Act Zero
Scene Four
Liam Neeson stopped the
truck he was driving. It is an International Model H 3/4-ton with the two seats
in the front and the Renault-style sloping, coffin-shaped hood. The driver in
the open cab is bundled up against the cold weather, as in the open compartment
in the front. He was dressed in his work clothes, the dark overall, zippered in
the front to the neckline, and rubber boots. He had just transported the crates
of frozen beef to the grocers when he got the message that Best was looking for
him. They had thumped Copra’s team a half dozen goals, though Best was not in
the winger position.
Liam stepped off the truck
near the farmhouse, where he was to meet Best. He saw the other person waiting
there with another figure. He fingered his right pocket on the overall for the
revolver he pocketed there.
“What gives, ‘Best’? Another
newcomer I need to meet?”
“Nay, I brought a mutual
acquaintance.” Best motioned to the figure standing behind him by the T-Ford
they came in. “He is from Rome.”
“Romans huh? I had never
seen you before.”
“You may not be. He just
returned from Rome.” Best looked at Liam. “We are here to talk about Lucas.”
“Lucas? That gobshite is
history. We left the rumours that he was done by us, but we did not touch a
hair.” Liam shook his head. “Why are you keen to bring it up?”
“Well, the Romans felt that
the records must be right. He was on their payroll.” Best looked at the other.
“Lucas was taking every bit
of crumbs he could get, including mine. I needed him to turn a blind eye on the
shipments.” Liam was cursed out. “He was gobshite.”
“I know, but still, he was
in the Romans’ books. With him gone, the new agent arrived, and that guy is
harder to handle.” Best sighed. “Elliot Ness is wet behind the ear, and...”
Liam never saw the shot that
ruined his lunch. The bullet tore the stomach and damaged the liver. He slummed
forward, and the next shot took him in the face.
“Damn, Menas. We were
supposed to talk.” Best turned towards the figure who shot the Muggle leader.
“I lied. Caesar wanted him
dead.” Menas stepped toward the dead leader. “He was a loose end on the hit.”
“I am a copper and...”
“We cannot do any hits with
you as a witness.” Menas levelled the gun at Best. “The Forty-Five calibre does
not leave much for your mother to recognize you.”
“Hold on, Menas. I …….”
“It is Mr. Menas to you,
Copper.” Menas drew his rank.
“Okay, Sir. I say we leave
now. I know Liam would have told his boys about his meeting. If he does not
turn up, they will be looking for me.”
“Unfortunately.” Menas shot
Best in the chest. “Dead men tell no lies.”
Menas then took the gun he
was holding and placed it in Best’s right hand. He took out Liam’s gun and
fired a shot into the field. Once that was done, he walked out of the field to
the road, where another vehicle awaited him.
“It is done. I ended the
Muggles end. We can now go back.” Menas got into the vehicle.
“You are telling Brutus
this?”
“It is my role to keep him
informed, Lepidus. You just keep on the good side of Caesar.” Menas tooms the
other revolver from the bottom of the seat.
“Darn, that was one of my favourite
guns.”
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