Gone--Part 4

  This part of the story didn't turn out quite how I wanted it to, but it will have to do because my brain isn't helping to make the needed changes.

    A knock echoed through the nearly empty house.  Philip parted the curtains carefully his nerves taunt.  He had to make sure it was the right one.  Outside the door, a tall man with broad shoulders, stood there, impatiently tapping his fingers.  "Good," Philip muttered, reaching out for the door handle.  “Come in,”

    The man’s piercing gaze swept the dimly lighted room.  “We are alone?” the door closed behind him with a click.

    Impatient, Philip's voice sounded tense, “Yes, of course.  That is what you wanted.  When have I not followed orders?”

    The man walked past him and opened up his leather coat pulling out an envelope.  “Up to this point, you have done well.  Hopefully you will keep it up.”  He paused, then continued, “Here are your next instructions.”

    Philip accepted the envelope.  “How are things?”

    “Fine I suppose,” the man glanced at his watch.  “But there just aren't as many as we wanted.  We need more,” he nodded at the envelope.  “That is what that is for.”

    Realization flooded over Philip.  He licked his lips, “Sir, t-this isn’t what I volunteered to do-“

    A few long strides and the man stood face to face with him.  “You volunteered to do what is necessary!  That is necessary!  Now you listen to me.  If you do not carry out those orders, I promise you, you will regret it.  You will pay for it.  Do I make myself clear?”  His steel blue eyes bore holes in Philip’s skull.

    It was a question that needed no answer.  The man walked towards the door leaving Philip standing there, face pale, staring at the envelope.