Redemption by Richard Stephenson Read Free Book Online Page B

What a unique name, I positively love it.  Family name?”
    “Uh, no.  My mother loved Bach.”
    “I guess she didn’t favor the name Johann.”
    Sebastian couldn’t take his eyes from the dead body.  Willie seemed to be staring directly at him.  “You needed a favor?”
    “Yes, shouldn’t prove too difficult.  I simply need you to lock this room and remain in the hallway until I return.”
    “You’re leaving?”
    “I’m afraid so.  I have a small matter that needs tending to.  While Mr. McCallon’s sudden departure proved a convenient gift, it has put me slightly ahead of schedule and I need to call on some of my colleagues.  I won’t be long.  When I return I shall dispose of Mr. McCallon.  I also look forward to discussing your future.”
    Sebastian felt like he heard an odd inflection on the word ‘future.’  He finally took his eyes from the corpse and looked at Charles.  “My future?  What do you mean?”
    Charles smiled and paused a beat, studying Sebastian.  The human body will always betray what the mind is thinking.   “Why this fine establishment of course!  Now that Mr. McCallon will be unable to collect his fifty percent I imagine you have big plans in store.  Am I right?”
    “Wh- why do you care?  You gonna take his fifty percent?”
    “No, no, no, Mr. Curry.  I wouldn’t dream of it!  I have nothing but the utmost respect for a man that makes an honest living by the sweat of his brow.  Besides, I’m not a fan of St. Louis, no offense.”
    “None taken.”
    “Good.  I just want the opportunity to propose a business venture to you.  An investment in the future if you will.”
    “Uh, sure.  I guess we can talk when you get back.”  Sebastian had wished he’d never agreed to help this lunatic.  Getting rid of Willie McCallon was too good to pass up.  Scores of people would celebrate his death and even piss on his grave.  After five minutes alone with Charles, he was actually starting to miss Willie.
    “Excellent, Mr. Curry.  I’ll be back within the hour.  Thank you for your help.”
    Sebastian simply nodded his head and watched Willie’s murderer stroll down the hall like it was just another day at the office heading for his lunch break.  Sebastian thought back to the violence of the previous decade he had gone to great lengths to avoid at all costs.  Some would call Sebastian a coward, Sebastian considered himself smarter with a very strong sense of self-preservation.  He was a man of science and his mind was his only weapon.  And since his mind had not attained superhero powers that could stop vicious beatings, avoiding conflict and often hauling ass in the other direction was the most logical solution.
    Sebastian stood in the deserted hallway for what seemed like an eternity before Charles returned.  The bartender felt terrified under the steely gaze of assassin.  Sebastian simply stared back at Charles not having a clue if he should be doing something.  Charles enjoyed making the man uncomfortable.
    “Mr. Curry?”
    “Uh, yeah?”
    “Would you please open the door?”
    “Oh, yeah, hold on.”  Sebastian fumbled in his pockets for the key and opened the door.  He stood back and allowed Charles to step in and followed him.  Once they were inside, Sebastian locked the door.
    “Do you have a laundry cart, Mr. Curry?”
    “I changed the sheets in here myself.”
    “I’m not concerned about fresh linen, Mr. Curry; I mean to dispose of the dearly departed Mr. McCallon.”
    “Got it, sure, we got a laundry cart.  I’ll go get it.”
    “Not so fast, Mr. Curry.  Mr. McCallon isn’t going anywhere.  Besides, my plan is to wait until nightfall to move the body.  The laundry cart can wait for now.  I just wanted to ensure that you had one just in case I had to make other arrangements.  I’ve been very eager to chat with you, Dr. Biggs.”
    Sebastian felt his heart leap up into his throat.  He did his best to remain calm.  He tried to