It’s dark enough, but it’s safer to leave the goggles on, don’t want to be caught offguard.
Nice room. A view of central Mecca, but far enough away so it’s quiet. Expensive.
You travel light, and either stay packed, or intend to leave pretty soon.
Your perfume. Jasmine. Means that musk is you then. If it weren’t for the small bag, I’d never even know someone was staying here. You keep things wiped down. I’d be willing to bet you keep track of what you’ve touched.
A small cough at the door, seconds before you keyed the lock. Actually giving me warning? I slipped behind the door.
~~
I open the door, and drop low at the same time, just as you make a grab for me.
The pressure points in the wrist and shoulder are easy to find, despite the amount of muscle. A foot to the inside of the knee, and you’re forced to the ground, with me on top.
One leg wrapped around your knee, one arm pinned. It’s not the arm with the knife unfortunately, but I’m sincerely hoping that’s not going to be an issue.
My other foot rests, I’m sure uncomfortably for you, on the skin of the inside of your right arm, making it a strain for you to hold that knife to my throat.
I’m sure it’s equally uncomfortable that I too have a knife to your throat.
If it were not for the fact that we were armed, there would appear to be something almost sexual in our pose, linked at the hips as we are. Both breathing hard, eye contact, palpable tension in the air. I suppose that should not be too surprising, given the intimacy involved in hunting another human being.
We remain like this for what seems like forever, catching our breath. Neither one of us, for reasons of our own, have chosen to slit the others throat yet. A good sign.
“Have you eaten , Mr Riddick?
“What?”
“Have you had a decent meal recently? It would be a shame if dinner got cold while we wrestle around on the floor. I’d rather not have my throat slit, and would really prefer not to be hit, I’m not built for it. Perhaps we could agree to a truce?”
I release the catch on the switchblade, watching your face the entire time, it’s difficult, because of the thick black goggles.
Your hand drops, just a little, and I release the pressure on your arm and knee, lifting my foot from your arm last.
We are like two wary animals, knowing that we can seriously harm each other, and not yet willing to give up the idea of fighting just yet.
“I have no intention of having the lights past low, if you wanted to take those goggles off. I wish you no discomfort, Mr Riddick. For the moment, I’d like to consider you my guest?”
You say nothing, I guess I don’t blame you, this must seem a little odd, after all.
“Lights, ten percent”
You lift the goggles. Your eyes, shined, a beautiful silver blue, with something darker, just a glint, when you look away. You still seem puzzled, but sit at the small table by the window, looking ready to spring at the smallest provocation.
I gather together our meal, and pour wine.
“To your health”
Genuine laughter, finally, a rich sound that fills the room.
“Yes, I suppose that’s funny, given what I do for a living, but when an assassin wishes you health, I would consider that a blessing, wouldn’t you, Mr Riddick?”
“Yea, that’s funny. Just Riddick. What do I call you anyways?”
“Ava”
“Is that your real name, or an alias?”
“As far as I know, it’s my real name, offered as a professional courtesy”
“As to that profession……”
“Later Mr, sorry, Riddick. Right now, enjoy the meal, and then we will talk of what we have in common.”