Page 4 of Devilish Debt
Not on purpose.
Once Thaddeus has swallowed, he carefully places his fork down, retrieves his cloth napkin, and menacingly pats dry the lingering droplets of blood.“Terrorismdoes not have a statute of limitations, I am afraid.”
“I’m not a terrorist!”
“The information you provided aided in what –by your country’s definition– could easily be labeled as domestic terrorism, Mr.Fiorenzo.Thatis what we call guilty by association.”His pompous grin is accompanied by him leaning back and crossing one black dress pants leg over the other.“However, I have other options, if that one was to fall short.For instance, I could have you extradited for your little stunt tomy country– threatening it’ll be considered an international incident if they do not – where we would happily try you for foreign espionage, a crime in which we – unlike this country – do not have a statute for.”He carelessly tosses the piece of used fabric onto the table.“OrI could make certain law enforcement agenciesawareof your known crimes warranting them to open an investigation into you, which would turnyouinto a significant liability for a certain syndicate who I haveheard– through very loose lips, of course – keeps you on a permanent retainer.”
It’s impossible not to tug nervously at my collar.
“I wouldhateto do any of those of tedious things, Mr.Fiorenzo, when a much easier repayment option – for the both of us – is available.”
“Which is?”
“I need you to retrieve something of high significance for me.”
“Steal.”
“Retrieve.”
“Fancy steal.”
“Recover.”
“Steal from someone else.”
“That would bereclaim.”
“And this would be…?”
“As I have clearly –and repeatedly– stated, you will beretrievingsomething that is currently lost.”
“Somethingor someone?”
“Something.”
“Like an object?”
“Precisely.”
“Why?”Inching to the edge of my chair precedes me pushing the subject a bit further.“Why do you needmeto find this lost thing?”
“Because it is quitelost, and I have it on good authority you can find anything you have been tasked to, particularly in a very,verytimely nature.”
Note to self: figure out exactly who volunteered me for this littlecyber safari adventure.
“What do you need me to find?”
“That will be revealed once youformallyaccept my proposition.”
“Fine.”Folding my hands together on the table occurs next.“Why do you need it found so fucking quickly?”
“So that I can become the next crowned king of Hoalkey.”
Chapter 2
Garcia
I like tequila.
