The pubs tables were all full at this very hour. Having this many customers in at the same time wasn't so rare, but this place is more known to be owned by its regulars, so a sudden crowding is quite unexpected. So unusual Don couldn't first stop his instinctive investigator radar from observing the new faces and eavesdrop their conversations. He simple doesn't like crowds. Nor places where different people all speak at the same time so he need to stay sharp to keep up what's going on around him. After getting comfortable inside this very pub after hours spend in this new situation forces all his senses up. Highly distracting him. Making him tired. Making it hard to not show his real squeamishness out.
But in a way in this point it doesn't really even matter how honestly Don acts here. The older man sitting next to him should know about his varying personality so far enough to just let it slide if he suddenly acts somehow differently. "Quite crowded..," Don is staring the last group who just walk in, ordering drinks on the other end of the bar desk.
"There is a spring calling this weekend," Sakari clears, eyeing the same direction. But taking others presence more lightly. "Must have attracted people even to this part of the city."
"Spring calling? At this time of the year? It's March still.."
"It's the cultural festival where they send wishes up to welcome the spring," older explains, using this stately and clear voice. "To have a successful growing season they honour the God.. or gods, depending their religion."
Ridiculous. "I'm a city boy. Those kind of seasons have nothing to do with me. Or gods."
"Are you an atheist?" Sakari asks then.
"And you say you are not?" Don asks back, doubting. "Hell no you actually believe gods and all?"
Sakari turns his look forward and smiles. Taking others jagged words calmly. "Well, we all shall have our own options. Our own ways to deal God."
Don clicks his tongue, straightly pointing out what he was hearing seem total bullshit to him. "If you are believing god, you will burn in hell," he mocks. "Think the big guy up there will forgive you your sins?"
"I like to believe that all our sins, no matter how big they are from our perspective, they are forgivable. Since God created man in His own image and likeness," Sakari speaks, moving his hand too as a heighten gesture. "To Him my sins are not sins. But works of God."
This older man sure is full of himself. If Don wasn't hearing this from the man himself, he would have never characterised Sakari to be one of those delusional people. "Sorry, but my sins are mine to deal. Not someone elses works. I take proudly responsibility from what I have done, I don't push fault to some thing that doesn't exist."
"After we die we all will face our choices. In front of Him," older man gives a calming smile and raises his drink. "But your point of view is not bad either."
"Would you gentlemen like another round?" the bartender asks when he gets back on their side of the bar, showing a bottle of brandy in his hands.
"Sure," Don shoves his empty glass closer, before men could get a new one for him. "Same glass is fine." Shakaali gives a smile toward Don and fills the glass. "When it comes to facing our choices in the end, I actually have a back up plan," man says then smiling. "Gods or not, here you have to be your own master. Deal things on your own. Being a cop and all, I never know what kind of situations I might end up. There's this drug, D drop.. I carry it with me all the time. It's an old school banned method we used when we work under cover. In case things get ugly."
It's not that Don actually carries such around as he claimed just now. But he has some in hide specifically for that very reason. Cyanide pills. If things really were about to get ugly someday, running to death was just a way to deal it more simpler. That's been so ever since the pivotal day three years ago when Don lost his temper and beat Kiho close to death. But mentioning it now was mainly to support his purpose. How in control he wants to be in the very end.
Now Don smiles, giving Sakari a slightly haughty glance. "It's for the very moment I'm ready to meet everyone on the other side. And deal my sins with Them. It will be my choice. Not others. Not Gods. Mine alone."
Sakari hums. And continues with his hoarse voice. "You do not believe in God or divine beings but you do believe after life?"
"Not really," Don impatiently clears out, already sick of others tendency to keep up their conversations in religious matter. "Don't take it literally.."
"Yes, I know what you meant," older snorts, still keeping his dignified demeanor. "But I do not acknowledge your 'back up plan'. Suicide is a great sin."
"You think a suicide is against your 6th commandment?" Which man has, by his own words, also inevitably broken against. Without mercy Don gives man a laugh. "I wonder how does it even matter to you in this point.."
"Because we all were given a limited time on earth, a gift what we should cherish. Taking your own life is an act of ingratitude, an attempt to usurp Gods role as the Lord of life," Sakari explains. To him there is a great difference -- take others life or his own. "Did you have a religious raising?"
"Quite many foster homes tend to use Bible to keep orphans in order," Don answers roundaboutly, drinking his glass empty. "I used it to hit back. Same useful effect."
"I imagined you were raised by your mother."
"You imagined wrong.."
Sakari hums. "My parents were young liberal hippies, non-beliefs, losts. It was all thanks to my wife I found God, accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior," he raises his glass to get their bartenders attention, noding toward Don, requesting him fill this hasty drinkers glass again. "He provide a way to receive forgiveness. We sin and we get forgiven. If we'll only turn to Him in repentance and faith."
"Good story. Will he still forgive you if you commit the same sin over and over again?"
"He will. Because we humans can spend our whole life fighting against Satan's lies which Satan uses to deceive and lead us away from God. We sin. It is our nature. But repentance and asking for forgiveness takes us back when we stray."
"You use god to blind yourself," Don sighs, now properly turning his eyes on the older man. "Because of remorse? Didn't think you had that in you.."
"And you have let Satan's lies trap you. Because you think you can't be saved. Because you do not remorse," Sakari states back, still holding his usual smile on his lips.
Man has clearly went through this same conversation multiple times before. People questioning his faith. Being so used to it Don's cold opinion about it doesn't shake him a bit. Which was fine. "Can't argue against that. I do not remorse," Don shows a smile while clinking his glass with Sakari's glass. What a nice chat indeed. Don could put up with it and even be honest here only because he knows this man will not make a show out of it. This was a proper discussion about differences with mutual respect. Trying others limits was a good way get to know him better and even build trust. Non relationship is flawless.
"Why you still wear your ring?" Sakari asks then, being generally curious about that small detail he has noticed. He was in belief this detective had an ugly break up but still hasn't gotten rid of the ring. There must be a story behind.
Don touches his ring, smiling. "It's.. like a trophy, I think," he clarifies, but fastly corrects what he meant by that. "We sat down and talk. It's definitely over between us for good. This.. this is my memento of the time I was reborn."
Sakari hums. Kind of understands others point. "As someone reborn, right now you do not look that happy. There's a constant bout between your eyebrows. Telling me you still suffer." Youngers smile is gone when he glances the older. "I understand you. How you feel. How pent-up you must be."
Without commenting others correct suspect Don quietly drinks his drink down once again with one gulp before standing up, intending to leave. People around them, even when they all have their own private places to speak in peace still distress him. "I have had enough."
"If you do not mind I would like to invite you have lunch with me. Tomorrow, perhaps?" Sakari suggests suddenly, making Don look at him again. "I think a proper talk might be what you need the most. And that we can't do here. I know a good place where we can talk very privately. It's quite near so we can meet here."
Inviting him to lunch now? "It's my day off tomorrow. Anytime is fine," Don sures with a smile.
- - - -
"Hi. You are early today," Free speaks out, clearly smiling, wondering how come Don is calling him this early when they usually get to hear from each other closer the midnight when Don was done with meeting his so called client or done with other things related to his case. It's been so four days straight now, ever since Free moved in with Maron and Taro. Now, younger was already laying on his guest bed and, like almost every evening, he's studing with his laptop. "Did you play nicely?"
"There was a festival near by so we cut it earlier today," Don clears, standing out on the balcony a phone against his ear. "I will meet him again tomorrow. We are going on a daytime date, actually. Have lunch."
"Oh, you cheater," Free tsihs. "So old men are your thing now, ha? I thought you were a lady-killer.."
"How about your trainings with Taro?" man asks, ignoring Free's pointless note.
"It's going well. Still can't believe how amazing Taro is when he gets serious. Even being half blind. And my black eye I got.. It's still black..."
"Taro is good at fighting," Don confirms. "Keep up with the training and you might actually become as good as he."
"I will pursue to the point I will beat you," Free states proudly.
"Yeah, no doubt."
"And I so would like to see you fight with him," young man continues laughing.
Chatting almost half an hour on the phone they share what all have happened during the day. That is what Free demand for exchange for leaving. And that routine is of course something Don needs to keep himself not going too deep, keep himself touched in his true reality. Since this case was very far from normal to Don. He spends his days outside with Sakari and inside his home alone. Kind of isolating himself. Fyllata his mind with this case to get the right state of mind.
Knowing Don's personality, there's no way Free could let him play around without checking up how it was going. He trusts Don. More than anything. But he can't trust that varying mind of Don, when man himself can't trust it. It's not their enemy. But it's something they have to be aware about. Control it. If Don couldn't, then Free should.
But like that was the only reason they keep calling each other every night. Free still wants to hear from Don. If he couldn't be with him, hearing his voice is enough for now. Sleeping alone is indeed lonely. After finally getting back home. After finally getting used to it again. And it definitely is the same to Don.
At least it was so just a short while ago. But there's something about Don Free has seen changing the more they were out of touch. These phone calls get shorter and shorter every day. They spoke more about Free than how things were going in Don's side, man purposely wanting to talk about something else than his case. Everything felt foggy. More distant. Simple because that whole fucking case was ripping them apart.
But it was inevitable. It's something Free just has to deal. And trust other knows what he's doing. For now. "How long I have to stay here?" Free finally spits out. Demanding a clear answer. It wasn't that he disliked spending time with Maron and Taro. But like it was in where ever Free stays, only with Don he feels like being at home.
"You can come home when ever you want," is Don's vague answer. He likes to think it makes no difference where Aki is during this time as long as Don knows where he is. But of course that also sounds like a blinding lie he uses to stand the whole situation. In deep down Don wants that kid back in here. And at the same time doesn't want him to see him like this when he was physically struggling against tiredness, the pain and what the intoxicating substances made him deal here.
"Liar..," Free sighs. Stading so quietly.
Don hums, rubbing his cold fingers. The chilly air outside made him feel fresh enough to stand his constant headache before he would take a hot shower and clean his body and mind from all the dirt outside. "We could break rules a little. It won't harm anyone if you sneak out. Just one night."
How that bastard dares to tease him. "Do not encourage me.. You will miss your lunch.."
"I think I will be done with you before that."
"Fuck you," Free curses and ends the call, waiting his strongly beating heart to calm. When that man usually acts very restrained and unconcerned, hardly ever being the one making the first move in any way, there are times he uses these sudden gestures or tantalising words from nowhere, dumbfounding Free, leaving him embarrassed. One more word and Free will really leave and go to that bastard.
Don lows his hand, couldn't drop his smile for a while. Teasing that kid always makes him feel so satisfied, helping him deal the whole situation. It's a miracle Don is even able to keep this distance without a bigger fuss. But his headache is again close to get the best of him. Right now he needs calm and peace and unfortunately that kid around wouldn't offer neither of those. Just hearing from Aki was enough for now.
- - - -
To have lunch outside that windowless, classical dark-themed basement pub during a sunny and surprisingly warm day wasn't so bad way to start a day. After getting some sleep Don's headache was gone and he could better get mentally prepared for his meeting. If everything goes smoothly Don might even manage to make that man open up to him more, trust him more.
It was pretty clear by now Sakari is working with Riders, but just a hunch, a suspicious connection and one guys testimony him being this 'Executioner' wouldn't be enough to get the whole truth out. Don is a type to do his job perfectly or not at all. Even when Sakari is already his suspect and obtaining a warrant to check both his house and all Rider's warehouses for forensic evidence wouldn't be that hard in his position, Don doesn't want to make rushed decisions and blow his change to find out more. That is the bottom why he's doing this all, putting himself on the line. Of course with the other reason he simple wanted to make sense what kind of person this Sakari Ihan was. Now that Don has a pretty clear understanding of that, especially after yesterday, he has lost most of his interest of the man himself. Simple wanting to know how he does what he does is the most fascinating thing left to learn. That is Don's true goal.
The very man is standing in front of his favorite pubs entrance, wearing a dark suit, talking with someone who Don could easily recognize as one of the regulars here. When Sakari and this older man notice Don, they share some short words as goodbyes before both going their own ways, old man stepping in and Sakari walking to meet with Don. "Don. Right on time."
As usually, older insist a hand shake. Whereto Don politely responds. "I appreciate you took time from your work just to meet me," younger acknowledges. Showing his respects.
"We need to feed ourselves. Even during work," Sakari waves his hand, showing there was no reason to be so polite since him going out for lunch is nothing but assumed anyway. He might have a precise working style, doing things in organized manner and generally hates been disturbed while working, but that doesn't mean he couldn't handle a few exceptions. Particularly when it comes to have a heart to heart conversation with this younger man. "You know you always wear a distinct dark dress code anyone could identify you as a plainclothes officer," man keeps, admiring others plain outfit. Don's standard dark jeans and black zippered windbreaker should have been anything but eye-catching. But maybe that's exactly why his choice of clothes on him were that obtrusive, emphasizing his vigorous body movements and his handsome facial features. His ever emotionless russet brown eyes seem to judge who ever he looks, in every turn. Simple, darkness was this mans basis. Suiting him well.
"I'm not a type serve any customers in person, therefore have no need to hide my profession. I rig how I like," Don quickly points out, showing his normal impassive mood out. "Is it too casual for your taste? For the place we are going."
"No, it is perfect. I was worried you might outdress for me. How silly of me," Sakari corrects, giving a wider smile out. "Shall we then. Lets take a walk." Pointing the same direction where Don came, starting to move. "I am curious, exactly what part of the city you live?"
"Vascis," Don answers honestly while walking next to other.
"Quite far from here, don't you think," older questions. "So what reason originally brought you all the way here? Why this pub?"
Don sighs. Kind of irritated from this sudden interrogation. But has really no reason to not answer. "I have some business around. At times. One day just didn't wanna go straight home.."
"You work with Viperas?"
That leading question should have propably surprised Don more but actually hearing it was just a matter of time. He was seen earlier with someone very notable person from that very gang. So it wouldn't be that odd Sakari growing curious, regarding how sharp he could be. But from what reason this man knows about them, Don really wants to hear his explanation in return. "Sure. I assume you know them because your other jobs?"
"Not downright. I work for their rival gang," Sakari clears. And nods behind them. "You know James. The one I chat some just now. He's one of them. Retired or so, his younger generation is in charge now. James kindly noted me your guest the other day was non other than Vipera's vice president."
Indeed that pub might have been after all the very place Sakari used to keep more closely connected with Riders, exchanging informations about their contract victims, through that James. But hearing someone mistakenly comparing these small climbers to Viperas disturb Don more, leaving him amused. His inner gang member ego came momentarily out. This old man doesn't know a single thing about the reality those gangs stand. So his connection with Riders must be as temperate as well. He knows nothing. "Rival gang? If so, you think it's a good plan to tell me all this?"
"I am very sure your connecton with them is similar as mine. We use them and they use us. Nothing more. It's just business," Sakari phrases his point of view with an asking tone, wanting to confirm his supposition. And when Don doesn't answer, more importantly does not deny, older keeps. "But it is a bold move from you. Cop playing around with gang members is something you surely want to minimize people knowing. Such act might go eventually against you."
"You threating me?"
"Of course not. I sincerely hope you really know what you are doing. For both our sakes. People like us can not trust just anyone." Now Sakari slows his steps and stops next to this blue public mailbox, giving Don a casual smile while showing his hand. "Can you trust me, then? You are here to find that out, aren't you? Give me your phone."
The surprise on Don's face was honest, and it took him a moment to calculate his options. But no matter how long he might hesitate here it doesn't really change the outcome. Right now his role he's been playing in front of this man and his true self weren't that far apart. So without a fight Don calmly hands his phone to other who, after showing more wider smile, drops it inside the mailbox, taps the younger on his shoulder and keeps walking forward like nothing ever happened.
"When only decades ago collection boxes as this were crucial mainstays of this country's economy, now we are living in an era they are no longer really needed," Sakari recalls nostalgically after making sure younger was following him again. "It's a shame. But necessity. World moves on. When it's our time we should step aside and let the new growth replace us."
"I trust you to pay my lunch. You just threw my card away," Don points out, calmly, but doesn't hide his irritation. Sure, he could easily tell getting rid of his phone was some kind of certification of trust, but personally he only felt that just put him in futile situation when he needs to track it down later. If it's trust man wants him to proof there were so many better ways to do that.
Older politely nods, just satisfied others reaction was exactly as he was hoping. Calm as a rock. "The anger inside you.. I can feel it comes from far deeper than in my situation. It is constant. You control it as we speak," Sakari speaks his mind out, openly summarising his honest opinion he has built from younger mans behavior. "When we first time met you couldn't be more obvious. You try to act like everyone else around you. I even thought for a moment you were there for me, that's how suspicious you look." Notifying with his hand they were about to leave the main street man leads them across the road. "But while you can see everything you also are able to ignore everything. The pain around your hurt wrist. A bitter taste of any drink I ordered. A sudden touch from a drunk stranger you have unpleasant encounter at the entrance.. You constantly try not react on anything. That is why you can not really get angry. From anything."
"Wanna find out?" Don tsihs, honestly disliking other trying to play doctor on him. But man couldn't be more right. Indeed Don couldn't really feel offended. Others words were exactly as he was notified; something he naturally evades. Doesn't really care about. Doesn't let have any effect on.
"I really do. But I am very sure I am not suitable to be someone you want to unravel your feelings to, truly," older comments. "What I mean is you smother your anger in. Keep it in. Until you explode. That takes you to where you are now. You are an euphoria junkie and killing is your junk."
To that Don doesn't say anything. Them talking about this in the middle of the street like it was just an everyday conversation felt both weird and really comfortable. Right now Don wasn't even honestly sure could other tell all that simple from spending some time with him or is there something else Don hasn't considered still. The gap between his act and his real feelings was finally closed. Now he was totally exposed. Just waiting what will happen next.
Since the younger only gives Sakari his usual cold stare, older finally explains the meaning behind his sudden address. "This is my honest answer. To your question are we alike. Deep down we are not. But our results are the same. We both end up liking it." The red Subaru with a tall roofline is toward what man leads them next. "Subaru Forester XT, 2,5. I've had it since 2009. Fun and practical car. But I guess you could care less about cars. As long as it serves its purpose."
"There you are right," Don admits while watching Sakari opening doors and sitting in, noding his head younger to join him. Guess they will continue using the car from here.
"What car you have?" Sakari casually asks then after they hit the road. Non intention let other know where they were going.
And Don settles for his part. "Now, Ford Explorer. It's a rent."
"You feel comfortable driving a rent? How surprising. I took you as a possessive man."
"No. I had Honda. Smashed it couple months ago."
"With your face?" older jokes, thinking others scar and injured arm might have something to do with that.
"I did," is youngers boring answer.
Indeed, Sakari has nailed others personality quite fittingly. The more closer they became younger has been more honest with his attitude. Not so polite after all but somehow older sees that tolerable. When you are deep down as shut as this one is, you naturally lack some fellow feelings and social skills. Because you have no use of something you do not need. When you are not a type try to flatter or win others over to success. Very different from how Sakari was at Don's age. He has to admit there's been times in his past he isn't that proud of. Things he only wish he could have deal with the same attitude he holds today. Years have given much but also taken. A stronger mind but a weaker vessel to carry it.
Perhaps that is why Sakari likes Don's personality. Older sees himself in him. They are both outcomes from the unfairness of the society around them. They both have built something greater from the must people forced them to do. They are the answers for what people really need. They are executioners by nature, doing what is best for all.
So it is only natural to cherish those who share the same ideology. When the time is right their bond will be unbreakable. Of course this one is still young, unpolished. Kind of wild too. But with a proper guidance he will become what Sakari wants him to be. One of God's chosen.
"How many have you killed?" Sakari suddenly asks, keeping like having an every day conversation. They've still got a bit of a trip ahead and since they were alone now the time to discuss in private couldn't be better. He really wants to know how experienced a cop living this kind of double life really is. What was his thing.
And his direct approach about this tabo topic leave Don charged. But guess it was time to jump on it. In a way this was exactly what Don has been after from the beginning. "That's personal.. Besides I don't really count.."
There is still some ice to break between them. But after this day Sakari can assure everything will be different. "My count is seventeen. Eleven done alone," he proudly announces, without hesitation. "Remember I mentioned that man I learnt all this from?"
Clearly other sees himself standing on the position there's no harm speaking so bluntly. That works for Don. He should respond with the same attitude. "That mortician? You took over his job or something," he recalls, remembering that confession very clearly. After other blurted it out Don did his research and look out every possible person working under that very industry, especially the deceased ones, during the last ten years or so. Nothing outstanding came out. Sakari has no clear connection to any of them.
"He had a brilliant mind but was just.. too scared," Sakari continues. "I saw the real potential. What all could be done by what he built." While breathing deeply out man seems to get some kind of an emotional recollection from the times he shared with his so called teacher. "But as it usually is with older generations, they rather gather and settle than try to step out and grow anymore. He insist to play it too safe. His ideology was to do God's work by what comes pass us."
From that Don could definitely tell whose side he would have taken. When playing safe and sure is also his ideal way to act. But Don has a feeling confronting this guy with that would only cast some needless tension between them. So far letting other be the charm and pilot their boat and himself keep his role as a quiet nicely behaving passenger have worked fine. Playing safe is definitely what Don needs to do with Sakari. It's not that older was eager to share everything. Man just wants to be knowledged. Get some attention. As long as Don plays along, even when acting distant, there will eventually be the right time drive this maniac into corner. "So after he died you turned that business into money?"
"Something like that," is others short answer, leaving Don just wonder were those evading words a verification man indeed start building his hidden double life after other pass away or did something happen between them and he was actually the reason his elder step aside and 'let' him take a hold of everything. Even more enigmatic was what exactly this 'business idea' above all is.
And, finally, after seeing where exactly they were heading Don need to ditch all his theories so far about what it might be. Not only this area definitely has no single restaurant around where they were originally supposed to be going, this either wasn't something Don ever imagined Sakari taking him. This was a residential suburb, located on east area of X city, pretty close from one of the superhighways.
Around them were restrained colored modern single-family homes, nicely set yards, clean roads.. Suddenly no matter where Don looks these lines of houses seem to continue endlessly. Man sitting next to him waves as greet to some older woman walking her dog as they pass by, leaving no doubts they definitely were somewhere he was known to visit. Or simple live around, like Don knows very well already. This is indeed where Sakari lives with his family.
"Windsor. Ever been here?" Sakari names the area, before Don could say anything.
"Too low crime middle-class area me to care of," Don confirms. "We going to your house?"
"No. To my second house."
The house of god, apparently. When the main residential area was finally behind, this wide and treeless area open in front of them. There was two low-rise yellow buildings with wide windows. Behind them a little further stood a slightly higher white building. The A-framed roof displays a simple cross on it, verifying the building was indeed used as a church.
"Of course," Don hums. His honest feelings were clear to see from his fed up look.
Sakari smiles widely after witnessing that. "Don't worry. I am not taking you there." And saying so he actually drives past the buildings, parking next to the low building which stood further from the others. This one was noticeably older, but considerately decorated by the window panes and frames, looking actually pretty elegant besides its double-box looking appearance. "We are a very bonded community. Everyone supports each other here," Sakari keeps when they step out the car, Don having a chance to browse the area better. "Such a warm atmosphere is rare these days, don't you think. But no matter how we are as individual, in front of God we are all equal."
"This was your friends work place?" Don nods toward the building next to them, ignoring others religious nonsense. It's clear as a day this building is some sort of a funeral home.
"I thought I would show you around before we eat. My wife has a catering business here. She makes excellent roasted chicken," man boasts while walking them toward the backdoors. "You are not one of those vege people, are you?" Without even waiting others answer, he opens the door and leads them in. "Of course not. A proper American eat meat, drink beer and owns a gun."
The back of the building with large doors was clearly meant for transporting cargos as coffins with people in and out. This classily decorated entrance has a large empty space on the left where used to be levels for different sized coffins, as a display showing what they had on offer. What remains still from all the way this buildings glory days is the noble atmosphere highlighted by this massive collection of black and white photos on the wall of the hallway on the right, showing a history of this very neighborhood and people once living in. But what was the most eyecatching after stepping in here is the huge cross between the doors, acting like dividing different entries for family members and others, and specifically staff only.
The door next to the display area is where Sakari shows the way next. Compared to the natural and warm decoration around the entrance, this hallway was more like inside a hospital; pale, clean walls with small peek windows just below the ceiling boundary. And it was needless to say this area is where they prepare the deceased for burial or cremation. After two more doors they arrive to this wider grey room with some plain operation tables in the middle, sink area and a wall full of storage coolers, six total.
Those doors is what Don stays staring while Sakari turns the lights on, letting them see better the clean and well organized room. "George Dowdale was a funeral director here, with his wife, Lesley. Or should I say he still technically is, in paper," man awes and gives the room this proud survey. "Still runs the place and pays the bills."
"He isn't dead after all?"
"No, he's dead," Sakari smirks and taps the floor with his shoe, meeting now with Don's look. "Buried down here, during our little renovation I had to do to fix the sewers. But I needed him be 'alive'. While George still works here he visits a lot his sick sister who lives in Y city."
That answer made Don snort. "That can't possible work.."
The suspicious look younger man gives him was of course expected. But Sakari doesn't back off. "It's been working over ten years," he clears. "An old man with non relative or close friend nearby except his wife. Ever since her husband left and stopped abusing her she's been like a whole new person. Only happy he is gone."
Indeed this place was one of them Don looked out. But everything about the business, albeit being small and limited, looked financially fair and normal. Just like Sakari said. In paper. Nothing in there could anticipate the true show behind. "So your community simple ignores his disappearance?" Don notes coldly, sounding very doubting still. If things really were like Sakari was setting out here this kind of social environment would indeed be perfect to hide a dirty secret in without outsiders, or people living right next to this place, ever realizing what was going on right under their noses. And that now kind of pisses Don off. By how successful cover that would be.
Sakari hums. "He wasn't that liked from the beginning. His status in our church is the only reason people put up with him. I ended up be his right hand, for decades, so of course I learnt know him better myself. Vicious from outside, yes. But a smart man overall. Built his methods of.. rectification from scratch, alone, without anyone else. That is devotion."
"By methods you mean this place? This is the place you kill people?" Don keeps, starting to draw a picture of the possible situation here. There was no way they were here, in this very building, for no reason. But he also knew to be sceptical since in a way this all sound very marvellous but highly impossible to be true. Even inside a place where they indeed openly treat deceased and cremate them getting rid of a body is no small deal. More like specifically because this place was a professional, socially acknowledged part of society there were rules that bind it, assumingly making acting solo even harded.
"Precisely," Sakari waves his hand, proudly showing the room.
Don nods once. Giving non enthusiasm out. "Okay.. You burn them?"
Sakari snorts. Amused by others sceptical look. "Of course I didn't think you would just believe my words alone," older says and turns around, moving toward the coolers. With a fast move man opens one of the doors and pulls a steel table with wheels out, displaying a black plastic bodybag on it which was covering a presumably male-size body.
So far it seem as dead as it should have been. Until it slightly moves. Without a blink Sakari opens another door, once again pulling a table with another covered body out. "Man needs to see and feel to believe. Experience himself. Or he becomes too easily manipulated by others," Sakari adds while he unzips the bodybag in front of him, splaying it enough to show a face of a white pale man in it. Man was clearly alive still. And his cold, slightly petrified look couldn't be more shocked. Lights from above hurt his dry eyes but he still strive to see his captors and where he was brought.
Don stays still, eyeing the sudden scene in front of him. His instinct told him to do nothing. Like he wasn't even seeing this all. That is how surprised he was, about his own failed anticipation. He had walk straight at something he shouldn't be in, in very many levels. Watching now how Sakari opens the other bag, revealing other shocked face under, Don remains silent. What ever comes next he should reflect on it carefully before acting out.
Because of the freezing temperature both men were unable to speak clearly, though they both try, but manage only huffing out. It was evident they have been in there a while. And that Sakari is just about to confirm when he meets with Don's look and shows his wide smile. "It took me hours of arrangement this morning. I hope it was all worth it," man clears, casually taking something dark and shine out of the drawer next to him. The next he does is moving a pocket pistol on top of closer mans head, coldly giving a straight hit with a singly 9mm bullet, brain damaging him instantly. The loud bang which was easily recognizable as a gun shot doesn't bother Sakari a bit when he already checks Don's reaction. Offering his gun to younger to hold.
It doesn't need much Don knowing what exactly this man was after here. So he slowly takes the gun.
"It's my gift to you," Sakari smiles and raises another gun up, this time pointing Don with it. "If you don't mind."
A gift like this, leading one stand on the corner of no return is nothing but blackmailing, making a choise for him. But how ever Don looked it he was the one who let other lead him. A huge mistake what he should have known to avoid.
No, this wasn't about gifts. This was about them showing each other what they were capable of. Were they really worthy of trust. And so far Sakari has been very open here, even making the first move to prove himself. Only waiting others response.
The reason for getting rid of Don's phone earlier wasn't a certification of trust. But a necessity. To minimize the risks for both of them. They were in the middle of a scene what needed to be cleaned out perfectly so neither of them would get caught. What ever Don decides to do right now there really was only one man who can clear him out from this mess. The one with the experience.
And that fact is pretty much the one and only reason why Don now raises the gun on his hand and gives the laying, whining bodybag man a powdered kiss of death. The second loud bang echoes inside the room, and no doubt it could be heard from outside the building too. But what ever is the reason of Sakari's confidence doing something like this in the middle of the day in the middle of a holy ground, Don can't but put his faith on it. This was gambling. Where luck has no room. And he is planning to win here.
"HAH HAH! How splendid! You do not disappoint," Sakari laughs and loses the gun, feeling visibly like having the time of his life.
"I truly hope you know what you are doing. Covering up something like this is gaming with forensics..," Don sighs and gives the gun back. Really not that happy knowing what all evidential shit was going on on his hand, on him, on that gun, on the body.. "Next time you point that shit at me, I will not be that tolerating."
"It was necessary. You do understand, right?"
"I do. That is why you still stand there.."
Sakari tsihs for others cold attitude. But lets it slide. "There is no one around this time of the day. And to cover other louds I can always blame it to be sounds from equipments. There is only two other workers here who could tell the difference. Today they are far from here," man calmly explains what younger must be most urgently wondering. "About cleaning the area and demolishing bodies, there's numerous way do that. Today we will be boring and burn them with some actual clients. Can't burn people in the middle of the night anyway because of the law, so we do it openly right now, during our lunch time."
Somehow, was it because of Don's own calm or others relaxed bearing, the fact two person just lost their lives under very shocking, calculated occasion doesn't even bother Don a bit. And the person standing with him in this disturbing scene feels as unconcerned as he does. Proving how deep in this world they both live. Like Don, Sakari was as damaged. Beyond safe. A nuisance. Without someone stopping them they will surely just keep going and lengthen their own sad torment while playing around like this.
What disturbs Don the most is how easily he was now showing this side of him he made daily sure to hide. Just because the one with him was not judging but more like encouraging. Which was twisted. Don could say he had no choice. For the sake of keeping his life he did what needed to be done. But that sounded such a dirty lie Don couldn't even consider thinking seriously.
It wasn't much of an act, just pulling a trigger. No excitement. No planning. No chase. It felt like nothing. But there was still something bracing about it. How interesting this all is. And will definitely grow even more interesting from here. This bastard was playing so carelessly this all felt just ridiculous.
"Who are they?" Don asks then, keeping some distance to not dirty his shoes when some blood starts to flow down from the steel table. Since such small pocket pistols they just used weren't actually meant for killing, but injuring, the body Don had shot was still twitching a little. But it was just a matter of time when man will be totally gone and stop moving.
"I don't ask," older man clarifys while closing the other bodybag, blocking some of the blood spreading around as badly as it was with the other body. "At first I was curious but besides being fun this is business and I get paid per body, not per person. I don't need to know. The carriers bring the goods, dead or alive, and I get rid of them. They are all scumbags. Gang members. Whores.. Just low-lifes no one misses."
And of course Don knows that already. It was exactly as he had assumed from the very beginning; an executioner was dealing Rider's trashes. But instead of having a big, plentiful organization behind, Sakari runs his modest side-business in the middle of the family paradise by himself? All this simple for fun.
Sakari gives Don a considering look before turning around and moving next to the sink area to wash his hands. "I can tell you are not that happy about all this. It's not your taste?"
"Killing frozen unknown shits with no resist isn't that exciting..," younger man mockingly points out.
"Don't worry. Next time we will do something else," Sakari notes and gives a suggesting hand gesture other to repeat his example and start with washing his hands. Which Don gladly does. "Then, lets clean this up. We do not want to miss our lunch."
They were really still planning to have their lunch? To that Don needs to snort. Of course they were. And against his highly suspicious preconception preparing the bodies for cremations and cleaning the room with a hose-pipe and proper purifiers didn't take that much time after all, and they were out about quarter of an hour later.
Sakari closes the doors behind them while Don was calmly eyeing the wide greenish grass area around them, trying to forget the very possible fact of him having some invisible blood on his black clothes. Right now he can't do and will not do a thing about it. As long as no one will examine his clothes everything will be fine. Once again Sakari's odd observations start to make sense, this time about Don's choise of dressing. His usual dark clothes were perfect for covering tracks.
"When it's done, I will just crush the bones and get our clients ready for their love ones to pick," Sakari says when he once again meets Don around the road, them leaving the car behind while starting to walk toward the main buildings a little further. "While doing my magic I like to listen classical music like Tchaikovsky's Scene by a Lake or Piazzolla's Libertango. Such old masterpieces are perfect setting the mood. Do you listen music?"
"No."
Older hums. And can't help teasing other a little. "And I am not surprised. As a practical man, Don, you are kind of hard to please. Perhaps killing and drinking is your only pleasure what makes you feel more alive. Sober you doesn't give out much."
"Get that a lot. That is why drinking really doesn't suit me. Sometimes I talk too much," Don confirms.
"I hope you can be open with me even without alcohol from now on. We are in this together," Sakari points out, stopping his steps in front of one of the yellow buildings and turning to look Don. "Really, how many? I'm just curious."
The intent look older gives him puts Don on even more oppressive situation than he already was. Like not answering at all would be extremely disrespectful. His opinions don't matter. What he really think of all what just happened don't matter. Older has already decided for him. Taking the lead like a proper ringleader, just putting his underling under control. "Five. Killed my first when I was a kid."
A wide smile rises to old mans lips. "With me you will double that number in no time," he states and opens the doors. "Now lets eat."