ratio decidendi v. obiter dictum
ratio decidendi v obiter dictum
“The deed is done.”
“Tell me the details.”
“I used an icicle and a running start. He mounted a resistance inversely proportional to the depth of my thrust. He took much longer than I expected to fall; much longer to surrender. A man with his heart condition and his pharmaceutical obligations almost turned the tables on me. This had me worried, so much so, I kept the pressure until I lost grip of the impromptu weapon as it melted within his (ironically matching) cold demeanor.”
“Did anyone see you? Did anyone come to investigate?
“Neither. I secured the room and kept my gloves on the entire time. With as many friends he has, the room is sure to have too many fingerprints for the police to sort out.”
“Consider your end of the bargain complete. I will attend to my end today. From this moment on, never call me and I will never call you.”
“Agreed.”
“Who was that?”
“Hold on a second. I’m getting a text.”
“Come on back to bed. I’m lonely without you. How about another round?
“Just one minute more. I have to make an important decision.”
“Does it involve me or what you want to do with me?”
“Let’s just say a little bit of both.”
“Put the cuffs on your wrists and the ironwork on the headboard. I will secure your legs when I see fit.”
“Kinky! This is a side of you I have yet to see.”
“Put me in the mood, babe. Before we start, in regards to that last call, would you give a liar a second chance?”
“Baby, if it was you, I’d give you all of the chances you’d want. This is getting exciting. What are you going to do?”
“Well, if you must know, that call was from your husband. We made a deal that he would kill my father so I could inherit his fortune without waiting twenty more years to do so. In exchange, I agreed to kill you, his wife, for your constant infidelity. What you're looking at is a personal favorite of mine, a Colt Woodsman pistol. It is complete with a silencer to keep noisy people from investigating.”
“Are you going to kill me?”
“That was the plan, until I received a text, ironically, from my father. He texts that he was stabbed, and the paramedics are taking him to the hospital for better care. He says he will live and I should join him there.”
“So, there is no reason to kill me?”
“Your husband lied to me. I can’t stand liars. He has to die. Furthermore, I can’t stand witnesses. This morning was memorable, but business is business. A man has to learn accountability and possibly some Latin. Sorry.”