John Death, Richard Shekari [best fiction novels of all time TXT] 📗

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.

Meet the Podrufio’s

Wednesday, 23rd July

 

 

Two guards with a police dog each stood by a pair of large sophisticated iron gates as Idris and John drove in a black SUV through the statues that ornamented the big mansion, the magnificent estate had three swimming pools with a spectacular view over the lake. John noticed the presence of many gardeners and a few armed men.

“Loads of security in here,” said John, “The old man must have got many enemies!”

“Yeah, it wasn’t like this until the day after you saved him,” said Idris, “The boss fired the other guys and hired these bad boys when he realised that one of his competition, Tobriano means business. It’s a fortified wall in here, these boys wouldn’t even let a mosquito come near the fence now!”

“They look like they could eat a tiger alive!” said John referring to the guards.

“My thought too, buddy! Oh and um…John,” said Idris, “That thing I told you about the boss’ daughter, it’s no joke, okay? Some fool got fed with lead weeks back for raising his hand on the precious gem.”

“Is that right?” asked John.

“Damn right, my man,” answered Idris, “And that fool was actually the supposed-to-be future son in-law!”

“Hmm! That’s cold!” John added.

The car pulled up front at the mansion. Idris and John got out, one of the guards made a move to frisk John.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Special guest here,” said Idris, “You do that, the boss would cut those fingers off, Tony!”

The guard moved back staring at the men. John followed Idris into the mansion.

“Aah! John! Finally, you are here,” said the Director as he welcomed them, “Sonia, go get Diane,” talking to one of the maids, “Diane! Martha!” he cried out loud, “John Death is here!”

“Good morning, sir!” said John as he shook the Director’s hand.

“Morning, John!” responded the Director, “You got here just in time. My daughter was just about going out! I hope you like your new place.”

“Oh, it took my breath away, sir. I super love it.” said John, “Woke up feeling like a prince this morning.”

“Oh, trust me,” said the Director, “I know that feeling.”

“Daddy,” said a soft tender voice.

The men turned.

“Ah! There she is!” said the Director.

As the young and beautiful Diane made her way gently down the stairs in her red dress, John was bedazzled by her sight.

“Isn’t she beautiful?” said the Director as he smiled joyfully.

“Yes,” responded John, “Yes, undeniably!” Briefly lost in a world of fantasy as Diane walked down smiling, wearing the most beautiful dress he had ever seen which had an enormous paillettes that created a mermaid impression. Diane’s smile expressed one thing only; that she need not make any apologies for her curves.

“Honey, this is the man!” said the Director, “I want you to meet John Death!”

“I feel alive now,” whispered John as he smiled.

Diane tried to cover her teeth in order not to fully give in to his jokes, but anyone with a good sight could tell that he got her right where he wanted with his good sense of humour.

“Hi, John!” she said, “Daddy told me a lot about you,” she stretched her tender hand for a shake.

“Did he?” John gave a smug look, “Forgive me, but I always find it hard to lie, especially when swept off my feet by the mere sight of…”

“Beauty?” interjected the Director as he place his hands on their shoulders, “Maybe you should teach her how to play golf, son!”

“Oh, so you’re a professional just like daddy, I see!” she said.

“Trust me, if playing golf was flying a shuttle I’m that toddler trying to get off his cradle!” John responded with a smile, still trapped in her beautiful big blue eyes as he held her hand, “I’d also like to make one confession; at the moment, I feel like a nation that has lost its defences.”

“An honest man? Now, that’s a rare thing these days!” she replied looking into his eyes!”

“I’ll be in the pool room if you need me, boss!” said Idris as he cleared his throat. The Director nodded in response then turned to John and Diane.

“Young people, anytime you meet you feel like it’s love that makes the world go round!” he said as he excused the two, “John, I want to introduce you to someone. I’ll be waiting for you in here, once you’re able to escape from that Alcatraz!” laughing as he walked into another room.

“It seems my father likes you,” she said as she retired her hand from his grip.

“Some nobodies sometimes get lucky to be loved by some somebodies!” he said, “What made you think so?”

“Because daddy has never made anyone cancel their plans just so they’ll get to welcome anyone!” she replied.

“It feels good to know that one doesn’t need to look up at the skies at night to gaze the stars,” he said.

“What do you mean, John?”

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on!” he said softly.

“Wow!” she sighed, “I have a feeling you have been down the dungeon for as many years as you’ve lived in this world, John!” she smiled.

“John!” hollered the Director, “Haven’t you subdued the guards yet?” his laughter echoed through the mansion.

“My father needs you,” she said, “Suspend the theatrics for now. Another time, Maybe?” as she walked through the foyer.

“Where can I find you?” he asked.

“Haven’t you heard, John?” she said, “Daddy says everybody should stay home today in order to welcome the superman!”

John kept staring at her curves as she catwalked towards the exit overviewing the lake. As soon as he remembered the Director was waiting