Collections in public places were always unusual and uncomfortable. During the day, there was too much going on. Too many people, too much noise. And at night, everything was uncannily still. Of course, dying out in the streets was rarely a person’s first choice, which made these assignments all the more unpleasant.
When he arrived at the end of the correct alley, Alan paused to check the book one last time.
Ian Barrett. 28. Pneumonia. A routine collection, if an unfortunate one, Alan thought to himself. He checked his watch - 02:50, so Mr. Barrett would notice him any time now. Alan preferred to wait until seen to approach; it seemed kinder, less startling for the dying that way.
“‘Ey, you,” Barrett rasped. “You ‘ere to finish me off?” Already leaning against one of the old brick buildings that flanked the alley, he collapsed in a coughing fit.
“No,” Alan replied calmly, “just here to help.” This was Alan’s third pneumonia case of the day, and watching someone die like this made Alan nauseous every time. It was pitiful. It was familiar. … It was a painful reminder of what was to come. Just two more minutes.
“Well, stay the fuck ‘way,” Barrett spat at him between labored breaths. “Don’ need ‘elp to die.”
As Alan got closer, he could smell the alcohol, the sweat, the piss. And, with each step, Barrett grew more and more agitated.
“Said stay the fuck ‘way, arsehole,” he hissed, drawing a knife and pointing it at Alan.
One minute. Alan summoned his scythe.
“Oh, sure, make a dyin’ man feel inferior… with your big… big fuckin’ fancy… f-fuck!” Each word was more difficult to get out than the last. This was the end. They both knew it.
“I’m just here to help,” Alan repeated, preparing for the strike.
Ian Barrett’s final words were barely more than a whisper as he plunged his own blade into his neck. “Don’… need… ‘elp.”
Fuck.
Barrett, Ian Daniel. Born 24th June, 1858, to Margaret Ramsey and Daniel Barrett. Died 3rd March, 1887, of blood loss from a self-inflicted knife wound. Forwarded to Assessment and Recruiting. - Sr. Collections Officer Alan Humphries.
