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Apr-25-2012 16:52

May-19-2012 23:16

Evil Intent

Smith’s subway train is to arrive at 4:40. As I casually stroll toward the escalator, I see two serious-looking men exit the elevator from the Biltmore Hotel above. They are carrying no baggage or packages, and both are wearing cheap suits. Mafia men would be dressed in $300-or-better suits. These two are wearing $25 suits off the rack. Union thugs, I now know the “who” part of this puzzle, but I was hoping for a single assailant. The thugs rudely shove by people in their way. Their demise will be their haste. Professionals take the time to arrive early. I’ve been scouting Grand Central since 2:45.

There are no telltale bulges in their jackets of concealed handguns. They could have ankle holsters or concealed knives elsewhere, so I still have to be careful. There is one tipoff to packing heat in ankle holsters: stairs. They are in a hurry as they purposely descend the escalator steps. Good news, no guns.

At the lower level food court, I purchase a pretzel and casually stroll toward the platform between tracks 109 and 110. Smith’s train will be arriving on track 110. It is now 4:36. An Express train will speed through on 109 without stopping at 4:42. As I amble along the platform, I wonder what the plan is to take out Smith. There are very few people waiting for the 4:40. I try to look innocent and harmless, just another dame. My ruse works, and the two thugs ignore me.

4:40. I feel a burst of wind as Smith’s train races out of the tunnel and glides to a stop. Only four passengers disembark. Smith is the last off. He looks very tired from days of negotiations and travel. I sense the Grim Reaper waiting, unseen. Death will not be denied. Another rush of wind, and the 4:42 train approaches at high speed. I focus and realize the peril by their positions. One assassin will grab Smith’s briefcase while the other pushes Smith from behind into the path of the 4:42 Express. This train will be the “smoking gun”, an unstoppable weapon of destruction.

May-19-2012 23:20

Poetic Justice

I have on my brand new nylon stockings I just recently purchased from the Dupont exhibit at the World’s Fair. I bend over as if to adjust wrinkles out of my nylons. Smith passes while the assassins converge.

It is good to have vampiric strength and speed. Without warning, I launch a series of kicks faster than the eye can see. Both of the thugs go airborne into the path of the 4:42, becoming impromptu nose ornaments and are whisked away into a dark tunnel. The Grim Reaper collects his due.

I glance around quickly, and nobody seems to have witnessed my carnage. It all happened so quickly that nobody noticed. I have a run in my new nylons. Curses!
I follow Smith up the escalator at a discrete distance hoping nobody notices the run in my hosiery. Smith goes directly to the Vanderbilt Hall. His wife and children swarm him with hugs and kisses. For the sentimental, it is an endearing family scene.

Epilogue
My contract with Costello is fulfilled, so I will receive my balance of cash in another blank envelope. I honestly don’t care if organized crime pays me. Costello’s benefit is complicated. Eastern wants to erect a skyscraper in the Rockefeller Center, and Costello will smooth out any red tape put up by the city. There will be much graft and corruption over the awarding of building contracts, and Costello will make sure his crews will be awarded the work. The city will have a look of prosperity and progress at exactly the right time with the world’s fair here. Costello, who is great at political schmoozing, simply wanted to prevent the delays that starting over with the UAW involved would require. Smith’s death would have delayed things. The kickbacks to Costello will be enormous compared to my paltry fee. Paltry to Costello, generous from my perspective, so I am pleased. Everybody wins except the UAW, and hiring assassins does not garner sympathy from me.

A wad of cash for me, but better yet, a murder is prevented.
A Perfect Case.

May-20-2012 00:11

THIS POST IS NOT FOR JUDGING

Since my request was never answered on May 10, I waited to submit until just before the deadline. This posting is deliberately after the deadline and is not part of the contest. It is my opinion that due to the nature of my post, a disclaimer is justified.


Author’s Disclaimer

While some of the events in The Perfect Case could have happened, there is no intent to portray a real event. This story is fiction. There is also no intent to besmear any beneficial organization. The United Auto Workers (UAW) provides, today still, a valuable service to the workers in the automobile industry. Same with the machinists’ union (IAM), IAM still provides a valuable service. There is no valid attempt in this writing to implicate IAM or UAW with illegal activities.

There is also no attempt to besmear the city government of New York City or implicate any city employees with taking bribes or promoting illegal activities.

If any mafia organizations are portrayed as evil, that is a good thing. If any mafia organization is portrayed as good, that is accidental.

Simply, bad people do bad things no matter what organizations they belong to. This essay merely reflects what bad people could do within the bounds of beneficial organizations.

May-21-2012 07:19

To all writers and judges.

It seems as though some things have come up causing me to be away from here for the next few days. I will be out of contact for a few days, however, the winner will still be announced, and their prize will still be given by Friday at the latest! Hopefully earlier.

This reply has been deleted by a Moderator

May-23-2012 21:58

Okay writers. This is the moment you've all been waiting for. The judges have judged and the scores are in.

Bringing up third place, with a final score of 239 is.......Night Queen!

Coming in second place with a final score of 279 is.....Cekuray!

And now the moment you've all been waiting for...the winner of this competition is.....Drum roll please........Molly Maltese with a final score of 287 points.

Congratulations to our winner and a great job to all those that competed. I hope no one is discouraged and that you all keep on with the game.

Molly, message me when you see this to claim your prize!

Again, good job everyone that competed.

May-24-2012 08:02

Congratulations!

May-24-2012 08:08

Congratulations Molly!

May-24-2012 08:11

Congratulations Molly!!!

May-24-2012 09:12

Thank you, Marc, for all your hard work in this contest. Your efforts are a ray of sunshine! :)