Chapter 3: "Stop, you're killing me"
Luan was in a state of shock at what Hit claimed. The chilling words still echoed in her mind as the 2 locked eyes. "Kill me?" She clarified nervously. Hit's expression didn't lighten as he nodded, confirming her statement. Luan broke a nervous sweat and chuckled a little bit. "Ok guys, you got me. I don't know who this "Hit" guy is, but the whole murderer things kind of far." She called out to hopefully her family. In truth, she was in denial about the situation, hoping in vain this was a small prank.
"There is no point in trying to pretend. Now turn and face me." Luan did so, trying to fake confidence towards her attacker.
"Look, I have a good sense of humor and love a good prank. But I can tell you for certain that this is not…" Luan was cut short by Hit as he instantaneously pulled a hand from his coat and threw a punch. It didn't connect and a gust of wind brushed past Luan's head. Shortly after, she heard the sound of crumbling rock and turned to look at the wall behind them.
Luan was horrified to see a small crater the size of an apple ingrained in the brick. Luan eventually found the strength to finish her statement. "…even a joke." She squeaked.
"Now you understand. Just stand still and I'll make it quick." Hit promised. Luan's mind raced in pure fear as the assassin loomed over her. Her eyes darted to the side and saw a garbage can sitting on the ground. Seeing an opportunity, the prankster took it and quickly lunged for the lid.
"Sorry, but I didn't take the trash out yet!" Luan quipped as she took a swing at Hit with the container's lid. But just before it landed, Hit suddenly vanished from sight. "What, how did he do that?" The girl asked herself.
"Have more dignity in your death." Luan jumped in alarm to see Hit behind her. She tried to run out the alley, but the assassin suddenly materialized and blocked her way again. Panicking, Luan tried to attack Hit and knock him down with her fists, but he dodged and blocked every attempt she made. Eventually, Hit grabbed her shoulders and shoved her to the ground. Unable to fight back anymore, Luan started to cry.
"Please… Please don't hurt me. I don't want to die!" She begged shamelessly. Hit simply walked closer to her and his shadow covered her body. "Assassins like money, right? I can give you lots of it!" Luan bargained desperately.
"A teenage party entertainer can't hope to match the price of my client. Even if you could, I never leave a job unfinished." Hit explained. Luan sniffed and wiped her face.
"Can you at least tell me who would want to hire you to kill me?"
"I'm not at liberty to give that information out."
"Please, it's good closure. I'll take the secret to my grave." Luan pleaded unintentionally making a joke. Hit thought for a moment and shrugged.
"I'll give you a first initial. L." He spoke. Luan seemed confused for a moment at the one letter. Like it ate at the deepest corners of her mind. Then, all at once, she gasped.
"Did a member of my family hire you?" She asked in shock. Hit remained silent, not dignifying the question with any sort of answer. Luan once again began to cry. "Why? If this about past pranks, then it seems like a bit much. Do they even love me? What did I do to deserve this?" She sobbed as the possibility of betrayal plunged into her heart and mind like knives. Hit saw her panicking and paranoia and sighed.
"Look, I don't usually do this. But for you, I'm going to give you some time." He offered. Luan looked at the killer curiously. A small glimmer of hope returned to her now gloomy eyes.
"Time? How much money do you want?" She asked.
"You misunderstand, Ms. Loud. There is no canceling the contract with my client by any means. However, I was told today was your favorite day of the year. Am I right?" Luan was suddenly reminded today was April Fools day and she nodded vigorously. "Well then, go live that day to its fullest. Get your affairs in order and have some fun. But by midnight, I'll return to finish my job." With that, Hit turned and walked away, leaving Luan lying on the ground.
"But one more thing." Hit added with his back towards the girl. "This contract has a strict policy against witnesses. Tell anyone about me or this meeting, and they die too." The purple man threatened. With that bone chilling statement left in the air, Hit suddenly vanished from reality and disappeared. Luan slowly brought herself up from off the ground and looked out from the alley, people had started to walk through the streets and even a few cars drove by.
Not wanting to chance Hit returning early, Luan simply jogged back quickly to her house. Unable to shake a horrible idea from her head.
"Does my own family want me dead?"