there's fifty-two ways to murder anyone

     “Oh, I know.”

     “I’ve enjoyed myself, though!”

     “Ah… yes.”

     “Makes sense.”

     “Right. Siblings. Family.”

     “Sensitive topic.”

     “There you go!”

     “Always so clever! And… tsk, Frankie. Well, you said it — at least it’s cheap.”

     “Faux contentment?”

     “I wouldn’t know. I don’t have an empty void to fill.”

     “Ha! That’s right. He does have his… issues, doesn’t he? Seems a rather popular option.”

     “But no. The nail polish. Though I imagine drugs might be more effective.”

     Trayson snapped his fingers in front of Marlon’s face. “Hello? Sometimes, you get the most vacant stare, Sir Presley.”

     “Some might classify it as downright disturbing. You should really try Frankie’s suggestion. It’ll take the edge off.”

   “What, crippling addiction?”

     “Are you?”

     “Well then I am just touched.”

     “Pft! That’s not unique.”

     “I’m being polite, Marlon. I know, I know… that concept doesn’t really ring with you. We all have our flaws.” His touch lifted, grazing Marlon’s jaw before it dropped back to his side, “You have your looks to lean on.”

     “I’m sure you don’t either. Your brother was shopping for nail polish. He picked a lovely shade for you. Space Cadet… as I recall.” 

     A hand landed heavily on Marlon’s shoulder as Trayson presented a smile, “You look well.”

     “Presley. Is that you?”

     “As I live and breathe. And here I thought I’d only be graced with your brother’s company these days. Were you satisfied with his polish choice?”

   “Hallifax. What an unfortunate surprise.”

     “Hey…” Trayson swirled one of the items he was holding in the air to gain the attention of someone passing, who he assumed worked there — or rather, didn’t care if they did or not. Nor did he care about the opinions of others, but he was bored and in the midst of tasks that were, in his opinion, beneath him. “Which one?”

    She pushed her plate of mostly untouched food away from her, then dropped enough bills next to it to cover both their meals.

    “You know exactly why.”

    The double meaning of what he’d said was not lost on her as she stared at him from across the table.

    “Yes.  That’s what we have.”

    “You never were one for romance.”