Prologue: Jack of All

"Hidden Talents is your best place to find the Elm hidden in the trees!"

The sounds were growing louder and louder as I walked closer and closer. Each step was calm, measured, and meant to lull whoever saw me into a false sense of victory, security and ignorance. The truth, however, is that my real steps are much too telling of my deadly nature, and so I use this particular walk so that I am underestimated.

  Pulling the hood of my jacket down, my eye-patch covers my eye just so to keep what is behind it hidden, and everyone unaware of its true occupant. I slowly walk closer, casually, carefully, step by step, then walk right past the target, safely doing my job in an easy manner.

The pocket watch sat light in my jacket pocket, awaiting its eager return to its' owner. A few more blocks to walk, and I arrive at a coffee shop, pulling out my phone to type out a message on the notepad app. Showing the barista the phone screen, I pay her, give her a $5 tip, then stand near the counter for my drink. As I'm about to talk out with my Hot Chocolate, someone opens the door for me on their way in, a girl with long light brown hair and green eyes. She's slightly shorter than me, and I hear her say "Have a good night," before the door closes behind me.

Making my way down the sidewalk. I walk past an ally deliberately, casually slipping the watch into another's pocket without his notice. Tomorrow, my brother and sister will get a visit from this particular sir, and I will be starting my next job. The shadows and subtlety are where most of our business sits. The other contractors under us are more for the show. They tell the world that we, indeed, are an active business.

Most of the work is completed in the shadows by the number one asset, being myself. No other can get so much done in so little time. The others have never met me, but I hear all they say about me while in the shaded areas of the building. I couldn't care less as to what they think of a person they have never met, however, keeping the workers happy is one way to keep the business happening. Therefore, my siblings comically keep a little doll in the room to represent me. Why they chose a Black Pond Turtle to represent this, I'm not sure I will ever know.

My stomach screams at me, reminding that I had already gone through 7 requests without eating. 3 days away, and I'm about ready to head back home.

Author's Note

Typed this in one go, so feel free to tear me apart. I have many starts to this particular story, but it may take me a while before I find one I am happy with to complete this with.