her the embarrassment of being interrogated by police.
Jim glanced down at his wristwatch. It was two minutes past midnight. His heart was racing as Zaman’s words played over and over in his head. You have until midnight. Midnight had come and gone. Maybe he was in the clear? Maybe something had already happened to Alice? He found himself in a very dangerous situation.
Detective Black banged on the door.
“Jim!” Detective Black called out, “Whatever you are feeling inside, do not do this.”
“You have no idea what I am feeling.” Jim cried out. “I have to do this!”
“There is always another way.” Detective Black said.
“If I don’t kill myself,” Jim cried out, “My daughter will die! Zaman gave me an ultimatum.”
“Who?” Detective Black called out.
Detective was not sure he was following what was happening. At first it seemed to him that Jim might have killed Cindy out of revenge, but now the word ultimatum made him wonder about everything. Who was this Zaman Jim referred to? Was he behind all of this?
“Just let me in and we can talk.” Detective Black pleaded.
Jim was blinded by tears. He raised the gun to his head with a trembling hand.
“I’m sorry.” Jim cried.
Alice stepped into the room just as Jim pulled the trigger.
“Dad!” Alice called out in horror.
It was too late. The gun went off. The bullet penetrated Jim’s skull leaving a giant exit wound. Blood and brains splattered onto the wall as bullet shot across the room and struck Alice right between the eyes. They both fell to the floor.
A moment later Detective Black was able to force the door open. He was too late. He and the officer both stared in horror at the two bodies lying on the floor.
One bullet: two victims.
THE END
Ultimatum Page 7