The Perfect Shot

A photographer and hitman enter a local bar unaware of the other. Both walk up to the bar and order simultaneously "Two shots, two beers."

Realizing a kindred soul, they both acknowledge the other and sit down. Soon they were deep into conversation and finally they settle upon a topic, "The Perfect Shot."

Both discussed angles, shadows and lighting as being important. One discussed their preference for daylight while the other claimed the shadows. Their exchanges lasted the entire evening. "Last Call." Both ordered the usual. The bartender took it upon himself to deliver the final round of Teremana Tequilas and Coronas.

Both got up simultaneously after they finished and together in silence depart the bar. Once outside, the hitman asks the photographer if they ought to split a cab. The photographer replied, "It was a nice clear night for a walk." So together they started walking in the same direction towards the Hilton happy to be in each others company for a bit longer. The photographer then asked his associate, "Where are you headed?" To the Hilton was the reply to which the photographer exclaimed "Me too!" Into the distance an illuminated hotel sign could be made out in the night sky on the top of the hotel. "You in town long?" asked the hitman of his associate the photographer to which the photographer immediately replied, "No, tomorrow is my last night here." They walked the rest of the way towards the hotel in silence.

As they entered the hotel lobby, both approached the front desk clerk. "Any messages?" the y both asked simultaneously, then they immediately burst out laughing softly. "None, Mr. Smith!" Was the clerks reply. The photographer and hitman look upon each other with complete shock. After a moment, they both shook hands and promised the other to meet again the next evening. "Same time, place, topic and beverages!" Exclaimed both together. Both grabbed a local newspaper off the rack near the elevators, the photographer called the elevator while his associate took a seat in the lobby reception area to read. "Night." They both exclaimed waiving as the photographer went up in the lift.

Sunset had finally arrived at long last. Time for some more fun exclaimed the photographer to himself as he entered the bar to only find his associated already seated inside. "What will you both have, the usual?" Exclaimed the bartender, to which they both replied "Yes!"

As the photographer takes his seat, the hitman asks if they could resume their earlier discussion to which the reply was an enthusiastic "Absolutely!" reply.

The beverages were efficiently delivered by the waitress. Once they had stopped enjoying their beverages, they resumed their earlier conversation.

"The Perfect Shot." Both men were quite passionate on the subject. One preferred the use of lighting and angles while the other preferred the shadows. Both of these men were not only passionate about their professions, each did strive for perfection. One used film to record his works, while the other simply kept journals. Neither of the men had any use for cell phones opting for simpler communication methods.

Both had agreed that it was best to courier out equipment well in advance. Neither enjoyed travelling with any luggage, both bought what they needed along the way.

"Last Call!" was announced by the bartender and both signaled for one last round of drinks.

It was another clear evening outside the bar as they left together, both turning east towards the Hilton off in the distance. Walking slowly at a relaxed rate they stopped by a local street vendor. Both agreed to a hotdog with all the fixings and a beverage.

"That will be ten dollars." The vendor announced. Both men offered to pay and quickly agreed to split the bill. Both men quietly consumed their meal saving their beverages for later.

After twenty minutes, they both arrived inside the Hilton hotel and asked for any messages. "None, Mr.'s Smith." was the reply. Both proceeded to grab local newspapers off the rack by the elevator. "It was indeed a pleasure making your acquaintance." Exclaimed both men simultaneously. They both shook hands and the photographer departed upon the elevator waiving goodnight.

The next morning, Mr. Smith checked out and was handed an envelope. Assuming that it was his receipt, it remained unopened and simply was placed within his file folder. A taxi was waiting outside and took him towards his next appointment.

The next evening came finally after a very long day behind the camera. As he entered the hotel lounge, he proceeded to order his usual, two Teremana shots, two Coronas. Time was now to go over his file from the previous job. As he opened his file, the sealed envelope fell out onto the floor. When he opened it, he sat staring upon a professional grade picture of himself behind his camera in the process of taking stills for a thirty second commercial.

What had sent chills up his spine was the brief note found inside, "Mr. Smith, pleasure making your acquaintance, I will keep tabs on you." Signed Mr. Smith...

He quickly consumed his beverages and proceeded to order two more.