Apocalypse Fighter

Chapter 4 The Deal

John had always been able to remain calm when dealing with clients, but somehow Richard managed to get under his skin, there was something about this man in front of him, but John could not understand what. He didn’t look like anyone special; he looked ordinary enough. Still, John felt as though something wasn’t right. 

“I am prepared for the consequences, John. I know if I do not make the repayments, you will track me down, break my legs or fingers, destroy my family as I know it. These are risks I am willing to take, if you do not want to give me what I ask, then I am more than happy to take my business elsewhere.” Richard replied.

John was stunned; usually, people were intimidated by him. This ordinary man in front of him had no qualms about standing up to John, and it threw him, John’s intimidation tactics had not worked, and John understood that Richard would not be intimidated. What was it that made this man so confident? John was curious, and for the first time in his life, John felt threatened by someone else.

"No need for anyone to get worked up to let's just have a nice easy conversation. We are here to take of important business, and I can see that you have come well prepared. We are reasonable people here, but I have to ask, why do you need five million dollars? It is a lot of money." John asked with a smile.

"I want to buy a school." Richard lied smoothly and did not give away the location just in case. 

Richard didn't want to give John any clues as to where he might end up, Richard had no intention of buying a property in Washington, he didn't see the point. No property would be worth anything after doomsday. He planned on renting and using the rest of the money to stock up on supplies that would hopefully get them through. 

John and Kiki looked at each other, neither one of them bought the lie. They knew that Richard was up to something else, but they played along, it seemed Richard was just another fool hoping to get rich quick. The price of properties was continually rising; John knew if Richard was planning on buying a school that five million dollars would barely be a down payment. There were no guarantees that the school would turn over a profit which meant that Richard would not be able to meet the repayments. But John was willing to humor the man in front of him, and he relaxed into the sofa, sitting opposite Richard. 

John didn't care how Richard paid it back, as long he did pay it back. Richard could get the money from wherever he liked if the money wasn't returned, John would track Richard down and make him pay. John would force Richard to work for him, all the money that he earnt would go straight to John. The way John saw it, he had nothing to lose, he would get paid one way or the other. 

John grinned;

"Kiki, it looks like Richard is up for some big business. There are just a few other things I need to confirm with you. I need to know your employment status and where you work, and I will need to know your marital status, I will be checking into everything you tell me. Rest assured Richard; we like to get very close with our clients." John's happy demeanor changed quickly; the words were a threat; Richard could see it immediately. 

Richard didn't blame John, five million was a lot to ask, and the man had a business to run. Richard didn't care what John found about him; he decided to be honest with John.

"I'm a teacher at Stevenson Selective High School. I can give you their number; I have nothing to hide. As for family, both my mother and father died in a car accident four years ago, you can check into that too. I have my wife and six-month-old son and no other family." Richard replied, remaining neutral. 

"I have no problem checking with my neighbors, colleagues or employer. I have never gotten anything worse than a speeding ticket, check my police records. I understand that you have to go through this before you accept a client, I want to assure you that I have nothing to hide, and if you have any questions, I will answer honestly." Richard finished. 

Richard was not worried about what John would find out this building, and the people in it would be obliterated within the week. The chaos that ensued would ensure that Richard would not be found, meaning he did not have to return the money. 

"A teacher, that is a good and stable job. And congratulations on your baby, I've heard that it is gratifying to become a parent." John smiled. "Ok, deal. I will loan you the five million you are asking for." John extended his hand for a handshake. 

Richard accepted the outstretched hand and sealed the deal with a shake.

"Excellent!" John said. "Congratulations, Richard. The money will be in your nominated account by the close of business today." John turned to Kiki.

"Kiki, as soon as we have signed all the papers and verified his ID, I want you to transfer the money immediately. I will let you know when we are done." John dismissed Kiki.

John handed Richard the contract. Richard took his time to read through the entire document to keep up the pretence of understanding and adhering to all the rules. Under other circumstances, Richard wouldn't feel comfortable borrowing ten dollars from this guy, but he was desperate to get this done as soon as possible. 

John signed and dated every page of the contract; John handed him another set of papers to sign.  

Richard startled when his phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket, he retrieved the phone and answered it. On the other end of the line was Mary and she sounded distraught.

“Richard, where are you? I need you to hurry home; there is a situation here with my cousins are here, and they are not happy about us selling the house.” Richard, please come home.” Mary begged. 

“Mary, I need you to calm down. Think about staying calm for Steven. I will be home as soon as I can. I have finished my business. I will see you soon.” Richard soothed Mary over the phone. 

John and Kiki could see that Richard was angry about something; it gave him a hard look that terrified even John. 

“Thank you for your time today, John, but there is a family emergency, and I need to be going,” Richard said, closing the clasp on his briefcase and standing to leave.

John thought about offering his hand for a handshake but thought again and put his hand in his pocket. Although John had ordered someone's entire family to be taken out, he still found himself intimidated by this man. He didn’t think Richard would hesitate to kill him in an instant if he wanted to, John wondered how this mild-mannered looking man could be cold, John would do some digging around and find out everything there was to know about Richard. 

Richard nodded politely to both of them and then strode out. Kiki looked after him with a look of dismay;

“Oh, boss!” Kiki wailed. “How come you let him go? There is still paperwork for him to sign.” 

“Don’t worry Kiki, we have all the information we need; we can track him down at a later date. For now, I think its best to let him go.” John was intrigued by Richard. 

Kiki watched as the door slowly closed behind Richard; she looked to John and found that he was deep in thought.

“Boss?” Kiki asked mildly.

“Huh?” John was startled out of his thoughts. “Oh yes, here file these documents. I want you to organize one of our monkeys to check this guy. I want to know everything there is.” John said, still looking worried. “I may have made a terrible mistake today.”