[ WP ] You sit alone at a bar , when a man completely clad in black sits down beside you and says , `` The Grim Reaper needs a new protegé . You interested ? ''

It was the typical Tuesday afternoon at Joe's, Jamie, the bartender, was methodically wiping down the bar with a yellow wash clothe, that Steven was sure was white at some point in time. Like the wash cloth, Steven's life had been stained by the stench of cheep booze. Steven sat alone, as usual, at the center of the bar, that stretched from the entrance to the back corner. He was 47 now, and looked closer to 60. He had thinning grey hair that was just short of shoulder length, and a scraggly beard that matched his unkempt lifestyle. He wore an aged leather bomber jacket, full of old military patches coming unsewn along his back. And a hat that was embroidered with USS Nimitz on his head. His drink of choice? Whatever his post lunch rush begging could get him. Usually cheap rum. 
 
 It had n't always been this way for Steven. He used to be a pilot in the Navy. A damn good pilot at that. He flew the EA-6B Prowlers, his call sign, `` Swillz'', was still his name of choice. 
 
 `` You want another, Swillz?'' Jamie asked from across the bar. 
 
 `` I suppose I'll have just one more,'' Swillz said, `` I'm getting too damn old to be out in the cold all day anyway.'' 
 
 Jamie poured another glass full of the brown nectar that Swillz clung to, as another gentleman entered the bar. He was dressed in all black. Black pants, black shoes, black shirt and a black trench coat draped down his back, floor length. Even his hair was jet black and well kept. His cheeks were red and windburn by the breeze that Chicago was famous for. The man took off his coat and placed it on the back of the barstool to the left of Swillz. 
 
 `` Hi, what'll be?'' Jamie asked. 
 
 `` Whatever he's having,'' replied the man with sadness in his voice, `` Not in a mood to be picky.'' 
 
 `` Rough day?'' Asked Jamie. 
 
 `` You could say that,'' said the man looking down st the bar, `` lost my job. Been working for the same guy longer than you've probably been alive so I guess it was n't my best day.'' 
 
 `` Sorry to hear that,'' Jamie said. Although she knew that could n't be true, the man, looked all of 25 and Jamie was well into her 30s. She shot Swillz a look that said `` keep this looney bin occupied for me, and I'll put the next round on the house. Swillz nodded in agreement. 
 
 `` Got ta name?'' Swillz raspy voice echoed in the empty bar. 
 
 `` Jerry,'' said the man reaching out to shake hands, `` how are you?'' 
 
 `` I think we've both seen better days, Jerry,'' replied Swillz. `` I'm, Steven, but everyone calls me, Swillz.'' 
 
 `` Nice to meet you, Swillz.'' Jerry said as he took the hard water stained glass from the bar in front of him and took it all down in one gulp. `` Another please, sweetheart.'' 
 
 He looked at Swillz up and down, studying the old man, `` So, you look like a man who's in need of a good job.'' 
 
 `` So do you.'' Said Swillz angrily. 
 
 Jerry leaned in close to Swillz and said, `` Grim Reaper is looking for a new protégé, you interested?'' 
 
 Swillz eyes widened as he looked at Jerry, puzzled and disturbed by the question. 
 
 `` Now before you start thinking I'm crazy I can prove this offer is legitimate.'' Jerry said snapping his fingers. 
 
 Swillz heard the ticking of the clock on the wall come to a screeching stop. The silence that now filled the room was as intrusive as Jerry. `` You see Jamie at the end of the bar?'' Jerry asked `` She's my last job, and I have chosen you to replace me.'' 
 
 Swillz looked over at Jamie, she was frozen in place on a stepping stool behind the bar. `` Wh.. what's happening?'' Swillz squeaked. 
 
 `` Do n't be alarmed,'' Jerry said, `` all men must die. You know this to be true. It's Jamie's time. Her doctor told her to quit smoking years ago. She should have listened.'' 
 
 `` She's my only friend in this world.'' Swillz said, holding back the tears. 
 
 `` I know,'' Jerry replied, `` precisely the reason you have been chosen. After Jamie here goes into cardiac arrest, you will have no one. Making you the perfect candidate.'' 
 
 `` I'm not a murderer!'' Swillz could no longer choke down his tears. 
 
 `` Really?'' Jerry said gravely. `` You had no problem dropping 1000 pound bombs over the Middle East, you had no problem getting behind the wheel after drinking all night at your post deployment party. I believe a child of 4 and her mother were the victims who decided to cross the street at the wrong time. You had the wits to report the car stolen and torch it in an ally though, you did.'' 
 
 Swillz was in shock. His jaw dropped in disbelief. `` I... I... I did n't mean to.'' He said looking into the eyes of what he was learning was no man, `` I suppose I wo n't have a choice in this matter, will I? 
 
 `` Oh there's always a choice, Steven,'' Said Jerry, `` but if you say'no' I have to warn you that Hell is a real place, and you've punched a one way ticket.'' 
 
 Jerry reached over the bar and gently touched Jamie's hand. `` When I snap my fingers, Jamie will collapse and I will be gone. You will have no memory of me being here. What's your answer?'' 
 
 `` I'll do it.'' Swillz said gravely. 
 
 `` Good choice.'' Jerry said with a chuckle. 
 
 Jerry snapped his fingers and they were gone. The clock on the wall began to tick as Jamie's limp body fell to the sticky floor. 
 

