Ticking Away

Max sat on the floor, his legs crossed and the sound of several clicks ticking around him. His eyes closed and his breathing slow and rhythmic, as several black-flies buzzed about the room adding to the ambiance of the clocks.

Occasionally his eyes opened and he recited lyrics of an old song as if saying them as a chant, his mantra. Then he closed his eyes and remained quiet without moving. A sentinel on duty, waiting for the proper moment to act.

His cellphone chimed.

"Max." Mags' voice was somewhere distant. "We're in position."

Max opened his eyes and tapped the cellphone off. He stood up covered in sweat and he nodded.