A Question of Will by Alex Albrinck Page A

He pocketed the can once more, and turned to face her. The look on his face said that her attack with the bat had not gone unnoticed, and would not go unpunished. She made herself glare back at him with as much malice as she could muster.
    “Mrs. Stark, the rules say that I am to explain the nature of the crimes committed, and then quickly and painlessly end your worthless human life. However, I believe there are exceptions in the rules for termination candidates who strike an Assassin. I shall have to ask clarification on that point during our review of this mission.”
    In other words, Hope thought, he intends to make me suffer, regardless of the consequences he’ll face.
    The killer cleared his throat. “Will Stark has been charged with breaking innumerable Aliomenti laws and rules, though those are of no matter for us here today. Assassins are only summoned forth when rogue Aliomenti violate one or more of the Oaths all members must swear upon joining. The two minor Oaths include willful communication of the existence of the Aliomenti, or the sharing of our advances with the human race, with marriage to a human considered to be an automatic admission of guilt to breaking those Oaths. For the guilty Aliomenti, the penalty is imprisonment. For the humans who knowingly or unknowingly aided and abetted the violation of these Oaths, the penalty is death.”
    Hope blinked, as she translated this into more practical terms. “What kind of nonsense is this? You’re saying my husband is part of some group that sentences his wife to death? That’s ridiculous. My husband loves me, and he’d never join a group like that or swear such a vow.”
    The Assassin laughed at her. “Your husband is not what he seems, Mrs. Stark. Not only did he swear to those Oaths, it was he who actually instituted them and the requisite penalties.”
    Hope shook her head. “No. That’s not possible. You’ve got the wrong man .”
    “I assure you, I do not. Will Stark’s name and face are the most widely known in our entire organization, and he is the one man whose identity we could never confuse with another. His open use of his given name without disguise may suggest madness on his part, but it does not change who he is or what he has done. All criminals must meet their punishment in the end. Today is the day for Will Stark.” He paused. “And for you.”
    “I’m telling you, you’ve got the wrong man . I’ve never heard of this alley-whatever group you’re talking about. Will’s not told me any type of secrets. Let me talk to him. You’ll see. You’ve got the wrong man .”
    The Assassin laughed at her again, this time with a mocking cruelty in the tone. “Silly human girl. Do you think your words carry any weight with us? Save your breath. You have so few remaining.”
    She considered her next move as he continued talking. “You see, your husband has been something of an embarrassment to our organization. One of our true leaders and innovators, leaving to be part of a rebellion that strives to help humans? This is not acceptable.”
    Sounds like my kind of guy , Hope thought. Anybody who aggravates this clown is a hero in my book . Aloud, she snorted. “Now, see, that sounds like Will, always looking to help others improve their own lives. Where can I sign up for this rebellion you spoke of? I’d like to help him continue his noble work.”
    The Assassin ignored her cheek. “He has many times escaped our attempts at capture, and our Hunters have become quite disturbed. When they learned about you, well...it was as if they had been given a wonderful gift.” His blood-red eyes glinted with malice. “Bait.”
    She stared at him. “What...what do you mean, bait?”
    “We have heard plenty of stories through our information gathering of Will’s deep devotion to you. Even now, I am quite certain he is trying to work through the little obstacle I left at the entry to your neighborhood, as he has no doubt figured out that your