[ WP ] Everyone time someone hurts someone else , they feel an equal amount of pain in return . As a hitman , you have to get pretty creative

Being a hitman in these times was one of the most hazardous occupations out there. Our lives were referred to fondly as `` dying a thousand deaths''. For some of us, this was enjoyable. It meant, when we finally did go, we would no longer fear the pain. For the rest, it was torture and agony, dying to live, but there was no other way. 
 The woman at the bar was n't very attractive, but these little distractions come with the territory. 
 She polished off another gin and tonic, and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Sloppy, given her social position. 
 `` Sssoo, what it is that you do, again?'' she managed to slur. Grammatically incorrect, the question would have made me shudder if not for my practiced stone-cold composure. 
 `` Public service,'' I replied smoothly. I hailed the barkeep, and slipped him a bill, requesting more alcohol for the lady. 
 I heard her giggle. `` You know who I is, or am, do n't you?'' 
 `` Carolyn Hendersen, currently the most controversial politician on the market,'' I answered with a slight smirk. I was hoping the comment would come off as seductive, rather than offensive. 
 But Mrs. Hendersen was intoxicated to the point that would destroy any negative implications. I had done my homework well, as always, and knew that this woman's husband had left her wanting for much more. Any possible flirtatious implication was a baited hook for this woman. 
 It was apparent she took it when she laughed heartily. `` Some people pay good to have their things take care of. But I do n't take no bribes from nobody. That's why they're so mad all the time! But I tell'em, I say,'It's not gon na matter to me! Only thing matters is the good of country, and that's what I'm doin'!'' She threw back the next drink as soon as it hit the bar. 
 As soon as it was down, Mrs. Hendersen leaned in to my face and whispered with an unappealing seductive smile, `` So are you friend or foe, Mr. Jenkins?'' 
 Jenkins was n't my real name. One always knew to have an alias on the job. 
 I raised an eyebrow. `` Why, Carolyn, do you really believe I could be anything but friend to a woman such as yourself?'' 
 A devilish look crossed her face. She leaned even closer and mumbled, `` Do you care that I have a husband?'' The stench of alcohol flooded my nostrils, sterile and calming. The scent was familiar, and, simultaneously, a reminder of what I had set out to accomplish. 
 I slipped an arm around Mrs. Hendersen's waist, steadying her, keeping her close, but also allowing for me to be in control of the situation. I then said in a low growl, `` It does n't matter to me. I'm in public service, remember?'' I paused to allow her to react. She pressed her head against my shoulder, and nuzzled my neck. 
 I lifted her slightly to whisper in her ear, `` Let's go back to my place.'' 
 Carolyn giggled as she stumbled to stand, and attempt to pull on her expensive peacoat. `` Lead the way, hot stuff,'' she commanded, poking me in the chest and winking. 
 I grabbed her hand and stepped out into the crisp autumn night. The feeling of cool air in my lungs was a harsh reminder of other feelings to come. The alcohol will numb the pain, I thought to myself, as I pulled the stumbling woman into the parking lot. 
 `` Which of them is yours?'' she muttered as we hit the pavement. 
 A new initial plan struck me like lightning. I felt the shock of it through my entire body like a release. It was an exciting opportunity, a chance not to feel the pain of another death. I had already died dozens of times over, so this new prospect was a pleasant escape from the pain of my line of work. I can not truly say if every instance was worth the pain for the money, but, considering my current life situation, it had become darkly apparent that I had no other choice. 
 `` Actually, my dear, I have an amazing little chateau with a hot tub and champagne right across the street. Mind if we walk? It wo n't take but a moment, as I believe we both might have imbibed too much to safely drive.'' 
 She clicked her tongue as she shook her head. `` You'll just owe double when we get there!'' 
 I chuckled falsely under my breath. `` Do n't worry, love, you'll be treated with the utmost care.'' 
 I coaxed Mrs. Hendersen to the edge of the road. She tried to continue walking, but I restrained her upon noticing a bright pair of headlights. `` No, there's a car coming!'' I exclaimed, making sure it reached the ears of any witnesses that might be in the vicinity. 
 Mrs. Hendersen waved her hand dismissively. `` You tell me when to cross then, babe, but I ca n't wait much longer.'' 
 I hesitated for a moment before noticing a vehicle swerving with no headlights. 
 `` Go now,'' I whispered, giving her wrist the slightest of tugs. 
 The intoxicated woman laughed and stumbled into the middle of the road. `` I'm readyyyy!'' She yelled, flinging her arms into the air. 
 At the moment the car came hurtling toward her uncontrollably, I emitted a perfectly timed bellow, and made toward her, but knew I would be too late. 
 Her body was sent flying, and an audible crack echoed out in every direction. Then there was a deep and terrifying scream from within the car. The driver went off the road and slammed into a tree, crushing the metal around the passengers. 
 An older woman and her husband came hustling up to me, clearly out of breath. `` What happened?'' They panted. 
 I forced my muscles to tense and shake, and acted as if I was choking out a response. `` She was drunk and I was gon na walk her home. She ran out in front of that car, and we did n't even see it... There were no lights, and I've had something to drink, too. Oh God! This is all my fault!'' I dropped my head into my hands and realized I was still shaking. There was no pain. No pain from this job, for the first time ever, and this bounty... I may never have to work again. 
 `` Young man, it's not your fault,'' the older woman croaked, patting my back gently. `` I'll call an ambulance and get you a ride home.'' 
 I had hoped to leave before anyone arrived, but I no longer seemed to mind. I was finally at peace. This last mission was a crushing weight off my chest. 
 After giving my statement to an officer, I was ushered into the back of his patrol car to be taken home. I had to silently calm myself, as being seated in a police vehicle made my heart pound in my head, as it thought on every crime I'd executed without remorse. I could n't fully explain away the nerves, but I felt the composure still firmly in place. 
 The officer slid into the driver's seat beside me. I could see now, in the light of the car, that he was a young man, probably mid 20s, and still had a green hue to him. 
 He turned and gave me a bright smile. `` Where t-'' he froze before finishing his question, and I instantly knew why. 
 His eyes widened and he appeared clearly frightened. `` You-you're h-him! Th-th-that hitman who-'' 
 He was reaching for his gun... 
 The gunshot rang through my skull, and I blacked out from the pain. When I came to, I scooped the officer's gun off the car mat where it had fallen, and stepped out of the vehicle. Everyone had left the scene in the time I'd blacked out for, and I began walking down the edge of the road. I tried to collect my thoughts, in spite of the endless throbbing and the lingering effects of feeling as though my skull had been shattered. 
 I had to collect the rest of what was owed me and skip town. 
 There is no escape. Once you become a hitman, you must die in order to live.
