The rain came down softly that night, hardly more than a mist. A quarter past midnight Kevin parked across the street, killed the engine, and sat patiently. He checked his watch every so often, sipping from an old water bottle he had filled with orange juice. The world outside the car had gone grey and gloomy by the time the man stepped into view under the street lamp.
He was wearing a dark suit and holding an umbrella in his right hand that left his face in shadow. His left hand escorted a cigarette to his mouth and his clean old face was only slightly more visible in the orange glow. “Keys McLennan” they called him, and I discovered that he had earned this name by never being where they thought he was going to be.
Having waited just long enough to not appear eager while not pissing him off, I grabbed my briefcase and stepped out of he car. Keys, who had finished his cigarette, was idly twirling the umbrella as it rested on his shoulder and staring in my direction. Heart pounding, I walked over and stood in front of him.
He tipped his fedora slightly. ”Good evening, young man.” he said, his voice a thin rasp that should have been unpleasant and disturbing yet refused to be either.
“Hel…” I stammered. “Hello, Mr. McLennan. My father has told me about you since I was a child, sir. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Until a couple of weeks ago, I thought you were just a myth.”
He smiled, and leaned in a little. “Buisness first, son, then pleasantries. That’s how we do things here.” he said as he reached his left hand into his jacket pocket, producing a silver watch. “The case, if you please.”
Feeling slightly embarassed, I offered him the briefcase. He let me hold it level with our chests for a moment as he inspected it, then he blew lightly on the combination lock. It began to spin from all zero’s to all nine’s, and then further onward to numbers I’ve never seen before. The locks began to glow a soft violet, then he stopped blowing and stood up to his full height again, smiling.
“Everything appears to be in order,” he started, “Here you go, and that is that.” He took the briefcase from me with his right hand and left the watch in its place with his left. By the time I thought to look, his right hand was still holding the umbrella and the case was in his left. The watch felt heavy in my hand, comforting and warm. He stared at me, still smiling; he just watched the confusion pass over my face. “I am suitably impressed by your first task. You will meet me tomorrow for chess in the old park on Elm, and perhaps I’ll answer a few questions. Until then, take care.” he said, then turned and walked away.
I had the feeling that I was in for one hell of a headache tomorrow.
