A grifter, a parasite. That’s what I saw him as. Someone who preys upon others to make a quick buck. Of the numerous vagrants I had encountered in this sinful city, his kind had to be the worst.

They disgusted me. I worked hard for my indulgences, my money. And here he was— ragged, greasy, thinking of all the ways he could slip my wallet off of me. I saw the glint in his eyes, like a blade catching light, when he noticed my clean cut nature. A stark contrast to his.

Was I frugal in my off time? Yes. Did I prefer the simplicity of booking a hostel over a luxury hotel? Of course. I could afford luxury, but hostels made a better alibi. There I could sneak out in the night, like a predator on the prowl, after all those present had witnessed me go to bed. Yet another mask for me to wear.

Typically, I was sat in my Eames office chair, the scent of Tom Ford cologne wafting from my bespoke suits. I worked hard for my lavishness. Putting in the hours, day after day. Networking— fostering business relationships and clientele. None of them knew the burning itch that swelled beneath my insides.

Every mask served its purpose. Although I came here to break away from the monotony that had become pushing papers— that wasn’t the real reason. Here, I could quell my violent tendencies. Scratch the itch.

And this man, this foul man, who I knew his insides would stink worse than his outside— he was no different from the rest. His shadow looked over me now as I lay on my flimsy cot; pretending to slumber. My fingers twitched against the sheets.

He wasn’t quiet. Must have been drunk or high. What other reason would someone have to stoop so low? To become such an abhorrent creature?

“You asleep?” He half whispered, half slurred. My heart rate slowed, steadily and calculated.

The zipper on my bag hissed open like fat sizzling in a saucepan, the faint clink of counting coins made my thoughts buzz with rage. He was stealing.

Will he scream or beg for his life first? It was always a toss up.

As he rifled through my things, clumsily and without care, I knew this was my next victim. My new toy.