Chapter 1

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James came home from work planning to order pizza. He knew that, after the day he had, pizza would only make him feel better for about an hour, but he would take it. James worked at a grocery store, he had to deal with idiot customers who got angry when he enforced the 20 item or less policy for express lanes, as if he was the one who wrote the policy. James looked back at the pandemic with some degree of nostalgia, when he got extra pay for working at the most crowded spot in town, when the president called him an hero for this reason, and with his job the thought of dying of the plague didn't seem so bad. But, as this country often did towards veterans and essential workers, he was forgotten and ignored. He tried to call his normal pizza place, but all he got was a recording that this number couldn't be reached. Had they gone out of business, or was there some kind of family emergency that required them to close? In any event he simply looked up the phone number for a different place, one he didn't recognize, and called them. The delivery man, Arlington Steward, arrived with pizza, french fries, and soda.

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James: How much?

Arlington: It's on the house, if I can come in and talk to you for a few minutes.

James: For free pizza, sure. But if you're planning to ask me for an investment, you should know I have no money to invest.

Arlington: I assumed that based on the fact that you live above a shoe store.

James: And if you're going to try and talk me into converting to your religion, I can pretend to be interested.

Arlington: I have an opportunity for you to make some money.

James: A job opportunity, how much would I make?

Arlington: Five million dollars.

James: Five million, what are we robbing a bank?

Arlington: No.

James: Is it legal?

Arlington: I would think not. But I would be very surprised if the police ever track you down.

James: Interesting, and the money is tempting. I'm not saying yes and I'm not saying no. But I do want details.

Arlington: Ofcourse. I will leave you with a button.

James: A button?

Arlington: Yes, a button. It will be locked inside a box and you will be given the key. This prevents it from accidentally being pushed. You have to open the box and push it. I will return for the button in 24 hours. Me and my associates will know if you pushed the button.

James: What happens if I push the button?

Arlington: Two things. One is that I will return with five million dollars for you. And someone, somewhere in the world, someone you don't know, will die.

James: Someone dies?

Arlington: Yes.

James: Who will die?

Arlington: I am not at liberty to say.

James: Is it a child, or a serial killer?

Arlington: Would that make a difference?

James: It might.

Arlington: I am not at liberty to say. You can make an educated guess, but it would only be a guess on your part. In any event the choice is entirely up to you.