The Rack & Cue

by Hughes, David Owain

  The guard hastily walked the length of the prison corridor as he made his way to Hun’s cell – he wanted rid of the box as soon as possible. The package reeked. He was worried he was going to catch something.

  “Out of the way,” he yelled at Jaws as he dashed into Hun’s cell. “This is for you, sir,” the guard said.

  Hun smiled as he looked at the discoloured box. Turning the tag over, he noticed it was inscribed – ‘From a friend’. “Has it been tampered with?” Hun asked.

  “No, sir. We don’t inspect your post. But I will have to wait here while you open it.

  “That won’t be a problem. I’ve been waiting a very long time for this gift,” the old biker said, as he undid the bow from around the box. When he lifted the lid, his face turned into that of disappointment and fear.

  Another dead assassin.

  The stench from inside the box made the guard gag, but neither Hun nor Jaws was affected by it, or by the sight of Johnson’s decapitated head. The ex-soldier’s eyes stared vacantly into the sky.

  “Damn it!” Hun yelled, and then noticed an envelope under the head. He plucked it free and opened it. It read.

  Dear Hun,

  If you are reading this, then you know by now that Johnson is dead. You have failed. I do hope you like the gift I sent? Although it’s not so much a gift, but a warning. Take heed, old man. I won’t be sending another warning. All I ask is that you let the past lie. Let it go. I am willing to do so. This is why I have left you alone all these years. Any more attempts on my life will be met with brutal consequences.

  Venom.

  Hun let the note flutter to the floor.

  It was over.

  About the Author

  David Owain Hughes is a horror freak! He grew up on ninja, pirate and

  horror movies from the age of five, which helped rapidly install in him a

  vivid imagination.

  When he grows up, he wishes to be a serial killer with a

  part-time job in women's lingerie. He's had several short stories

  published in various online magazines and anthologies, along with articles, reviews

  and interviews.

  He's written for This Is Horror, Blood Magazine and Horror

  Geeks Magazine.