Death

I walked down the busy streets of the city, one hand over my purse at my side. I walked briskly, looking around me for any signs of trouble. I clutched a small plush teddy bear in my hands. I had stopped at the store on my way out and purchased one, having seen the money transfer come through. I smiled and pat the bear, then put it into my purse. I continued on my way. My boots pounded on the concrete. I avoided eye contact with passersby. Finally, I turned down a side street, and stared at the bright neon sign in the window of the bar. The sign read Valhalla. The bell in the doorway tinkled as I stepped inside.

The smell of alcohol assaulted my nose, I struggled not to scrunch it up in distaste. I heard the pounding beat of the music, saw the crowd of large bodies filling the dance floor and seating area. I worked my way through the crowd, slipping between sweaty bodies and dodging male hands. The area was dark, pulsing lights flashed with the music in neon colours. The mahogany of the wood tables and bar glimmered in the low lighting. The twenty or so barstools lining the counter were all filled with customers holding drinks, chatting with their friends. Men tried to pick up women, they leaned into them whispering in their ears. I made my way behind the bar, smiling to a few of the customers.

"Hey, Fayre." A deep voice sounded next to me. I looked up and smiled at Ian. His blonde hair fell in his face, his deep green eyes crinkled in a smile. I gave him a wink. Ian was a solid man, he kept his employees safe, and kept his business running. He often ran behind the bar alone.

"Hey, Ian! Busy night so far?" I inquired, gesturing to the crowded bar. Ian was the owner; he ran the place seven nights a week. Friday night like tonight was the busiest of the week. He nodded and slung a rag over his shoulder that he'd been wiping the counter with.

"Everyone is off from work, coming in for drinks. Nothing too rowdy." He handed me an apron, I took off my leather jacket and put on the apron. I moved behind the bar and started getting drinks for customers. The orders I remembered smoothly, I made them with finesse, tossing bottles in the air and catching them as I poured. The customers clapped. I smiled and curtsied. Ian placed a hand on my back. I straightened and turned my head to listen to him.

"I'll be surveying the crowd if you need me." I nodded to him and he wandered off through the crowd. With him gone, the male customers became more aggressive, demanding my attention. I would smile and wink and giggle along with them, smoothly defusing any tension.

"You work the crowd well." A man, in his mid-thirties said from across the bar. His lips quirked up in a smirk, his blue eyes narrowed in amusement. His long brown hair was covered by a worn ball-cap. His face had days of unshaven stubble. I smiled politely and winked.

"Who says it's not just who I am?" I said playfully. The man gives a small smile and shakes his head.

"Is it really? What does life and death mean to you?" He muses, swirling his whiskey in his glass. He took a large gulp of the liquor. I frowned at him nodded to the glass, he must have been having a few sips too many.

"Had a long day?" I raised a brow. He placed the now empty glass on the counter.

"Just a lot of work stuff I have to take care of." I refilled his glass and nodded sympathetically.

"Well hopefully you can forget about it for a little while." I said. I poured myself a shot to take with him.

"Cheers" He said, and we clinked glasses. After our drink I moved on to other customers, milling about and working the crowd. I noticed after a few minutes that the man had disappeared from the barstool. I surveyed the room looking for him, but he was nowhere to be seen.

Later in the evening I was alone to lock up. The bar had emptied, the bouncers doing their job of herding everyone out the door. I cleaned and mopped and made sure all of the dishes were done. I checked all of the back rooms to make sure no one was lingering inside. I counted out the till and closed the store. When I was finished, I threw on my leather jacket and prepared to go out into the cold.

The crisp evening air energized me, I slid the bolt lock home, and put the keys into my pocket. The streets were empty, darkness surrounded me, the only illumination the dull streetlamps flickering in the night. I zipped up my jacket and walked, my arms wrapped around myself for warmth. I set off in the direction of my apartment.

As I walked, I felt this uncanny sensation of being watched. I picked up my pace, flitting my gaze around me, I watched for anyone in sight. There was nothing. I continued on my way, and as I passed a few blocks, I noticed the sound of footsteps behind me. I turned around and saw a shadow on the far side of the street, hidden in darkness. I turned and continued on my way, picking up to a brisk pace.

The footsteps grew closer, and I broke into a jog, I zig zagged down alleyways, trying to make sure I was not being followed. I heard heavy breathing; I was running now. My heartbeat in my chest, my hair flew behind me, my boots pounded against the pavement. I clutched my purse at my side, I ran around a corner. Damn, a dead end. I came face to face with a brick wall. I turned around, the footsteps behind me thundered. I saw a tall figure come into the alleyway.

The figure had long brown hair, tucked into a ball cap. Intense blue eyes looked at me wide and crazed. I recognized that face from the bar, it was the strange man who spoke to me. I crouched in a stance to run at a moment noticed, I analyzed the area around the man. He blocked the only path out of the alley.

I scanned the walls of the alleyway, too high for me to scale. The man approached; I saw metal glint in his hand off the lamplight. I crossed my arms over my chest and tried to contain my shaking. I stared around me; I didn't want to die here in this damp dark alley.

"Why are you following me?" I asked, backing away from him. He slowly approached; his footsteps tentative. His face was set in a grim line as he stalked forward. I saw a long dagger in his hand.

"I'm sorry…" He was muttering to himself. I started to shake; my muscles locked. He raised his arm holding the dagger, the lapel of his long coat fell open. I saw the insignia of twisting snakes on his button-down shirt. Hyperion Studios. I gasped and placed a hand over my mouth. I should have seen this coming, they wanted to offer me money to sign away my body after I died. How stupid can I be?

"Please, you don't have to do this." I begged. I looked for any way to escape. Tears were gathered on my face.

"I have to, you don't understand…" He lunged forward; his eyes more crazed. The knife shot down towards me. I ducked out of the way and pushed him against the wall with my momentum. He grunted and snarled, spinning around to face me. I turned and sprinted toward the mouth of the alley. He chased. I'd almost made it out when he slammed into me from behind. I felt the sharp puncture through my back, I cried out. I fell to the ground, I felt blood pooling beneath me. I raised myself to my knees, I stared up into the eyes of a killer.

I charged at him, I gripped his wrist in my hand and slammed it to the ground. He groaned and dropped the knife. I gripped it in my hand and raised it above me. Striking down and striking home. The man screamed and coughed. Blood surfacing on his lips. He pushed me back, struggling on top of me he pinned me beneath him. I was getting weaker, dizziness swept over me, I struggled against the man's weight as he collapsed on top of me. I struggled to gather voice to scream, but I was so weak.

Haze began to surround my vision, the darkness was creeping in. As I stared out toward the street, I saw the little plush teddy bear lying in a puddle. Tears streamed down my cheeks, pain engulfed me. I closed my eyes and embraced the darkness.

I'm sorry, Emily.