“You will be returning the body, right?“ I ask. The man sitting across from me looks surprised by this request. 

“Whatever could you want with his body?” He asked. 

“I’m sure he has family somewhere and he had a few pseudo-friends in my organization and really, what do you need the body for?”

“What makes you assume that I still have it?”

“Because the moron only broke into your base last night and while you do move quickly, there’s no way you’ve had time to dispose of it given the weather conditions.”

“I am still not entirely sure I believe he was not acting under orders.”

“I promise you, he wasn’t. Even if he drastically misinterpreted them you have in front of you all of the communications he recieved in the past week. We have been over this.”

“Yes, yes. I am sorry for questioning again, its a force of habit.”

“Occupational hazard, I understand. There has been much cause for distrust between our factions for generations. It will take time before we have really turned our new leaf, but with these negotiations, we are taking a step in the right direction.”

“I agree, I am just wondering what his body would be worth to you. He did strike a blow against my organization and I cannot let this slide.”

“Of course, and he has already paid the price for his foolishness with his life. I promise to keep this facet of the agreement private, in order to help you preserve your reputation among your people.”

“He nearly destroyed your hard work…”

“Davis was impulsive and reckless and prone to bouts of irrational decision making, but he was one of mine and I have a reputation to uphold as well. He was also acting on what I assume to be good, if incredibly misguided intentions. I want to see him laid to rest properly. Then we can put all of this behind us and move forward in our partnership.”

He thinks for a moment, feigning like he is going to say no. I grab a pen and scratch out a few numbers, replacing them with something I think will make up the difference. It does. 

By the end of the day the agreement is signed, the peace has been declared, and we are one step closer to an alliance. Davis’ body is loaded into the back of my vehicle, as requested. I climb into the back with him. 

Once we are far enough away, I threw off the top of the barrel Davis was stuffed in. 

“I am so sorry boss…” 

“Save it, Davis. You owe me big time. Next time you pull something like that, you can find your own way out.”