something clever

Sandi had never really noticed the small civic center since it was hidden in the middle of the development. She sighed over the small assortment of cars that people had actually driven the 300 yards from their driveways and parked in the lot. What a bunch of shallow cunts, she thought.

She watched her husband check his watch for the third time in a minute. He was desperately making sure that they were at least five minutes late for the scheduled HOA meeting. They'd walked here as slowly as possible so Dan, who could sweat like a pig from walking up a single flight of stairs despite his fitness-club body, wouldn't completely soak his silk shirt. He was eager to make a good first impression and utilize the techniques in a blog post he'd found online regarding reforming people's impressions of oneself. Sandi couldn't care less, and the sooner the meeting was over the better.

Dan on the other hand was eager to rub elbows with Colin. Colin was the neighbor most men envied and wished they were. Largest house in the development by fifty-three square feet (the result of an unlicensed addition), local beauty queen trophy second wife (prom queen at the local high school and baby sitter of the children of his first wife), and a lovely midlife crisis-mobile, a 1981 Lamborghini Countach.

"Jesus, Tabitha actually drove that thing here? She lives a block away," Sandi said gesturing at a Expedition parked across two spaces.

"Honey, can you drop the environmental martyr act for five minutes?" Dan said. He straightened his tie again.

"Well, it's ridiculous. She could have walked like we did."

"I still think we shouldn't have. Look, I'm already sweating right through my shirt."

Yes

"Get him!" a man shouted in French.

The pale man dodged through the back gate of the yard, chugging the beer in his hand as fast as he could. He realized after a moment his life was more important than the alcohol, and with one last swig tossed it aside. As soon as he was sure he was out of sight, he slid behind a wall and pulled a CZ-52 out of his jean jacket. Just as he did two men suddenly came running by. He counted two seconds, then jumped out into the alley, glancing back the way they had come to ensure they were alone.

"Hey!" he cried. They whipped around. One of the men had the good sense to bring his gun around as he turned. He was the first one the man shot. No sense in letting the smart one get the drop on him, and he only needed one mouth; one mouth would talk easier if the other was shut permanently.

"Body armor yah?" the one holding on him said, and he fired. Two 7.62mm rounds went clean through the man's vest, and one caught him in the eye. A halo of blood, and he slumped down, an arrogant expression still on his face.