Free THE ALTER: A Psychological Crime Thriller by EJ Nesbeth Page A

prepared, diplomatic responses. They could only assume that he had gone into hiding or was captured by the syndicate. Nothing could be further from the truth as he hid in plain sight on park benches under heavy disguise.
    Meanwhile, reports of Mateo Alverez death spread like wildfire, as did fear of imminent reprisal. The mayor became intensely occupied with efforts to re-assure the city and preserve order, but deep inside, fear terrorized him. Ryan knew that the mayor was behind the murder of his own wife and others who stood in the way of this multibillion dollar development plan. He knew of his bloody deal with the syndicate. Despite his own vices, the mayor was a different kind of monster, one just as ruthless, but driven by an insatiable desire for wealth and control. He was a monster that both Ryan and his alter agreed was eating away at the city’s foundations. Thus, a deal was struck. Ryan would allow his alter one final act of redemption that would bring this white collar criminal to justice.
    After two days and surveillance, he finally knew Mayor Richards’ plans and whereabouts. It wasn’t hard. The mayor had announced a press conference that was advertized on television screens, including those Ryan could see through store windows. Ryan had a plan of his own, one that his more trepid alter ego would have been unwilling and unable to execute.
    Mayor Richards stepped onstage for a press conference designed to re-assure the city that everything was under control and that Mateo Alverez death did not mean impending war. His entourage of personal bodyguards and policemen, along with a few other city officials graced the stage and around in a display of unity, strength, and hope. The chief of police sat beside him while Ava searched the crowd for Ryan’s determined alter.
    Ryan watched as he lay face down on the top of a building nearby. He blended in perfectly with the unkempt deck and found concealment between large HVAC units. It was the perfect sniper position, however he had no rifle for the mayor’s demise had to be more spectacular and worthy of a man of his stature. The mayor approached the podium with less cheer than he was accustomed to. His audience lingered in anxious concern, eager to hear what solutions he brought. Ryan looked at his watch then clicked the start button on a remote timer he held in his hand. In just sixty seconds his mission would be complete.
    A tiny red light began to blink on the back of an unmanned video camera just a few feet away from the podium where the mayor stood. Ryan looked through his binoculars and smiled, marveling at the simplicity and effectiveness of his deadly plot. Collateral damage was likely, but to Ryan’s purpose driven alter, this was a worthy sacrifice.
    Forty seconds left on the timer and the mayor was already into his animated delivery. He spoke with a contagious confidence that quickly captivated his listeners. This city, he argued, was not just about systems or infrastructure. He paused then extended his hand to his side, welcoming a symbol of this city’s real treasure. A small group of children walked on stage, to the cheers of the mesmerized crowd. Ava shook her head, disgusted by the exploitation.
    Ryan saw the children and a turmoil began inside of him. The thought of sacrificing a few corrupt officials was not enough to awaken his more compassionate side, but the idea of young, innocent victims was more than enough for him to fight his way to the forefront of his consciousness. His determined alter resisted, eagerly awaiting the final seconds before the camera would explode.
    “Ryan, this has to be done,” Greg insisted, convinced that sparing the mayor would result in more bloodshed later on.
    “No. I’m not going to kill innocent children,” Ryan resisted.
    Thirty seconds to go, and the mayor preached while Ryan’s personalities battled for dominance. This was not what they had agreed to. Bring the mayor to justice- that was the deal. There