"What do you mean," Charles said, "My story's been cut? I worked all night on it!"

     "Sorry, Charlie," the editor said, knowing how we detested being called Charlie, "but your story isn't accurate. Read this wire."

     Charlie scanned the sheet she handed him. He suddenly looked up, his eyes wide. "You can't be serious. This is a joke. I saw him get electrocuted. This isn't real," Charles dismissed it.

     "I confirmed it twice. I think you should go out there and get me that story," she said.

3:17 PM

     "So, Mr. Lasker, are we agreed on the price?" Markus said.

     "I don't know. A million dollars is quite a lot for one man, Mr. Asavium." Lasker replied.

     "Please, Darkslice. Only people I like can call me Mr. Asavium." Markus said. "And a million dollars is too much for one man. Adam Smith, as you know, is no man. Like me, he is a superior species. My sources tell me he is luckier than can be possible. And the ability to freeze people in place is not something to take lightly."

     "But really," Lasker said, "A million dollars."

     Markus replied, "I have never failed."

7:08 PM

     Jennifer sighed. "Look at this place. Why can't we stay in a nice hotel? Why do we always stay in these flea-bag motels?"

     Adam smiled. "I've spent the last ten years of my life living in flea-bag motels. I guess it's a habit for me."

     "Come on," Jennifer whined, "let's go to a real hotel."

     "It's only one more night, Jenn. Tomorrow we'll be in our new home," Adam said.

     "Un-uh," Jennifer said, "it's your home. We're not married yet."

     Adam laughed. "Give me a week, and I'll change that!"

     "Oh?" Jennifer said, "Is this suppose to be a proposal?"

     "Not yet. You'll get a real one soon enough," Adam replied.

7:38 PM

     "...and so, Lasker Chemicals has revolutionized the microchip industry with this microcircuit alloy. Next..." the CNN report said, before Adam shut the television off.

     "Is something wrong?" Jennifer asked.

     "Yes," Adam said, "I think there is."

     "What?" Jennifer said, with concern in her voice.

     "Lasker Chemicals, and their microcircuit alloy." Adam replied. "I know about it. I kidnapped their scientist, Karl Sheire, a year ago. I learned more than I should from him."

     "So, that's why Lasker wants you killed." Markus said as he appeared in the corner of the room.

     Adam turned quickly, firing a purple beam from his hand. To his amazement, this tall lanky man slipped beneath the beam, rolling across the floor towards him. Markus was upon him before he knew what to do, bowling him over. Jennifer screamed as Markus held Adam down. With a swift motion, Markus pulled the curved knife back, and plunged it downward...

Well, that's it for part four. Be back next time for part five. Feedback is appreciated.