From the moment I woke up that morning, I had a strong premonition. Today was going to be the day I would die.

Perhaps it was a self-fulfilling prophecy, perhaps this was how it was destined to be, all I knew was that I could feel it. In recent months I’d started thinking more about my inevitable demise, planning what would happen to my company and fortune.

All of my own children were disappointments. My two living sons were both idiots, though at least the youngest one didn’t pretend to not be, whereas Kevin was a complete pretentious fraud, the kind of person who thought themselves a sophisticated elite, but would never actually become one. My daughter on the other hand, I could tell had no business sense. She was a bleeding heart, and couldn’t make the practical decisions that had to be made. I’d tried grooming my oldest son, Bryce, for the role, he had potential, he reminded me a lot of myself when I was younger, but again like his sister he let his morals get in the way. And so he ran off to Korea. I was kind of hoping we could eventually find an understanding, but he died before that could happen.

That left the grandchildren, which I narrowed down to two possibilities. Kevin’s son Christian had surprisingly turned out to be much more intelligent than his father, not only being accepted to Harvard, but being top of his class. Bryce’s daughter Kish on the other hand, while not top of her class, interested me for her field of study.

Indeed, the only reason I was even bothering with Christmas this year was so that I could observe the two of them. It didn’t take long for me to make my decision however, as Christian proved himself much too immature for the role. Not a youthful immaturity mind, but a more dangerous kind, boasting about wasting money, laughing at the family arguments. He obviously considered everything a joke. Just Before Kish’s late arrival I’d already arranged for my lawyer to change the will. Then, I embraced my new protégé with open arms, guiding her into my office and, to her future. As we entered I asked the housekeeper, a Greek woman named Zoe, to leave us alone for a while.

“So uh… what did you want to say grandfather?” She said, clearly confused.

“When I was your age my father took me aside in here too. He had something important he wanted to talk to me about, and I want to talk to you about the same thing.” She stared at me blankly still. “I’ve heard you have an interest in Seraphic theology.”

“Uh yeah that’s part of my studies.” She said. “Why do you mention it?”

“It’s only become popular among the masses in recent years, but I can assure you, the Blackwell family has followed the Seraphic theology for generations. You see, that’s what separates us from them. We know where true power comes from.”

“I’m not sure I follow.” She said.

“Most believe it all to be nothing but a myth, but I think the two of us know better. We know it’s real because we’ve seen it with our own two eyes. You know your brother’s one, don’t you?” Her eyes widened when I said that, clearly she did know. “Seraphs are real, and not only do they live among us, they influence every aspect of our lives, government, religion, culture, you can find their influence anywhere if you look hard enough. Only a chosen few even know to look. When My own grandfather’s company became one of the richest in the ruin of reconstruction era Virginia, that was when they approached him, and our family became one among the chosen. And now, the time approaches that I must pass down that company to someone new. And I’ve decided that it should be you.”

“Me? Why?” She said.

“I see a lot of your father in you Kish. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but he was a smart man and… had he seen my point of view I’m sure he would have been a worthy successor. You’re no stranger to the world of seraphs, hell your own brother is one. I’m giving you a chance most can only dream of. You’ll have more money than you’ll ever know what to do with, you’ll have this house, and most of all, you’ll inherit controlling interest in my company, and a chance to make your mark on the world.”

Kish smiled nervously, clearly waiting for some catch. “I… I don’t even know what to say. Thank you!”

“You don’t have to say anything. All that matters to me is that the Blackwell line will carry on after my death. Now why don’t you go back to the party? Enjoy the simple life while you can.”

Kish did as I suggested and walked out of my office. I neglected to mention the target now on her back, from family and otherwise, who would be jealous of her new fortune, but what’s life without a few surprises? As she left I noticed Christian was lingering by the door, no doubt listening in. Let him be jealous I say. Few things brought me as much enjoyment as the misery of lesser men.

Later that evening, after the family left (or maybe they were still here, this wasn’t something I bothered knowing), I continued sitting in my office, reading under lamplight, my premonition still strong. It wouldn’t be long before it came true. Someone else walked in the room, silence pistol in hand, and before I could react, the bullet pierced my heart.

My last thought? Maybe I should have bothered to spend time with my grandchildren.