[ WP ] `` The man in the black suit took a sip of his scotch , and looked outside the window at the falling snow ''

Jessica. 
 
 The name echoed through his mind, kicking up dust clouds of memories. A flash of smile and a glass of wine. A wrinkled nose at a bad joke. Bobby pins on the sink. 
 
 The scotch had a burnt and peaty flavor. It was n't his usual year -- twelve instead of sixteen -- but, it was good. Another sip followed. A quick swirl. Down the hatch it went. 
 
 The snow was lazy, indifferent to the chaotic thoughts swirling, making it it impossible to focus. She slipped on her heels, sitting on the bed after a night out. He straightened his tie. They did n't kiss when they left his house. 
 
 Jessica. 
 
 The name rang like a bell that could tease out their future together. He thought about how he would call her name from the kitchen, the smell of bacon wafting through the air. He would wrap his arms around her and kiss her deeply, drinking in her natural smell, mixed with faded perfume from the night before. 
 
 `` Jessica.'' He said aloud. A strong name -- it fitted her like a white leather glove. Sturdy, yet supple. She would have made a wonderful bride. Perhaps an even better mother. 
 
 With a plunk, he removed the stopper from the bottle of scotch and poured it into his glass. He contemplated for a moment, swallowed the liquor and poured another. 
 
 Jessica, he thought, so beautiful, but so flawed. She was a hurricane; fierce and unforgiving -- utterly terrifying for those unprepared, but with a calm center. 
 
 He tried to remember -- to tease out why it was that things had fallen out of place. Why it was that he could love her so furiously, but not stand being around her, being intoxicating in the worst way. 
 
 She would n't tarnish her perfection with petty human flaws any more. No, he would remember her perfection; the stunning ideal. 
 
 `` James?'' a voice called, nearby. 
 
 `` Yes, Thomas?'' He was Jessica's brother. 
 
 `` Are you ready for the viewing?'' 
 
 `` No. I do n't think I will.'' 
 
 Thomas would never understand. He would never know. 
 
 James got exactly what he wanted... 
 
... and nobody would ever be the wiser. 
 
 
 

