One week after breaking White Mask from the city asylum. Ghost is exiting the city park headed to his van, which is currently marked “Ron’s Landscape.” Ghost puts his phone to his ear as he climbs in and drives down the road.
“Good work Ghost. I’ve got a bunch of assignments pending, ‘‘tis the season for hits.” Says Denise.
“Actually I’m going to take the season off, let the amateurs work and I need to wait for the heat to die down since I helped White Mask out of the nut house. I really didn’t want to do this one but wanted to make sure you got paid before I went on vacation.” Replied Ghost.
“Aren’t you so thoughtful. Well your client must be crazy if he wanted that psycho out. Have fun and call when you want another job.”
Ghost replies “Will do.”
Ghost hangs up the phone and pulls under the freeway in a abandon lot that contains trash and junked cars. He gathers the tools of his trade in a duffle bag then wipes down his finger prints. He scatters a mix of gas and diesel around the interior of the van then lights a box of matches and tosses it through the open driver side window. He grabs his bag and walks off down the road. The van is quickly engulfed in flames and the fire destroys any remaining evidence in the van.
A few days later, Ghost walks into his favorite local bar “The Watering Hole.” The bar is occupied with its typical crowd, a few bikers and a couple of old guys drinking at the bar. Ghost makes his way to a small table in the corner carrying a newspaper. The female bartender sees Ghost and brings him over beer as he takes out the crossword section of the paper and a pencil.
Two men enter the room and head straight to the bartender. Ghost perks up as his eyes scan over the new comers and notes they are out of place. The men reach the bartender and begin talking to her, Ghost takes the opportunity to slide his pistol out of its concealment placing on his left thigh and flicking the safety off. He returns to the crossword but watching the bartender and the men. The bartender pours a shot and heads over to Ghost at his table placing next to his beer.
“What’s going on Shelly?” Ghost says to the bartender.
“I know you’re on vacation but these guys said they’re ghost hunters and they are going to the old Strongow mansion later.” Shelly replied.
Ghost sighed, “Send them over.”
Shelly spun around on her cowboy boots and went back behind the bar and spoke to the two men. The men walked over as Ghost places his paper down on the table and motioned for them to sit.
Man 1: “I...”
Ghost interrupted. “Shh..just tell me what you want. No story..go.”
Man 1: “I..uh...”
Man 2: interrupts the first man, “We need muscle just incase the deal goes south. Our boss, Steph, specific wanted your help because of your reputation. The job pays $25K, and all that’s required is to be present and ready to act if the buyers attempt a double cross.”
Ghost takes a drink of beer. “Half up front since I’ve near heard of your boss “Steph.”
Man 1: “Not a problem.” He reaches into his coat pocket. Ghost grips the pistol and positions the pistol on his lap toward the man reaching into his coat as he places his finger on the trigger. The man slides out an envelope.
Man 2: “Boss expected as much so here is the down payment in full.” Ghost opens the newspaper on the table as the envelope is placed in the middle and Ghost closes the paper concealing the money. He rips a piece of the paper off and writes down his burner phone number.
“Call this number in 5 hours with the location and any special requests” says Ghost. He holds up his shot, “Deal” and shoots it back. The two men smile as they take the paper with the number on it and exit the bar. Ghost goes back to his crossword puzzle and drinking his beer.