#thenerdychronicles

A young rich man named Rafe Alder hired you to get rid of old colleague of his. With the money and security he’s providing, you don’t dare to ask any questions.

Alder places one million in your bank account as down payment. As you take his private jet to your target’s last location, your mind can’t help but wonder just how important this “colleague” is. 

You stare at the file in front of you, realizing the seriousness of this mission. After very little contemplation, you quickly flip open the file and a small photo flies out and floats onto the floor. 

Alright then, who is my next victim? You pick up the photo and gently smile. He’s not that bad looking. 

Target Profile

Name: Samuel Drake

Age: 45

Last Location: St. Dismas Cathedral

Description: 6′3″ tall, fit build. Armed and dangerous…

You scoff and throw the photo back into the file. Right, armed and dangerous. What else is new? Having enough, you sink into your seat and sleep for the rest of trip.

“Adler, I’m here.” Chills crawl up your spine as the jet’s door slowly swings open. On the phone, you could hear Alder yawn as your eyes adjust to the brightness reflecting off the ice all around you. It’s fucking freezing in Scotland.

“Good. Kill him from a distance.” His low voice was hoarse.

“Well, of course. Any other suggestions?”

Alder scoffs and hangs up. Not one for jokes then. 

Security guards guide you to a car, presumably Alder’s. He already knows Drake’s potential location. Without question, you get into the car and begin planning your next steps. 

The car suddenly comes to a stop in front of a huge cathedral. You quickly get out and grab your gear from the trunk. The driver whistles at you and rolls how his window. As he hands you another folder, you could see in remorse in his eyes. “Good luck,” he murmurs and drives off.

Huh. That was odd.

The file contains only one note. 

If you come across him, do not be suaded by his charm.

- Rafe Alder

You likely chuckle to yourself. Noting how obsessed Alder seems by Drake, he was probably “suaded” at some point.

You set up your station on a platform near the highest point of the cathedral. The cathedral damage from Alder and Ross’s “dynamite” team allowed you to have visual access to the yards and inner sanctum of the cathedral. No matter where Drake goes, you’ll be able to spot him from your station.

It takes less than thirty minutes to spot your target. The cathedral’s heavy door slams behind a tall, lanky figure. Taking your telescope you focus on the individual to get confirmation. 

6′3″ tall, fit. Armed with a pistol. He’s also rugged. And fairly handsome. 

“Ah, too bad. I would have loved getting to know you, Samuel Drake”, you mutter under your breath.

You nestle yourself into a lying position with your sniper rifle. You watch as Drake paces back and forth in the inner sanctum of the cathedral. He seems to looking for something. 

You watch as his pace comes to a slow stop. 

“Finally.” you mutter as you line your cross-hair to his temple.

You hold your breath as you gently place your finger on the trigger.

Intently, you watch Drake when you suddenly find his gaze matching yours.

“Shit.”

You find yourself frozen as Sam’s eyes fixates on you. He begins to walk towards your perch and you find yourself captivated by how unnerved he was. Unnerved by an assassin with orders to shoot to kill.

Do not be suaded by his charm.

“Shit, shit, shit.” you exhale as you scramble to your feet. 

You quickly grab a smoke grenade from your belt and chuck it at Sam. Before he knows it, you’ve vanished from the platform. Unseen, unheard. But Sam’s gaze quickly burns into your mind. His demeanor and bravery…

Your thoughts immediately turn to disgust. His big ego. He played you. He knew you wouldn’t shoot. He wasn’t looking for just anything. 

He was looking for you. 

Rafe warned you about his charm.