by Huckster

Created on: April 26, 2008

Million Dollar Act

Sedric awoke at the usual time, showered and shaved. The morning felt different somehow. An urge tugged at his emotions, like a special calling. Everything in the house looked the same. Lila was still in bed. Even the sound of the birds singing greeted his morning. He basked in the sun, looking at the back yard from the patio.

Why was it different? Sedric couldn't see anything unusual, but inside he felt he had to get to work, and on time, today. He walked into the house and dropped his usual slices of wheat bread into the toaster. He looked at the coffee maker, and shook his head. For some reason he didn't want to smell it, much less drink it. Juice would go better with toast anyway.

"Sed, I thought you were off today," Lila said.

Sedric turned. Lila leaned against the wall near the entry to the kitchen. He saw fear in her eyes. She was worried about him. But why?

Something at work had compelled him to get up. Nothing serious. Maybe that was the reason the morning felt strange. No one expected him at the office today. Then he remembered he had to double-check a major client's account. But, what could be the problem with the paperwork? Sedric couldn't remember at the moment.

Lila watched him. She was always stunning no matter the time of day. He smiled and pulled the juice from the fridge.

"I need to check something. I'll be back early."

"I wish you wouldn't. Something tells me you shouldn't go on your day off."

Her words and tone struck Sedric in a strange way. A day off, and he needed to go. Something told him to go. But she was scared. She didn't say any more, but her eyes showed the fear.

"It's okay. I'm not overworking myself." He set the pitcher on the counter and reached for a glass from the cabinet above. "I'll just proofread a client's contracts to make sure that new agent got everything right. I'll be back before ten."

When he said it, Sedric wasn't sure if he made that up, or if that was his real plan.

Lila frowned. "Something will keep you. Don't forget: we're going with the Edwins' to the play this afternoon."

Sedric set down the glass and took a slice of toast. He couldn't remember any plans to attend a play. He wouldn't argue with her though. His memory failed him this morning.

What's wrong? It's like I'm not fully awake. Maybe I should have had coffee.

He slopped some jelly on the toast. He sensed Lila's eyes bearing down on him. She left, and he sighed in relief. He had to get to the office this morning. When he finished his job downtown,

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