Part 54

When Andrew arrived back at Ryans apartment, he pulled his .22 from the glove compartment. In all the years he had the thing he never once used it. He only had it with him for protection. Just in case. Never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined he would even think about using it for revenge. Yet here he was, making sure the safety was on before slipping it into his pocket. He didnt have to knock on the door or attempt to force it open. It was unlocked. He wasnt sure what he expected when he walked in but he was greeted with an empty room. For a split second he thought that Ryan had run. But then he heard the clinking of glasses coming from the kitchen. He moved quickly across the floor and pushed thru the double doors that led to the small kitchen. Ryan sat at the table a glass full of ice and a bottle of bourbon in front of him. Ryan looked terrified as he looked up at him. Andrew only smiled, a half smile. He walked over to the cabinet and retrieved a small glass.

"Mind if I join you?", he asked as he held up the glass.

"Be my guest", Ryan said with a tremble in his voice.

Andrew took the bottle from Ryan and began to pour them both a glass. Ryan lifted his glass and chugged it back in seconds. Andrew chuckled to himself. He slid his own glass over to Ryan.

"You look like you need it more than I do".

Ryan only nodded and chugged back the glass Andrew had originally poured for himself. They starred across the table at eachother for awhile. Before Andrew finally broke the ice.

"I just have one question. Why did you do it?"

"She was killing people Andrew! Can you honestly sit here and say that you think that was ok?"

"So your saying its wrong for her to kill other people but its ok for you?"

"Its not like that Andrew and you know it."

"Well, please enlighten me, how is it?"

"Im sorry Andrew, I dont know what else to say."

"Your sorry? You killed my girlfriend, and all you can say is your sorry! You saw what I went thru when I lost her the first time and then you do this to me? How could you!".

Andrew stood up and threw the bottle of bourbon at the wall. Ryan jumped as the glass shattered into pieces behind him, splashing the back of his head with the luke warm liquid. He pulled the gun from his pocket, released the safety and aimed the gun at Ryans head.

"Give me one good reason not to blow your brains out."

"Because your not a murder."

"But you are.", Andrew told him.

Ryan was shaking now. There was nothing he could say or do. This was it. He had taken action, and now he had to suffer the consequences. He wasn't going to beg for his life. He knew he didn't deserve to be forgiven. He looked Andrew right in the eyes and said,

"Im sorry Andrew. I know its not enough. And if it will make you feel better to take my life then, do what you gotta do."
Ryan closed his eyes as he waited for the inevitable.

"A life for a life", Andrew said as he pulled the trigger.

One shot to the head. Ryan toppled backwards in his chair. His body hit the floor with a thud. Andrew starred at his cousins lifeless body for so long his vision began to blur as he watched the pool of blood spread across the floor. Finally snapping hisself out of the daze he was in, he lay the gun on the table and walked away.