14

suffering

She had never seen anyone suffer before. She had seen death, but never the dying.

The grey skin, the brittle veins, the hollow eyes so dark around the edges. He stared at her mournfully. Len tilted her head and sat in the cheap chair next to his cot.

Ris coughed and smiled at her, feebly. "My top assassin...never thought I'd die before you."

She shrugged. "I always told you, the things you indulge in..."

He chuckled dryly. "True, you did mention it once or twice. But really, Len, I have some things I need to tell you."

He rambled on about the organization, money, contacts, and she nodded without really listening. The only thing she could think was that she was staring death in the face right now, and one day he would be on her face like he was on Ris's.