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Rosen checked his phone for the tenth time, then glanced out the window of the dirty yellow taxi. He watched soft white flakes float to the ground for a moment, letting his mind wander. Was he imagining the message? Surely he was.
But if he was so sure, why was he in the cab?
He sighed, then glanced down again. He couldn't help it as he read the message yet again.
The park on Maple Street, 5:30
It was from Parish, he knew it. But why he wanted to meet was a mystery.
Rosen had long ago thrown out the idea that Parish was planning to kill him. The park would be full, even with nearly a foot of snow on the ground. There would be ne discrete way to do it.
Was he going to try and convince him to help Red Flag again? No, that seemed just as unlikely. So why..?
Lee was pulled from his thoughts as the cab came to a halt. The elderly man hurried out, paid the cab driver, then turned around. He scanned the snow covered area, looking for Parish.
He found him almost instantly.
The man was sitting alone on a bench, his back to the road. Rosen frowned, but started walking.
"You came." Stanton said, without looking at him, as Lee sat next to him.
"Yes," Rosen answered, taking a deep breath. Neither spoke for several minutes. They simply sat there, like two old friends might. But they weren't friends.
"Why did you call me here, Stanton? Certainly you had some reason."
Parish turned his head towards Rosen, and for a moment simply looked at him. Then, he said at last, "Do you know what today is?"
Lee frowned. "Yes, of course. It's December twenty-fourth."
"Christmas Eve, Lee."
"I know that," Rosen said. "Why does it matter?"
"Why does it matter? Lee, tomorrow it Christmas, and you're asking me why today matters?"
"No," Lee said, shaking his head. "I mean why are you asking me? Surely you didn't bring me here just to ask me the date."
Parish chuckled softly. "Yes, you're right. That's not why I wanted you to come."
"Then why?"
"Like I said," Parish said, shrugging. "I don't know. I guess to tell you not to worry."
"Worry? You've killed people, and now you're telling me not to worry? What, are you going to turn yourself over to the police?"
Parish laughed again. "No, I'm afraid not, Lee. But tomorrow. You don't need to worry about me doing anything. You can relax. I'm talking Christmas off."
Rosen frowned, completely lost. Did his arch enemy just tell him he was taking the day off? "Why are you telling me this?"
Parish shrugged.
"Why tomorrow?"
"Because it's Christmas, Lee. Maybe you're to think I'm a monster, but not even I would plan something on Christmas."
"You really expect me to believe you, Stanton? How do I know you aren't just planning on putting your big plan into action tomorrow?"
"Oh come on, Lee," Stanton said, turning so that he was watching the sunset again. "I may not be a good person in your eyes, but have I ever really lied to you?"
Rosen frowned as he thought this over. Before he could answer, Parish stood and began to walk away.
"Wait!" Rosen stood quickly. Parish paused, but didn't turn around. "Merry Christmas, Stanton."
Though he couldn't see it, Parish smiled. "Merry Christmas, Lee."