A Weeping Paladin

A Fleeting Encounter

Narrator

     The air felt charged. Everyone was uncomfortable in their own skin. Something was about to happen and no one could afford to make a single mistake. For the passers-by, it appeared to be some sort of organization gathering. The kind that causes people to steer away from or cross the street to be far away from not to risk making eye contact with any of those men. However, none was fooled by the well dressed and formal looking guys in black suits or the sleek luxurious cars. One could definitely tell that this was not an ordinary assembly.

     Around a hundred of high executives and their seconds in command were getting ready for the big event. It has been ten years since they last had to come face to face with him. He was a no-nonsense man who strode with authority and an air of absolute intimidation. Everyone showed utter devotion and loyalty; not out of fear but out of admiration and respect. The building was as upscale as to be expected for it is one of many main headquarters. Nine o’clock was approaching fast and the security and reception kept things in the most professional manner fit for such an event.

     Five minutes to nine and everything was set in place: the conference room ready, the executives seated, security checked and everyone was waiting. A single black Bentley Mulsanne parked in front of the huge double glass entrance door. Out, stepped the driver who stood as big as you can imagine with a menacing look on his face and scanned the surroundings to then open the back door for someone. You could feel it in your bones before you lay eye on that person that he was no ordinary man, and when you do see him you understand why. Out of that car came out a man of unparalleled beauty and intoxicating masculinity. In a well fitted black suit and at no less than six feet eight stood a man with the whitest hair that could ever be imagined with eyebrows and eyelashes so thick that put dandelions to shame. No, he was not an albino for his skin was not ashy but had a certain glow to it as if literally sun-kissed yet not tanned. But, when he opened his eyes, you are convinced that he is not a worldly being. His eyes were of the color of a marbled green jade without a single hint of brown only strokes of white that seem to swirl like water. He took in a huge inhale of air, looked at his driver, and said in the huskiest and most imperturbable voice, “Shall we Aziah?” A nod was the response he received from the silent beast-looking driver for them to proceed to the entrance.

Adam

     “That’ll be 9.75 please” I rang up the products for the next customer at my day job at the convenience store. It is my favorite one because there are little to no problems and it is predictable. It was nearing two pm and my stomach has been composing symphonies for a while now. I guess I will have to swing by the Mama Gina’s dinner on my way home. Today is a partial day off. All I have to do is go for the morning shift at this store, finish by two, and then I am free for the rest of the day.

     “Adam! You’re done for the day, boy. Make sure to grab some snacks on your way; they're about to expire soon so might as well have them” said Mrs. Chin, the owner of this store and an elderly who takes no s**t from anyone. But along with that, she is a kind lady who is not about hugs and kisses but more like she would scold and feeds you. “Thank you, Mrs. Chin. I’ll grab some energy bars and maybe cookies” I answered grinning at her. She just hummed and went back to her tasks. I guess I got some extra food covered for the week.

     “Bye Mrs. Chin! I’ll see you tomorrow!” I say waving at the owner and get a small wave in return. Good enough for me. I adjust my bag and start walking. I am in the mood for a walk and it is a nice weather today: not sunny, softly cloudy and breezy. A walk is a good idea. Strolling along the street, I started to go through my plans for the next few weeks. I almost got enough cash to move out of that shabby room and maybe I need to look for a new job instead of that strip club. There must be some out there that are better than going around a bunch of stinky drunk men and trying to reach home inviolate. I know I lack education and skills but I make up for that with enthusiasm and I am a very quick learner… if anyone is willing to teach me. What would be an upgrade from a waiter in a strip club? Maybe I can apply for a security job. That is a nightshift I can take on. Or may-… “Watch it!” I was startled from my thoughts by a huge gangster-looking man glaring down at. I did not even bump into him but I think I ventured into an area I was not supposed to. The place is packed with similar-looking people: sharp, in black suits and seem to be on alert. “s**t! Sorry sir” I lowered my head and tried to sneak my way out of trouble. Four steps away and a hand grabbed me from the back. “How did you get here?” asked the same guy. I looked up and saw him staring at like a hawk. I really waltzed in trouble this time. “I was just walking deep in thought” I answered looking at him in the eye without wavering. It is something I learned the hard way. Never show fear in front of a predator unless you want to be marked as a prey and humans are the most wicked of predators. “Really?” he squinted his eyes trying to see through me. “Yah” I replied in a monotone voice. I was not exactly scared… not anymore. I am wary and prefer to sidestep unnecessary pain. “Let’s go, Vlad! They are out” called another man. “Beat it kid” shooed me the man after he nodded at the other guy. I just settled for a bored face while balancing my bag and started to walk away at a leisure pace. A bit further away and I heard some commotion behind me and somehow I wanted to know. I turned casually and the place was full of men and women in almost a mafia fashion: elegant but deadly. Even among that crowed, two men just screamed a presence that is bound to get a hold of all your attention. One of them undoubtedly stood at the very top of the predator pyramid but the other was just outwardly in a sense that was incomprehensible to me. “Untainted…” I whispered unintentionally. My phone rang in that exact moment and brought me out of that hypnosis. Dan flashed on my screen and I sighed. “Hello…” I picked up turning to continue on my walk.