She ran her hand beneath the park bench and sure enough, just as he said, she felt the envelope secured there by tape.
Unlike normal employees in regular companies, Jill didn’t have the standard retirement benefit package. There was no 401K here, no Social Security benefits, no Medicare eligibility. But she was determined to make the best of it. After all, being flexible, adaptable, loyal, and resilient were some of the reasons why she had lasted so long at this job. Along with her perfect aim.
After ensuring that none of the picnickers or frisbee players were paying attention to her, Jill opened the envelope. She scanned the available options, pleased to note that the sumptuous banquet was on offer. That meant she had been highly valued. Not everyone got the chance to indulge in a lovely dinner, followed by a shot of strychnine. Most of them just got shot.
A friendly golden retriever bounded up as Jill marked her choice of retirement plans. She patted his soft warm head, and he licked her hand. “Sorry!” a man yelled from across the grass. “C’mere, Brinkley!” The dog ran off.
Jill gazed at the bucolic scene of happy people enjoying the sunny day and for a moment was tempted to tear up the document. She could try to escape her employer; she did have formidable skills. But she knew the price she would pay if caught, and were her abilities really as good as they used to be?
Jill resealed the envelope and hesitated.
~*~
Written for Fandango’s Story Starter #237.
Hi Paula. Great take on the prompt. So this is the thanks that assassins for hire get when they reach retirement age? That kinda sucks.
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