The son of the devil

Who did it?

He walked slowly, approaching them step by step as his fists were gripped tighter with each step forward. He tried to walk calmly towards them, not wanting to attract attention. When they sat at a table in a corner, a waitress showed up immediately, ready to take their order.

Wanting to try the peaceful option first, he waved at them while still some distance away. They nodded at him and watched him approaching. When he stopped close to the table, one of the guards stood.

His target smiled, showing his teeth under the salt and pepper mustache. His gray hair and glasses made him look like a professor, physics maybe.

“Can I help you?”

“Yes. I would like to make an offer for you. A favor for a favor, if you’d like.”

His eyebrows rose slightly.

“An offer? What offer?

“I would like some info relating to a case I’m interested in.”

“Oh? And what makes you think I have the info you need? And if I do have it, why would I share it with you?”

The other guards stood, preparing to interfere at the smallest sign of trouble. Vlad smiled, shaking his head.

“I only want some answers about why my wife died because of one of your trucks. An honest answer and swear to God if you and your company are innocent, I will stop and move on.”

The guards started advancing menacingly towards him.

“Boys, stand down!”

They stopped, but kept him under observation.

“And you, sir, please stop uttering any threats. Maybe next time I wouldn’t be able to stop them in time.“

Vlad looked at the four standing in his way. He felt his eyelids starting to twitch and finally nodded. The other patrons around them were starting to take notice of them.

“Ok. Now tell me, what was that about your wife dying because of one of my trucks? Who are you and your wife? When did she die?”

“First, can I sit? I don’t like talking to a wall.”

With a wave of his hand, Vlad was invited to sit in front of him.

“First, let me say I’m sorry for your loss. I understand your pain. In your stead, I would do anything to get answers.”

“Thank you. And now, can we talk?”

“Please state your questions.

“Three days ago my wife Diana lost her life in a car accident. The culprit was one of your trucks. What I’m asking is was it an accident, or was it a hit on her to get to me? That’s all I’m asking.”

“A hit on her to get to you? Who are you? Tonight is the first time I saw you. Why would I be interested in killing your wife to get to you? Besides, if I did, there are other ways to get the job done without implicating myself.”

“Indeed. But the truck was abandoned at the scene, the driver missing when the witnesses arrived. So, I’m sorry, but it points in your direction, the truck belonging to your company. Hasn’t the police contacted you yet?”

“Sorry, but nobody contacted me about any accidents recently.”

Vlad nodded thoughtfully.

“I see. Thank you for your time. I would like to apologize for ruining your evening. I’ll leave now. Have a good evening.”

With a glance at the four guards, he was gone. A couple of minutes later, he was inside his car in the parking lot. Listening at what he was saying through the microphone he left under his seat. It seems shaking the waters gave results, because he sounded pissed at the one he yelled to on the phone.

He could hear only a part of the conversation, but it was enough. He knew that person. He looked at his phone, unable to decide of the way to confront him. To call meant to warn him about his intentions. Dropping the phone on the dashboard, he started the engine of the car. As he left the parking lot, he was still conflicted. Twenty years of knowing someone and he still did it.

Shaking his head in an attempt to think clearly, he drove out of town and half an hour later, he started driving on the highway. Two more hours of driving and he would reach his destination.

When he reached his destination, he decided to wait until morning to get it done as it was well past midnight. He felt there was no sense in rushing in now that he was this close. He went to a hotel and took a room for the night.

After 4 hours of sleep, he was up and ready to go. At seven in the morning, he returned the key and paid in cash. Twenty minutes later his car was in front of the entrance of the alley leading to his house, blocking the way.

When he knocked at the door, he waited a few moments until the door was opened. In front of him was a tall red-haired woman who smiled when he saw him. Then, before he could say anything, she embraced him.

“Vlad! I can’t believe it’s you! It’s been so long since you came visit. Please, come in!”

Then, while she ushered him inside she yelled towards the back of the house.

“Honey, look who’s come to visit!”

When he came to see who it was with a smile in response to his wife’s joy, Vlad saw his smile freeze for a few moments before he could regain his expression. Any doubts he might still have evaporated.

“Vlad, what a surprise! We didn’t expect to see you here so soon… Not that we mind it, of course. Come inside. Did you have breakfast? Coffee?”

Vlad nodded with a forced smile on his face.

“Sure. I wouldn’t mind a coffee. You know I don’t eat this early in the morning.”

“Yes, of course. Sit while Marta will make the coffee.”

Vlad sat in an armchair looking around the room. It didn’t change too much since he was there ten years ago. The same leather couch and armchairs, the same flat screen on the wall. The room didn’t reveal the fact he was one of the wealthiest people in the country. He watched him sit opposite him in another armchair with a beer in his hands. Certainly, for him having money didn’t change his tastes. Only changed him as a person.

He was the first to break the silence while from the kitchen came sounds of plates and glasses being put on the counter.

“So how was last night? Did you get what you wanted?”

“Ok, I guess. I did, but not how I wanted. That one was a dead-end. Had something to do with her death, but his hands are clean, at least for this affair. He was only the provider of the murder weapon.”

“Oh? So did you find who did it?”

“I have a solid lead that will take me to him. Can I count on a last favor from you? I promise, this will be the last one. After, I’m done.”

“Of course! All you need to do is ask.”

At that time, Marta returned bringing his coffee and a large platter of sandwiches. Then she went bac, returning with juice and glasses. Sitting, she smiled at Vlad while nibbling on a sandwich.

“So, how is your life? I heard you got married a few years ago. How is your wife? Do you have any children?”

Vlad felt like he was just kicked in the nuts. He glared at his former friend, who was having difficulty with his sandwich, taking a gulp of beer, to wash it down.

“Everything is fine. Or will be soon. I was married, not anymore. I came here to get some help from your husband. I have a job and need his help to get it done. Promise, it will be the last time.”

“Oh. Ok. Do you need me to leave you guys alone? Every time you talked business I had to leave before.”

“Thank you, I would appreciate it!”

Nodding her head, she walked into the bedroom and they waited in silence until she was out the door ten minutes later.

Vlad raised his eyes from the coffee that was getting cold in his hand and fixed them on the man sitting in front of him. He saw him squirm in his seat. He finally couldn’t hold himself back anymore.

“Why did you do it, Robert? You knew what will happen when I find out. I told you she was off-limits ten years ago. Why did you have to get her killed?”

He took out the gun from the holster, putting it on the table next to the now cold coffee.