gun, a
pair of thick horn rimmed glasses, gloves, some make up, and whatever else you will need to complete the job. Don’t run away with it Amigo!” But before Steve could respond he heard a man’s deep gruff voice say, as if whispering, “He isn’t running anywhere Ricardo”.
A surprised Steve spun around to see a tall and lanky man in his mid-twenties standing next to Ricardo, smoking an expensive looking cigar blowing out pungent smelling smoke rings. He was wearing a dark satin shirt and black trousers which immaculately fit him. He was wearing well-polished shoes made out of rich leather with soles that added couple of inches more to his 6 ft. 2 inch tall frame. His clothes were expensive and meticulously chosen. He had a deeply tanned face—of someone who spent a lot of time on the beach—and his features were sharp and his nose aquiline. He had a pencil lined moustache that belonged more to the 1950s, Steve thought, than the present day. He was handsome in a devilish way. And when he smiled, showing his small white even teeth, Steve was reminded of a vulture waiting for his prey to die so that it could feast on it.
Steve had spent many years serving as a gang member, ands wasn’t easily daunted. But this man fazed Steve. He was easily one of the most dangerous men he had seen or met in his life. There was something sinister about him, something which could unnerve the bravest, toughest man. He had materialized out of nowhere, silently and noiselessly—like a ghost. As Steve stood speechless, staring fixedly at the man, he heard Ricardo say, “Steve, meet my buddy Gustav Nilsson”. Gustav this is Steve Neal.”
Chapter X
Gustav Nilsson extended his lanky sweaty hand and as their hands clasped to shake, the sliminess of his moist hands gave him an eerie feeling he had gripped a snake, and he experienced a sudden urge to let go of Gustav Nilsson’s hand. But he controlled himself and managed to say “Hello Gustav”.
“Hi Steve, I am happy to see you are working for us—Nilsson said in his deep baritone voice, and with a mirthless smile, that never reached his eyes. “You will do what you agreed to, won’t you Mr. Neal?
Before Steve could reply he heard Ricardo saying “He will do the job he has come here for” Ricardo winked at Steve, who was quick to detect the veiled threat in Ricardo’s voice.
“Of course, he will do the job Ricardo” Gustav replied. “I have no doubt. No one comes to Gustav Nilsson and then goes back on his word or anywhere without finishing their job” Nilsson said with sudden viciousness. The oil and the charm had faded. A mean expression had come on Gustav Nilsson’s face, making him look hideous. His vile face shocked Steve, but he kept his face dead-pan so not to let on that he was fearful of this evil and spiteful dude. There was suddenly an uncomfortable silence. The room was filled with a tension so thick, that you could cut it with a knife.
Steve decided he had to do something to ease the tension that had suddenly consumed the room. So he forced himself to smile and say “Don’t worry Mr. Nilsson, I will do the job I have come for. You won’t regret hiring me”
Steve’s words had a magical effect on Gustav Nilsson who suddenly relaxed and smiled, but it wasn’t a pleasant smile. It was a smile that sent a chill up your spine. Steve decided that Nilsson was the most evil dude he had ever encountered. “Who is more dangerous among these two thugs?” Steve wondered, not knowing the answer. When he met Ricardo, earlier, he had decided that Ricardo was a cruel, dangerous, and a ruthless killer. But Nilsson seemed to be much more dangerous than his counterpart Ricardo as far as evilness was concerned. “Who the hell have I got myself involved with!” he thought angrily. He suddenly didn’t want anything to do with these two malicious people! But how could he get out of this—even before he could
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