fee for these unsaid services?” “He did and that’s what I’d like to discuss with you.” She said smiling brightly. “My fee is non-negotiable.” He stated flatly, as he waved his hand to grab the waitress’s attention. “Care for a drink?” “No, thank you” “Suit yourself,” he said and ordered another beer. “I agree to your fee and think that it’s fair. I wanted to discuss the payment schedule with you.” “The payment schedule, as you call it, is very simple. Half now and the rest due immediately after the job is completed.” “But that’s just it. I don’t have enough to pay you the first half right now.” “Then this conversation is over.” He said taking a large swallow of his beer, “nice meeting you.” “Please, Mr. Holmes, let me explain my situation.” She said placing her hand on his arm, squeezing lightly. “My husband is a very mean spirited man. He treats me and our children like the dirt under his feet. He’s slapped me around so many times in front of the children that I’m afraid they will grow up thinking that it’s perfectly normal to hit your wife if you’re in a bad mood or the day didn’t go as expected.” “If he treats you like that, wouldn’t it be cheaper to get a divorce than to avail yourself of my services?” “Yes, I’m sure it would be cheaper, Mr. Holmes,” she said, “but there’s the small matter of his life insurance.” “Ahhh yes, life insurance.” Holmes nodded knowingly. “He’s just the type of bastard that as soon as he was served with the divorce papers, would call his agent and change the beneficiary of his policy to what ever bimbo he happened to be screwing that week.” “Just how much is this policy worth?” “Three million dollars Mr. Holmes, his policy is worth three million dollars.” “That’s not exactly what I’d call a small matter, Mrs. Watkins,” he said, “in fact, that puts a whole different spin on this situation. What would you like to discuss about the payment?” “I’m prepared to give you ten thousand in cash right now if you would agree to wait until the policy is settled for the remainder.” He sat back in the booth and locked his fingers behind his head as he looked at her closely. She was looking directly at him, her eyes locked on his. He normally would have simply got up and walked away but there was something about her that intrigued him. He felt that she was being truthful and also figured that he could make a little extra money if he played his cards right. “You understand that my fee would be doubled if I were to agree to this.” He said. “Is that acceptable to you?” She thought briefly and then nodded her head, “Yes, that’s acceptable. Thank you.” He finished his beer and waving the lurking waitress off, leaned towards her. “This is what I will require from you Mrs. Watkins, I need a recent photograph of your husband and I need to learn his day to day schedule. It will take a week or so to thoroughly learn his habits and decide on the best method of his demise.” “I can give you all that you need tonight Mr. Holmes, I have it with me, but it would help if it appears as if his death were an accident. His policy pays double if it’s an accidental death.” “I understand that Mrs. Watkins and I’ll do my best to accommodate you.” They spent the next twenty minutes discussing their plans and finally Holmes had a glimmer of an idea. “Leave the rest to me Mrs. Watkins; I’ll take care of it.” ***** As the train drew nearer to the platform where they waited, he noticed with satisfaction that everyone was doing what he expected of them. All eyes were focused on the approaching train and like a herd of wild animals; their bodies had turned slightly towards it. He waited until the train was within one hundred feet from the platform and suddenly raised his arm and pointed to the right. “What the hell is that? He shouted. All the people to the right of him immediately turned their heads to look at what he was pointing at and the ones to the left, not hearing him, never moved. In the brief window of opportunity that presented itself, he pushed hard on the victims back and sent him toppling towards the edge of the platform, his briefcase falling at his feet. Trying in vain to recover his balance and at the same time retrieve his briefcase, he slipped over the side of the platform and fell onto the tracks below. The train, traveling at twenty-five miles per hour as it braked for the stop, cut the man to pieces as the heavy steel wheels ground his flesh into a bloody pulp. Satisfied with the outcome, Holmes smiled to himself and turned around as everyone else screamed and moved closer to the edge to view the mangled remains. Unnoticed by anyone, he calmly walked to the end of the platform and disappeared into the mist.