I am sitting on a chair, waiting for everything to be over. You have to have a clear vision if you want your plans to succeed. Dying in a car accident is not at all painful... I swear. But what happens after your 'death,' makes it painful. Oh, please! I am sure each one of you has some dark secrets buried in the depths of your soul. Am I right? Of course, I am.
"So, what is your decision?" asked Kevin.
"I am never thought about this. Being blackmailed by a damn squirrel... is interesting, I guess," I said.
Kevin chuckled slowly and said, "Yeah? I know! I never asked for this! It's my damn boss! That bastard wants me to strike a deal with you in this form!"
Hmmm? Does his boss think that a talking squirrel will make me drop my guard down?
"Your boss is an idiot," I commented.
Kevin sneered, "Damn him! Wait... before your death, you were the owner of a company, weren't you? A fucking billionaire! Tormenting countless innocents! Am I right?"
"Guilty as charged, I guess."
Kevin looked at me with an annoyed expression. He said, "Just accept it! Or else, I will reveal all your wrongdoings to the public. Your family won't be able to live their lives in peace. They would be targeted by the vultures of media. They lives will be hell!" His mouth revealed an evil smile.
I sighed, "Look, I am sorry... but I can't accept your deal. I am a man, Kevin. Do you think I want to become a woman? Especially, to complete your mission."
"Think carefully!"
"Nope! Not a chance in hell. I am really content with my male body. So, I have to reject your offer."
Kevin snorted, "You just need to correct one tiny mistake and then, you can live as you want. A very profitable deal, I believe. If not for you, think about your family. Your child regarded you as his hero. Do you want to tarnish your image? He would be sad, you know it."
I took a deep breath. My hands shivered at his words. Memories of my only child flashed in front of my eyes as I tried to calm myself. A chocked sob escaped my throat. A deal? What kind of fucking deal is that?! It's just an order!
"I know it's a lot to take in. Although, I am confused. We are not asking to be our slave. Just one job, and you are free. No supervision. Endless freedom. Think about it."
Composing myself, I asked, "Why me?"
Kevin smiled and replied, "Because you fulfil our conditions! A soul who has something to lose. A soul who had done a lot of bad things... when he was alive. A purely selfish soul, I mean. And you... are perfect."
"Fine. It's like I don't have any choice, do I?"
"No. You don't have any choice, yet you have a choice after you do your task. Hmmm, am I clear?"
I nodded, "Yes, you are. So, what do I have to do?"
Kevin smirked, "Your task is not so difficult... you have to just rectify a simple mistake, okay?"
"What mistake?"
Kevin asked, "Have you read the novel named, 'The Shining Lady of Prospine?' Your daughter must have once told you about this novel."
I replied, "No, I haven't read this novel. Although, I believe my daughter must have said something about this novel once," a smile bloomed on my face, "Sera. She liked… likes to read novel. Her taste is much similar to her mother."
"Hmmm… your wife? Sorry, I mean… your ex-wife, the one you cheated on. Am I right?"
I can feel the sarcasm oozing through his words right in my veins.
"You don't have veins," commented Kevin.
"You are reading my mind!" I accused him.
He shrugged slightly and said, "I am your employer, and you are my employee. So, yeah, I can. What's the big deal with this?! Don't tell me a 'bad' man like you, has something embarrassing hidden in his mind. Then again, I know everything about you."
"Oh, what a noble squirrel you are!" I mocked him.
"For the last time! I am not a squirrel!" Kevin squeaked angrily.
I sighed, "Fine. Can you continue? Just brief me on my task. What do I need to earn my 'freedom?' And my family's as well. Whatever you want, I will do. Just don't hurt my family."
For the first time in my life, I was feeling helpless. And judging by Kevin's lack of response, I can say one thing clearly… Kevin is enjoying my plight.
Kevin smirked, "A lot of people have said this to you, haven't they? You have never shown any mercy. Hmmm… why should I then?"
I clenched my hands. With confidence filling my entire tone, I replied, "You need me. As long as you need me… you are not going to do hurt my family. So, I don't care if you are merciful or not. You need me, and so does your boss. And trust me, he won't be happy if you do something to my family, which might affect my performance. Both of us are in need of each other."
Kevin clapped his hands. He said, "Great. You are right! Absolutely fucking right! We need you, and so we can't hurt you. Sir, you are indeed very lucky. My boss specializes in punishing evil souls in their afterlife. I truly detest souls like you."
I chuckled humorously and looked into his eyes. "I guess, I am lucky then. Really. So, can we now talk about my job?"