Exceptional Expect the unexpected Dressed to Kill by Barry Penfold Artwork by avmurray at FanArtReview.com

Shane Dwyer's stare was laser like. The almost empty room showed an Armani suit hanging on the open clothes rack and a pair of black business shoes waiting patiently for some action. Everything had to be in place. His business was serious, very serious. The selection of the room on the first floor, offered a perfect vision of the street. There were people everywhere at all times of the day and night. His clothing would blend well with the rest of the suits down on the street. A tripod and telescopic rifle stood ominously near a half opened window. Killing was his game and the return to his own turf, whilst pleasing, was somewhat nerve wracking. No mistakes, just follow the plan. His training gave him no choice but to be methodical and thorough, not only in preparation for the kill but in the escape route. The words of his mentor came readily to him now. It was as if he was beside him. "Always have at least two escape routes planned and memorised. Better still make it three and be prepared to expect the unexpected." Shane smiled at the last instruction. How do you prepare for something that is unexpected? But he got the thrust. Just be ready all the time. Getting out, was harder and more important than getting in. A double page article in The Metro Daily provided some insight into his target, a politician by the name of Jim Ponting. A loud mouth, swash buckling type of person who had made a reputation as a drug busting career politician. The very fact that someone wanted him dead meant that he had been quite successful in hindering the flow of cash. Poor Jim. Shane stirred his black coffee and sugar and walked over to his scope. He carefully viewed the settings and knew the shot would be quite straightforward. Once taken, he would fold the gun into a brief case and exit the room and descend the stairs at the back of the building. A total of 25 seconds and he would be out on the street. As he was shooting from some three hundred metres he would be among the crowd before any body came looking. The addition of a very good fake moustache would assist. Did he need a beard? A bit of overkill he laughed as he considered the possibility. No, the moustache would do. Although he had been seen by people, he certainly was not well known. The lady in the sandwich shop and maybe the barman had a connection. He still liked a drink, but nothing like in his former pre- assassin days. How stupid he had been. Wasting what talent he had and destroying a relationship with his former wife as well as his daughter. How he loved her. The only salvation was that the money he earned from his new career allowed him scope to set up a very healthy property portfolio for her. Who would have thought, after reaching the bottom of the slide, he would find a way out that not only offered the chance to escape the Chinese Triad but also earn exceptional money. Even as a leading city lawyer he had never accrued the money levels that he could now demand. He returned to the article in the Metro daily and read further as to Jim Ponting's life and climb to the top. It was only in the last paragraph that mention was made as to his young family. Apparently they played an active role in many of his political campaigns. Would they be with him today? The distant noise, alerted Shane to the approaching procession. Time to dress and do final checks. He took his suit from the rack and marvelled how well tailored it was. Beautifully fitted and leaving a remarkable flexibility. Now for the shoes and the moustache. Once dressed, he went up to his rifle sights and checked again. The view was excellent. The surrounding areas were showing no signs of heavy security and the background of City Park set the scene for a perfect hit. He walked from the rifle tripod but turned suddenly back to it. He made a slight adjustment and then back to his chair, picking up the Metro Daily. He figured in about three minutes he would be completing his task. The outside noise grew. Clearly the procession was moving closer. Shane counted down from 10 to 1 and rose from the chair. Now focused on nothing else but the rifle he strode to the tripod and viewed through the sights. Perfect. Jim Ponting was where he was meant to be, bang in the middle of the scope. Nothing in the way. He took the shot. Shane was now entirely focused on his escape plan. The noise outside was muted and every move he made he had practised a thousand times. His gun now stowed in his brief case, he left the apartment. One turn left and he was at the head of the stairs. The exit into the street was straight forward. There was an urgency in the movements of those around him and despite one of his intended escape routes now being blocked, he knew an alternative. It was not far. In fact, even though his mind was racing, he was pleased as this route would actually take him into the underground train system. In addition, he calculated that there would be less intensity in the search. He was a shooter but not a killer. His last minute adjustment made sure of that. Why kill a good man? Sure, he would now have to plot a different course for his life, but he had done that before. In any event, he was trained to expect the unexpected. He smiled and kept walking. Recognized Author Notes Certain occupations require thorough preparation. Sometimes things do not quite go to plan.

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