The Assignment

"Bad news, boss."
"Well, what the fuck...you want me to guess what it is? Spit that shit out."
"It's our birdie, boss. He's singing."
"Singing?"
"That's right. I'm staring at him right now."
"You're sure?"
"Not a doubt in my mind."
"...Alright. But you better be sure."
"I'm sure, boss."
"Can it all be handled at once?"
"Yeah, boss. It can be handled in one trip."
"Tonight?"
"...Tonight."
"...Alright. Give me a call when they're ready."
"Sure thing."
The line went dead.
But my ears picked up on his sigh before he disconnected.

Why me?

Out of all the people he hand under him...why did he choose me for this
Of all assignments.
I felt like he was testing me on this. Like there was something that I wasn't seeing. Something that I should be seeing...but was missing.
It had me second-guessing my work.
And I'm not one to second-guess.
But I'd better be sure.
I'd better be sure as muthafuckin day about this one.
Cause if not...
Let's just make sure if not didn't come into play.

I lit another Marlboro, then brought my eyes back to my assignment.
My new assignment.
Same mark.
New assignment.
Stared at him through the window as the waitress handed him the receipt and told him and his guest to enjoy their evening.
Why me?
I took another pull from my Marlboro as they rose from their seats. Watched him as he helped his friend with her coat. And then watched them as they made their way towards the exit.
Then I took another pull from my bogie before flicking it in the street.
It was going to be a long night.
A long ass night.
"Edward," I heard his voice at my back, and turned around.
"Mr. Stevens," I returned, opening the door for him and his friend. "I hope you enjoyed your meal."
His friend immediately jumped into the back seat of the limo.
And our eyes met as Mr. Stevens formed his response.
"Yes, Edward. Dinner was delicious. I even brought you a plate to take home." He handed me the doggy bag he carried out of the restaurant.
"Thank you, Mr. Stevens. That's awful thoughtful of you."
"Don't mention it. It's the least I could do for my favorite driver. Glad to have you back. Missed you since my father took you under his wing after Winston passed. So, I'm glad that he finally found another driver so that I could finally have you back."
"And I'm glad to be back, Mr. Stevens."
"Very well, then, Edward." He smiled.
"Where to next, sir?"
He glanced down for a second, and I saw his eyes look to his friend.
He stared at her for another second, and then cleared his throat as he brought his eyes back up to mine.
"I think we're ready to call it a night, Edward. That meal was pretty heavy on us. So, you can bring my guest back to her hotel. And then drop me at home."
I leaned in towards him a bit.
Brought my voice down a notch. "I don't recall a time when I've ever seen you let a woman that beautiful go home early, sir."
He smiled as he straightened his stance again.
I grinned, too, eyes watching his.
"Don't I know it, Edward. But...let's just say there's a first for everything."
"Indeed." I nodded.
His grin softened a touch, and then his eyes shifted.
"Very well, then, Edward. Shall we get going?"
"After you, sir."
He nodded, and then got into the limo.
I closed the door behind him.
Then made my way to the driver's door.
No longer second-guessing myself.
But still wishing I hadn't been the one chosen to do...what I had to do.