John Death

Acclivity

Tuesday, 22nd July

“She got five bedrooms in her belly and she is all yours, man!” said Idris as he toured John round the new apartment, “You've got a Jacuzzi in two of the bedrooms. The rest of the boys sure ain’t gon’ like you!”

John wore a cold smile as they walk through the fully furnished modern apartment located at the heart of the city, one of the structures that best described the cultural wealth of the city. The stylish and classy furniture made John feel he wouldn’t miss a thing in the world once locked within the dark modern interior.

“State of the art furniture and of course the latest technology in sound gadgets,” said Idris, “You’re much younger than me so I presume it’ll be easier for you to figure out how to operate these high-tech babies!”

Idris took John round the house, everything was new and classic.

“And this is your gearhead, buddy,” added Idris as he opened the door to the garage, “She’s a beauty, isn’t she?” referring to the white convertible SLR McLaren Mercedes parked in the garage, “Hit the road with this super twin-turbo baby and you’ll understand why she cost a fortune!”

“Impressive.” John said as he bent to have a look at the interior, “The only time I’ve ever saw this baby was on TV!”

“Arguably one of the most beautiful cars of all time!” Idris added, “Well, you live the dream now, buddy! The apartment with everything in it has got your name on it, however, the rule is, if you wanna work for the boss you’ve got to return the signed cheque and go on a $26, 000 a month allowance which will be wired to any account of your choice on the 20th of every month or…You can still keep the house, the car and the cheque. Walk away like a bird flying down into the sunset. I’d land on the beach and pick as many bugs as I want if I was you! It’s your call, buddy!”

John brought out the cheque from his pocket, while still admiring the car; smiled, sighed and handed it over to Idris without saying a word.

“Are you sure about this, man?” asked Idris.

“A hundred percent sure, my friend!” John responded.

“Hmm! Wise choice, man! Wise choice!” complimented Idris as he pocketed the cheque. “You’ll be briefed tomorrow at the house, by the boss himself.”

“You said that like he knew I wasn’t gonna go for the cheque!” said John.

“Trust me, he said you’ll never go for the cheque.” replied Idris, “The boss thinks and says that you’re a good guy! However, a piece of advice; when you get to the house just do yourself a favour and not try anything stupid with the boss’ precious gem!”

“‘Precious gem?’ I don’t follow!” John responded.

“Diane, his daughter,” Idris said, “I know he has got a soft spot for you in his heart, you know, the whole-saving him from Tobriano’s boys and all. And from the look of things, you’re young and charming, and with a charisma like that, Diane will forget her brains in the Johns. Oh, pardon me for that, it just came out. It’s not like…”

“We’re cool!” said John.

“The thing is, I know exactly what will go down once she sets her prurient eyes on you. Just saying.”

“Hmm! You have no idea what will go down!” John mumbled as he caressed the white convertible.

“What? I didn’t get that?” Idris interposed.

“I said, you have no idea what will go down!” John responded, “Every man has got his own principles!” turning to Idris, “You don’t like me, do you?”

“Oh no! I’ve got nothing against you, man. I’m just giving you a heads up, buddy!” said Idris, “I’ve been around the family for more than a decade now! The boss would shoot down an angel or any plane that cast a shadow on his daughter’s skin during summer.”

“You made it sound like the man is a maniac, give him a break!” said John.

“Trust me,” said Idris as he walked close to the convertible, “As soft as he might appear on the surface, it’s safer for you to sleep in a hungry lion’s den than ride with…”

“Can I have the keys, already?” John interjected.

“Sure, why not,” said Idris, “Here!” as he flung the keys, “The keys to the apartment and the car!”

“Thank you, man!” said John.

“You’re welcome!” said Idris, “By the way, how were you able to take out six armed men at the supermarket like that! The way the boss described it, he made it sound like a scene from the movies!”

“Let’s just say I’m a professional at what I do, buddy!” John boasted.

John shut the door on entering the car, “What does this button do?” pressing a button, “Oh! Figures!”

The garage door rolled up before Idris could utter a word, and John didn’t hesitate to put the big engine to the test.

“I believe you know your way out!” said John as he reversed.

“Yes, I do. Will pick you up 9:30am tomorrow,” said Idris, “The boss wants us there by 10am prompt.”

“Okay, man!” he said, “See you then!”

“Schmuck” Idris whispered.