John Wick, Chapter 4: Si vic pacem

Author's Note: This is the eighth and final part of a story collection by Darkpenn. It follows part 7, Fac fortia et patere. The collection begins soon after the end of the movie John Wick, Chapter 3: Parabellum.

8. Spectemur agendo

John Wick and his dog entered the lounge of the Continental. It was three weeks since he had returned from London.

"John, John, good to see you," said Winston, shaking Wick's hand.

"You too," said Wick. "But I don't know if this is a happy occasion or a sad one."

"My retirement as manager?" said Winston. "Happy, mainly, although not without a little sadness. But I know I leave the place in good hands. Charon will, I am sure, do an excellent job as the Continental moves into a more independent role."

"Congratulations, Charon," said Wick, shaking Charon's hand.

"Thank you," said Charon, as he gave the dog a pat. "And I might mention that my brother sends his regards. He seems quite happy in his new job."

Wick nodded. "But if you are the new manager," he said, "who will be the concierge?"

"That would be me," said a female voice.

Wick looked around. Elizabeth.

"Very appropriate," he said.

"I have something for you," she said. "I dropped into Administration to wind up the Wick file for good. It is now stamped CLOSED PERMANENTLY. OC wasn't there – apparently she is taking a vacation with someone. So I took the liberty of removing something from it."

She handed him an envelope. He looked inside. It was a photograph. Of Helen.

He stared at it for a long time. Then he turned away, and brushed a tear from his eye.

"Is it over?" said Winston.

"Yes," said Wick. "It's over."

END AND AMEN