"Speaking of plagues, have you heard of the one changing everyone's ego for the worse?" I ask the CEO, who drums his fingers inpatiently on the desk.

"No, I don't think I have. Let's get back to the-"

"I was just worried you'd might catch it."

The CEO flashes an annoyed face at me for interrupting him, which turns back to his cocky smile in mere moments as he laughs at my words.

"Are you calling me narcissistic Loyd?" The CEO leans forward, his face close to mine.

"Of course not, you just have some of the plague's traits now."

"Well then, what dastardly things would make me more prone to be consumed by this plague you speak of?" the CEO asks, shifting his body into the comfort of his backrest.

"The money, for example. Comming from the most recent advance of employment." I speak, slipping my hand into pocket.

"You know what I think, you're just jealous that I took your job."

I frown, and try a last-ditch effort on my ex-partner. "I swear the plague is real. If you don't hand everything back to me, I promise it will take you."

"Come on man, you're better than this. Give me concrete evidence Loyd, show me one of the said infected. Then I'll believe you."

I stand up, using the hand I do not have gripping onto my weapon to place above my heart. "You've been staring at one this whole time, old friend."

And the CEO bursts into a fit of laughter, words such as "idiot" coming out between breaths.

Nothing I have done has worked, forcing my backup plan into action. I let my fingers in my pocket come in contact with the cold metal.

"You've given me no other choice, Charles. I'm sorry."

After saying my goodbye, I lift a gun to his head. He only has a second to realize what's happening, a frightened look planted on his face. Firing, the once CEO slumps in his chair.

I place the gun back into my pocket after turning on it's safety, then pick up the phone. I dial in the number for building service, and a young man's voice asks what I need.

I lean agaisnt the desk, smiling while looking down at the CEO's lifeless body.

"A large trash bag and a hella of a ton of cleaning supplies, thank you."

© Exer