Part 14: In which everything goes back to normal

Outside, the honking of cars during the rush hour ushered in six o'clock. Inside a cozy pub, Sebastian and John relaxed.

Then, Sebastian's phone bleeped. He flipped it open and read the text. Mouth set with distaste, Sebastian leaned forward and recommended, "Drink up."

"Why?" John asked.

As an answer, Sebastian conked him on the head. As he dragged the limp body out into an awaiting car, he muttered "Lose some weight, could you?"

. . .

When John came round, he stared muzzily at the ground for some time, then asked "Is everything back to normal?"

"I believe so," said Sebastian, taking out his gun.

"Then I can do this," said John, and struck his leg out, kicking Sebastian in the gut.

The sniper grinned through his pain.

. . .

The next morning when Miss Hudson took in the mail, she was surprised and delighted to find a fruit basket sitting on the doorstep.