[ WP ] A billionaire hires two contract-killers to murder each other for sadistic entertainment . Describe how the hit-men discover the ploy , team up , and kill their employer .

The harsh annoying ring of the telephone pierced his ears, but he was too concentrated to answer it. He had a job to do, and this man was making it very hard to do. Even with all the experience he had in finding people, this man was good at not being found. The phone rang again. 
 
 He answered it. Not out of defeat, but because he just needed a break. In all his research on this man he had hit dead ends. `` Hello?'' 
 
 `` Yes is this Mr Nelson?'' It was the voice of a man he did n't recognize, and he was immediately more alert. 
 
 `` No, you must have a wrong number.'' 
 
 `` I'm sorry, let me rephrase that. I know that you are Mr Nelson, and I need to speak with you. Is this line secure?'' 
 
 `` Who the hell are you and what do you want?'' 
 
 `` Mr Nelson, this is Mr Croft, I believe you already know who I am.'' 
 
 Mr nelson chuckled to himself, but his heart raced. `` Yes I believe I do. But how do you know me, and what is this call concerning?'' 
 
 `` You and I both know that you were hired by Mr Spear last week to kill me. What you do n't know is I was also hired by Mr Spear to kill you.'' Mr Croft let that sink in for a minute before continuing. `` We were both paid half before and half after the deed was done, but I have a proposition for you. I would like to meet in person.'' 
 
 `` You must realize that I am not an ignorant man. Meeting with you is not in my better judgement, so what's in it for me?'' 
 
 `` Money, if you agree to the plan.'' 
 
 `` And how do I know that you wo n't just kill me and collect your other half?'' 
 
 `` You do n't. But we are both well seasoned killers. My attacking you would be very stupid, likewise your attacking me would also be very stupid. In killing one another we each collect our other half. In working together we each get much more. I need you, and you need me. So what do you say?'' 
 
 He took a moment to digest this and consider his options. He had met only dead ends, and this man already knew his personal phone number. It was in his best interest to not have this man as an enemy. `` When and where?'' 
 
 `` The cafe on 23rd, tomorrow at 3.'' 
 
 `` That's an awfully crowded place, should n't we meet somewhere more private?'' 
 
 `` It's so loud, no one will hear us.'' 
 
 He thought about that and decided the louder the better. `` Ok.'' He hung up. He did n't feel so safe anymore. 
 
 He drove past the cafe twice before parking, looking for all the exits, any fast escapes he may find himself in need of. He finally parked and entered. It dawned on him that he had no idea who he was looking for. As he scanned the room a man met his gaze, and held it. Mr Croft was dressed in jeans and a t shirt, not at all the attire he had imagined him in after the phone call he had had last night. He looked to be in his thirties, and had some slight facial hair. Brown eyes, Brown hair, everything about this man was extraordinarily average. Which is good, when you need to escape notice. He motioned for Mr Nelson to have the seat directly across from him. 
 
 `` Mr Croft.'' He nodded curtly and took his seat. 
 
 `` Mr Nelson,'' Mr Croft greeted, `` it's nice to finally meet you.'' 
 
 Nelson cut straight to the chase. `` What exactly do you propose.'' 
 
 `` Right,'' said Croft smiling, `` in short, I propose we blackmail Mr Spear.'' 
 
 `` Why? Why did n't you just kill me? Or blackmail him by yourself? You must understand this does n't make any sense to me.'' 
 
 `` He hired us to kill each other not because he wants us dead, no, but because he's playing games with us. I take my job very seriously. In fact, it's not just a job, it's a profession, and I am very skilled at it. It's a very serious thing to get involved with a hit man, but he is just using me, using us, for his own amusement. I do n't take lightly to being taken for a fool.'' 
 
 `` How do you propose we blackmail him?'' 
 
 `` We threaten to kill him, or course. We're both successful murderers who have gotten away countless times. He'll pay us, or he'll die. It's really that simple.'' Mr Nelson did n't speak, obviously wanting Mr Croft to continue. `` We pay a little visit to him while he's home alone. I'd say, what, $ 10 million each within 24 hours, or we kill him.'' 
 
 They studied Mr Spear, learned his habits. The next Tuesday they entered his large house while they knew he was sure to be alone. For a rich man Mr Spear did n't have very good security. They found him in his home office and entered together. Mr Spear immediately jumped to his feet. 
 
 Mr Croft spoke. `` Mr Spear, we know that you hired us to kill each other, and neither of us likes being played with. So here's what's going to happen. Within 24 hours you're going to give us $ 10 million a piece, or we're going to kill you. Do you understand?'' 
 
 Mr Spear was very fat, wearing a suit, and smoking. Exactly what you would expect a rich man to look like. Except his face was now a bright red, and his eyes were wide with fear. When he spoke his voice was high pitched and drenched with terror. `` Y-yes, how d-do you want m-me to give you the money?'' 
 
 `` You're a very rich man, we'll let you figure that out yourself. We'll be back in 24 hours. It is your job to make sure that there is no one else home at the time, that there are no police involved, and that you have $ 20 million to give us.'' 
 
 `` O-okay.'' He nodded quickly, looking as though he had a powerful twitch. 
 
 They were leaving when Mr Croft turned and said `` oh, and Mr Spear? You would do best not to cross us.'' And they left the room. 
 
 They returned the following day and the house was empty and clear of police. It appeared as though Mr Spear had followed his instructions. They found him sitting in his office, but this time he looked much less at ease, and there were two brief cases on his desk. 
 
 `` Very nice Mr Spear.'' Said Mr Croft. They each grabbed one of the brief cases and counted their money. Mr Croft set down his brief case. `` Like I said, I do n't like being played with.'' and in one fluid motion he drew his gun and shot Mr Spear. He walked toward the door and when he reached it he turned and said `` I hope.I never see you again, Mr Nelson.'' And he left.
