Xenologue One: Archer
"Alright, boss. We'll take care of it." Archer muttered as he hung up the phone. He turned to the man he had tied to the wooden chair in the middle of the room. "Just got word from the boss. We can't have you running around telling people about our operation. I am going to kill you." The man winced at those words, but Archer continued. "Your life is forfeit, Jackson, but boss says we need to know how many people you've told." He pulled his chair up to sit in front of Jackson. "There's nothing you can say or do to leave this room tonight, but we know you took this job because you needed money to feed and clothe your kids, so I'm willing to cut you a deal."
Jackson's eyes went wide. "Please don't kill my children." He was white as a sheet as he began to struggle against his ropes. Archer put a hand on his shoulder. "You have it backwards, Jackson. I'm not here to threaten you. I've made your fate clear, but your family is dependent on our checks. We'll make sure the cash keeps flowing to your widow, so she and the kids don't go hungry. All I need from you is the names."
"Are you going to compensate my wife for the bereavement?" Jackson asked as he sat up in his chair as best as he could. "She's going to miss me an awful lot, you know." Archer chuckled. "Jackson, my friend, we'll pay to put you in the ground so your wife can focus on grief and not have to worry about it. I'll even put your fatal wound somewhere covered by a suit, so you'll look presentable at your funeral. How would you like an open casket?"
"Brendan Burch, Rui Debeste, and Rosa Arnett." Jackson muttered. Archer pulled the recorder out of his pocket. "A pleasure doing business with you, Jackson." Said Archer as he pulled out his pistol. "Now stay still so I don't miss your heart, that way this is the least awful it can be."
Jackson nodded. "Just, please don't let my kids suffer." Archer voiced his assent and Jackson sat up tall in his chair. Archer fired three rounds into Jackson's chest, killing him instantly. "Good night, Jackson. I'll make sure your wife gets what we promised."