Chris Kuzneski - The Prophecy

‘Take the bag,’ she screamed. ‘You can have it! It’s just garbage!’

‘Then what do you want?’

‘Jon!’ he yelled, realizing he needed backup. ‘Come here!’

One by one, doors started to open throughout the sixth floor as nosy neighbours stuck their heads into the hallway like prairie dogs looking for predators. Completely exposed, Jones was tempted to run, but realized that would result in twenty people dialling 9-1-1 before he even reached the lobby. So he followed Payne’s lead from before and decided to improvise, even if it meant exposing himself to several potential witnesses.

Of course, his exposure would involve less nudity than Payne’s.

Jones whipped out his credentials, issued by the Pennsylvania Association of Licensed Investigators, and held it above his head. ‘Relax, everybody, I’m a detective. The woman startled me, and I overreacted. It’s completely my fault.’

Despite his apologies, Megan backed away from Jones, not willing to trust the man who had just pulled a gun on her. She stared at him the entire time, reluctant to shift her gaze from him until her neighbour across the hall opened his door. Brad was a scrawny man with a large Adam’s apple that bulged from his neck like a massive

Meanwhile, Payne hustled down the centre of the hallway, trying to calm everyone else on the floor. As he did, he held his wallet in the air — even though he didn’t have a badge of any kind. He did it all for show. ‘Don’t worry, people, everything is fine. We didn’t mean to disturb your evening. Please go back inside, and we’ll get things settled.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Jones assured her. ‘I didn’t know it was you.’

She slid behind Brad, who didn’t seem pleased by the development. ‘Who did you think it was?’

Jones shrugged, not sure how to answer. ‘I heard a noise behind me and my instincts took over. I’m sorry if I scared you. I really am.’

‘Who let you in?’ she demanded.

‘Excuse me?’

‘This is a secured building,’ she explained. ‘Who let you in the building?’

‘Yeah,’ Brad said, puffing out his chest. ‘Who let you in?’

Jones stammered. ‘I, um, don’t—’

‘I did,’ Payne said as he stepped in front of Jones.

Payne pointed to Ashley’s apartment. ‘I’m Jon. We talked earlier.’

She blinked a few times, trying to absorb the information. ‘Ashley’s friend?’

‘Yes, Ashley’s friend.’

She stared at Payne, sizing him up. ‘And you know this guy?’

Payne nodded. ‘Yes, he’s a friend of mine. He came to give me a ride.’

‘A ride ? Why does he have a gun?’

‘Like he said, he’s a professional detective.’ Payne grabbed Jones’s ID and showed it to Megan and Brad, who was now standing behind her as if he was the one who needed protection. ‘He’s fully licensed and has a permit for the weapon. I assure you, he’s not a threat.’

‘I’ll be the judge of that,’ she said tersely. ‘He pulled his gun on me in my hallway.’

‘I know he did, and he’s obviously sorry about it. Just look at him. He looks like a puppy dog that peed on the carpet.’

She stared at Jones, who appeared mortified by everything that was going on. ‘He does look kind of pathetic.’

Payne nodded. ‘Completely pathetic.’

‘And you’re willing to vouch for him?’

‘Yeah, well, he seemed pretty dangerous with that gun in his hand.’

‘I bet he did, but I swear to you he’s not a threat. In fact, if you want, we can take him into the alley and kick the shit out of him together. Will that make you feel better?’

She smiled. ‘No, that isn’t necessary. But thank you for asking.’

Payne took a step closer and lowered his voice. ‘Megan, if it’s all right with you, please do me a favour and tell everyone you’re okay. The sooner that happens, the sooner everyone will leave the hallway, and we can get out of your life for good.’

She glanced at her neighbour. ‘What do you think, Brad?’

Payne glared at him. ‘Yeah, Brad, what do you think?’

Brad gulped and nodded.

‘Fine! I’ll forgive him. But keep him away from me. I don’t trust the guy.’

Payne quickly agreed. ‘No problem at all. DJ, go wait by the elevator.’

Jones scurried away as quickly as he could.

As he did, Megan cleared her throat and stepped

She looked at Payne for his approval. ‘How was that?’

He glanced down the hall and watched her neighbours retreat, one by one. ‘That was perfect.’

‘Well, I aim to please.’

Payne flashed a smile. ‘That’s good to know.’

‘So,’ she said as she blushed slightly, ‘the show’s finally over. I guess you and your driver can leave now.’

‘I guess so. Thanks for being so understanding. You, too, Brad.’

Brad gulped again, then slipped into his apartment without saying a word.

Megan smiled at Brad’s skittish behaviour. ‘So, where’s Ashley? Is she inside?’

Payne nodded, not sure how to respond. He had lied to Megan enough already, and the more he did, the guiltier he felt about it — especially since her friend was dead and he was keeping that from her. Not only that, but if the intruders returned, Megan could be in harm’s way.

finally get my package.’

‘Actually,’ Payne said as he touched her arm, ‘that’s not a good idea.’

‘Why not? Did you wear her out?’

Payne shook his head, realizing he owed her the truth. No matter how painful it was.

33

Not surprisingly, most men were intimidated by her presence. They ogled her from afar, practically drooling, but when given the chance, they lacked the self-confidence to approach. Even when she smiled at them or met their gaze, they tended to freeze, or stutter, or look away.

Like boys with a schoolyard crush.

But Jonathon Payne was different. She sensed that from the moment she had met him. As did nearly every person he had ever encountered. In the entertainment field, it was called the ‘it’ factor — an innate quality that couldn’t be taught or learned but ultimately determined who became

Not to mention a hit with the ladies.

When Payne turned on the charm, he could sell steak to a vegetarian. Or, in this case, convince Megan to have a chat with him a few minutes after Jones had pulled a gun on her.

Of course, she wasn’t stupid about it. She didn’t invite Payne inside her apartment. Instead, she suggested a recreational lounge on the second floor. It had a pool table and video games, and most importantly, several neighbours who could protect her better than Brad.

Payne went downstairs first and grabbed a booth while Megan changed into jeans and a sweater. To help keep her calm, Jones stayed on the far side of the lounge where he kept his eye on the door. By the end of her chat with Payne, Jones knew she would understand why he had pulled a gun on her, but until then, he was willing to give her the space she needed to stay comfortable.

Ten minutes later, Payne spotted Megan in the doorway. Before she entered, she glanced round

Taking a deep breath, she walked across the room towards Payne’s booth, holding items in both hands.

He stood as she approached. ‘Thank you for coming, Megan.’

‘Just so you know,’ she warned him, ‘I’ve got my pepper spray in one hand and my cell phone in the other. One false move, and I’ll use both.’

Payne pretended to shield his eyes. ‘If I get a vote, start with the phone.’

She smiled and took a seat. ‘So, what’s this all about?’

Payne was surprised the chatty girl from before was now all business. But considering the events of upstairs, he could understand why. ‘How well do you know Ashley?’