I didn’t actually. I stared quietly at the ground in feigned remorse. The morning man nodded towards my ruse of personal loss. “I was a friend from university.” My voice sounded muffled behind my handkerchief, it was a vibrant red, like blood. I never went to university. “Oh, you must have been close even after so many years.” 10 to be exact. It had been 10 years since Martin Riggs had been enrolled in a educational institution. 10 years since he was a member of a prestigious fraternity and 10 years since he made a deal he would fervently regret.”Yes, he was a good friend, someone who I could truly rely on.” I lied again easily, the mistruths slipping like oil from my tongue for any listener to trip upon. My sister always said I could have been an actor. More partitioners of the grieving parade arrive and I quietly move away from my audience of one. Distracted as everyone was by the new people, it was unchallenging to retreat further into the building. The home is a two story family house. With mint green siding and oak brown shutters it is considerably dated in its appearance, but the interior provides a feeling of familial warmth. Photos cover the walls as I travel along the beige corridors, searching for my prize. There were three brown paneled doors each worn with time, but the entrance at the end of the hall was my destination. I quickly enter the bedroom as silently as I could with the accompanying ear piercing screech of the opening door. The room has obviously been inhabited by a younger male as the entire space is covered in posters of bands and genetically beautiful actresses and models. I quickly close the door behind me and start striding towards the farthest wall from the door. I still my steps in front of a small family photo. The family held a large golden retriever between them as they smiled brightly at the camera. Two parents and a son. How utterly picturesque. I grab the frame and swiftly lift the scene from the surface of the wall, revealing a small almost fist like hole. I reach inside the small crevice. I pat around until I finally grasp the object of my search. I pull out a small rolled up scroll. It was made with parchment and was secured by two leather straps, crisscrossing over each other. I pull the string taught, loosening them until they fell off allowing the interior of the paper to be revealed. A woman’s face fell across the page, her expression a somber and melancholy reflection of my own. I slowly trace her face as a feeling of sadness and vengeance overcomes me. She was always the better looking between the two of us. Loss unfortunately is something I’m quite knowledgeable in. I force my attention to the rest of the page spying the red signature at the bottom. Red, like blood. I retrieve a item from my rear pocket and bring it up beside the paper. A flame flickers to life as I click and ignite the lighter. I bring the edge of the scroll to it, alighting it with heat. “AAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!!” A terrible groan rings through the house. It sounds retched in its horror. As the paper burns the groans slowly morph into screams of pure terror and agony. I imagine that’s how she must have sounded in the end. The accompanying screams of confusion from the residing guests could barely be heard over the cacophony of screeching that seem to come from every direction. A chorus of retribution. The final ember of paper winked out of existence as the wailing suddenly stilled. The of a storm long passed. The loud commotion of startled yells from the crowd could be heard throughout the house, confusion was progressing through the congregation of people but I had already absconded through the back entrance of the abode. I had finally completed my deal, a debt had been paid. Maybe she can now rest in peace now that he no longer can.