The queen’s personal investigator let out an exasperated sigh.

He’d finally done it, but the results weren’t what he wanted. After months and months of searching for the rebel, of crossing many many names off a very long list, Raquel was 98% sure he had found the culprit.

His pen shook as he lowered it to the desk. The name he had circled was one of the most prestigious men Raquel had ever met, not to mention one of his closest friends.

“Well shit.” He grumbled, fisting the already wrinkled page in his hand. Of all the people, it had to be him? Raquel never once suspected him, though he hadn’t taken his name away from the list. Now all evidence pointed to his humble, charming friend.

“No. No.” His voice wavered and he quickly balled the paper up further. He scrambled to his feet and rummaged through all the drawers.

Ah-ha. The lighter.

Without a second thought, he lit the well-worn paper, watching it succumb to the fiery hands of the flame. Months of his life; gone just like that. When only a pile of ash was left to dust off his desk, he grabbed his satchel and headed for the door. He and his friend had some catching up to do.

~~~~~

“Ah Raquel! It’s good to see you. You finally taking a break?” The man’s smile was broad and handsome; genuine even.

“Mr. Silicity. May we discuss something… in private?”

“Raquel? What’s with this ‘Mr’ bullshit? We’ve known each other for months.” A crease formed on the man’s forehead. He towered over Raquel 2 to 1. Raquel tried not to shrink into his old, wrinkly form.

“Just say what you have to say here. Not many people are around.” Mr. Silicity said. He was right of course. It was hours past dusk and most people were already heading home. The town square was practically deserted.

Raquel gathered all his courage and quickly spoke in a quiet voice, “I know your the mole. The only plausible person is you.”

Mr. Silicity groaned. He raked a hand down his face. When his eyes met Raquel, the old man practically froze; like a deer caught in headlights. Mr. Silicity’s smile was made of venom.

“All I wanted was a lazy Sunday, but now I have to kill you.” Mr. Silicity took a step towards Raquel. The old man began to panic, sputtering pleads and reasons to spare him. “I really liked you Raquel. I really did. But the cause, the rebellion, is much more important than any feelings I might posses.” Another step closer.

With every step Mr. Silicity took towards Raquel, Raquel took two steady ones back.

Closer. Two steps back. Closer. Another two steps.

Raquel said nothing as he felt his backside hit a wall. He looked around, on the verge of screaming for help. No one was milling around. All the stragglers had left.

“If it’s any consolation, I am sorry. You were a dear friend.” Mr. Silicity took one more step towards the old man. His arms enveloped Raquel in a tight hug. Raquel didn’t dare fight back; it wouldn’t matter.

He sucked in a breath, feeling the muscular man shift. A cold metal rested itself on the lateral side of his neck.

“Please. Don’t.” The old man’s voice came out as a rasp. He had thought he was above begging, but on the verge of death some things are unavoidable.

With another, quick shift, the old man dropped to the ground, landing with his face smushed against the concrete.

Mr. Silicity stared at the knife sticking out awkwardly from his back. He leaned down and plucked the knife from his spine; as if it were a feather to be plucked from a chicken. The thick, red liquid drained from the corpse; a slash at his jugular and the longer, deeper one alone his spine.

Mr. Silicity stared at the body, deciding what to do with it. After a moment he shrugged then walked away; the body was hidden in the dark shadow of the building, it would likely be hours, or even days, before someone discovered it.

Another venomous smile reached his lips; his secret was safe for yet another day.