Deal with the Devil

I stood outside of an abandoned factory. The hour was late, and so was the person I was expecting. I lit a cigarette, hiding it from the rain with the brim of my hat. Some folks would say I'm old-fashioned, even cliché, but I'm past the age of giving a rat's ass about that sorta thing. I do my job and I do it well, unlike lots of modern gumshoes. Apart from my partner, who was one of the two reasons I was standing in the pouring rain.

"What took you so long?" I asked as I took a drag.

"You have it?" The voice behind me replied.

I turned around and took out a folder from my coat's inner pocket. "Names, addresses, all the dirt. The usual."

"Does she know?" The figure reached for the folder.

I pulled my arm back. "She doesn't. And you will not hurt her."

"You know the price of that."

"I do. And you know I'll pay it."

The figure took the folder. "In due time, Hughes. Just remember – I am watching."

I took another drag of my cigarette as the figure disappeared into the night.

"As if you'll ever let me forget."