I cracked open one of his double doors and looked around. The thick curtains were drawn, but the single candle flickering in the corner of the room gave me enough light to see he was sleeping soundly on a grand four-poster bed.
I stepped in, closing the door behind me, and slowly made my way over to his bed. I climbed on top of him and took hold of the pillow, placing it above his head. He opened his eyes just as I pressed the pillow over his face. He thrashed about, his feeble hands clawing at my clothing. It was all in vain as I was stronger than he was, and I added more weight to the pillow. The bed creaked under his struggle to survive, but soon, all of his movements stopped. I held the pillow over his face longer, making sure his chest remained still. When I removed the pillow, Mr. Longwood’s eyes were open as he stared forward at me.
I couldn’t help but look at him, the first person I ever killed. To be honest, I wondered if I’d be able to do it. I’d taken the time I’d been separated from Elias to work up the nerve. Perhaps, it was easier because he was so old and it was a neat death, no blood. I’d never been in war, even though Winston had reminded me on many occasions of boys my age fighting on battlefields. For all intent and purposes, I had been sheltered. Now, I was face to face with a death that was of my own making. It felt surreal. I placed the pillow back on the bed, flattening it out, so it would look as untouched as it did before. I closed Mr. Longwood’s eyes, which was a little difficult, and I posed his body so he looked as peaceful as he had before I’d murdered him.
I climbed off the bed and walked over to window to see that the fall would be too great if I’d tried to jump. Instead, I kept to the plan and made my way back to Elias’ room without incident. “It’s done,” I said, then climbed out of his window and down the lattice the same way I had gotten in. My horse was tied to a tree a nice distance from the mansion, and I ran as fast as I could to him. I arrived back at my inn before noon and settled in my bed. Now, all I had to do was wait for Elias to call for me. Our pact sealed with the last breath of his father.
~*~
Two more weeks passed and I still hadn’t heard anything from Elias. I was beginning to grow concerned. Perhaps, I should pay him a visit. One doesn’t just ignore the person who committed murder for you, and I would not be so insulted. The knock on my inn door caused me to stop pacing the floor. I opened it to see a well-dressed servant with a letter in his hand.
“Mr. Gables?” he inquired.
I nodded. “Yes.”
“Mr. Longwood requests your presence,” he said, then handed me the letter sealed with the official Longwood crest in red wax. That same “L” was on the front gate of the sprawling mansion and on their nightgowns. I thought it was fancy, but something I could not afford. I took the letter, opening it, and read its content.
My Dearest Deacon,
It is with great sorrow that I write this letter to inform you that my father, Augustus Longwood, has passed away. The depth of my pain cannot be measured and as my most loyal friend, I seek your comfort, and even your guidance during this trying time. I have been pulled in many directions as I handle my father’s affairs and this is the unfortunate reason why this letter finds you so late. Please come,
Your Beloved Friend,
Elias.
Well, I had to give him credit, he was playing the role of the grieving son to perfection. I looked at the messenger, my hand going to my chest. “Oh my, I had no idea. When did Mr. Longwood pass?”
The servant frowned a bit. “It was a fortnight ago, Sir. He passed in his sleep, no pain.”
“Well, I supposed that is what mercy we all hope God will grant us,” I said.
“The carriage is waiting to take you to the mansion, Sir,” the messenger informed me.
I looked and saw that I would be traveling in style. I nodded. “Please, give me a moment to gather my belongings.”
“Of course,