8 - Xavier

Xavier almost missed Annie; he'd been watching the passenger channels all morning. It was a minor commotion in the crew channel that drew his attention and then he saw her.

He was surprised at her brash, boldness. It would make his task easier if she kept that up. He trailed her through the departure lounge and almost walked straight into her as she unexpectedly exited a book shop.

He couldn't see what she'd bought. He kept his distance as she shopped for jewellery, he'd pick-pocket it as she headed for the departure gate. He swore violently as he realised from the motions at the till that whatever she'd bought she was wearing. He knew where she was going, so got ahead and watched her as she boarded the plane. So confident and sure of herself, he was impressed.


Xavier hung around the baggage reclaim area waiting for the steward. He saw him, cut across his line of sight and headed for the gents.

The steward excused himself from the rest of the cabin crew and followed.

"It's heavy", the steward said holding up the sick-bag, "reckon it's worth double what we agreed."

"Ok", Xavier nodded, reaching inside his jacket and stepping forwards. The poniard slipped smoothly between the stewards 3rd and 4th ribs, who looked surprised and died.

Xavier caught his fall and easily dragged him into a stall. He swiftly looted his wallet, watch and id card - it would look like a pointless mugging. But nothing Xavier did was pointless. The steward would be found quickly enough, but Xavier would be long gone by then. The small police force might assume some terrorist plan was afoot and concentrate their efforts around the airport, if not they'd waste their time investigating a mugging. Either outcome would give Xavier free rein over the rest of the island.