I knelt, knee to throat, cold metal stuffed deep into the mouth of the person flailing below me in the cold night air that surrounded both of us in this alley. I felt the familiar click as my right thumb pulled back the hammer, my left hand forcing his head into an awkward upward angle.

I pause. Something was said.

It is not uncommon for someone to beg and plead for their life, it is not uncommon for them to say nothing. It is, however, uncommon for someone to say something that causes me to pause.

"What gives you the right?" the man beneath me had asked. I looked at him, let my eyes focus on him so I truly saw him. This man would not become just another faceless job, this man I would remember.

"I am given this right because I am willing to accept the responsibility." I replied, then pulled the trigger.

Being a civilized man I did not want my suit to get dirty, however, I did want to sit and think a moment. I rolled the job onto his stomache and sat on his back, felt around the insides of my coat and pulled out a small flask.

"Thank you my friend." I said, raising the flask to my lips. It had been a long time since someone said something that actually made me pause, or even think. I do not rush to act, nor do I hesitate to act. I act when those above me tell me it is time to act, no sooner, no later. I ask no questions, nor do I desire to ask any questions, and I accept the responsibility knowing that my fate will probably be very similar to my jobs. However I wonder how many of my bretheren feel the same way. Perhaps I am alone in this, perhaps not.

This is why I share this story with you. I mean no dis-respect to anyone, I'm just curious as to your beliefs on "What gives you the right?"

The power I hold.

I spent much time as a younger mafioso in the service of others and learned much regarding how one wields authority. I fall back on this and on the collected journals of my forefathers when deciding on matters so Great. Thus, when my time came, I was given a chance at running an outfit. That comes with certain responsibilities.  

One of those being knowing when to assert yourself and when to eliminate dangers, from within or without.

I've done the same as you just have, Mr. Grey. Each and every time it was for the safety of myself, my family, or for my city.

Thank you for answering Quirinus, I enjoy learning the viewpoints of others.

I would hope that some others would take time to answer, and as my father once told me 'Sometimes the right answer is simply having one."