Alex stood frozen there like Maniac , unsure of how to react or talk to Mr. Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins' defiance was unexpected, and Alex's mind was racing to come up with a plan. He glanced around the shop, taking in the old book shelves and the old cash register. The air was thick with the smell of dust and old books.
"um, I'm afraid you don't understand, Mr. Jenkins," Alex said, trying to sound firm but not harsh at a goal . "My father doesn't take kindly to people who don't pay their debts. You're putting yourself and your business at risk, a huge on at that sir"
Mr. Jenkins chuckled, a dry, mirthless sound. "Oh, I understand perfectly, Alex. Your father wants his money, and I'm not paying. You can't do anything to me. You're not like your brothers. You're...soft and not brutal, I thought he was gonna send the serious ones though since he wants his damn money so badly."
Alex felt a surge of anger at the jab, but he bit his cheek to ease the anger. He knew he had to keep his cool if he wanted to succeed. "I'm here to collect the debt, Mr. Jenkins," he said, trying to sound calm and nuetral. "It's not personal."
Mr. Jenkins shrugged. "I'm not paying. You can tell your father whatever you want, but I'm not giving him a dime anytime soon."
Alex's face burned with frustration. He knew he had to act, but what could he do? He wasn't a strong-arm collector like his brothers. He was just...the naive one just like Mr.jenkins said.
As he stood there, Alex noticed a figure lurking outside the shop. The man was tall and imposing, with a scruffy beard and a menacing gaze. Alex felt a shiver run down his spine as the man caught his eye and nodded, like he understood what he was practically facing right now.
"Looks like you're in a bit of a situation, kid," the man said, his voice low and gravelly. "Why don't you let me handle it, huh?"
Alex hesitated, unsure of what to do. The man seemed to know him, or at least knew his family. Maybe he could help cause he was literally useless himself.
"Who are you?" Alex asked, trying to sound confident like he got everything under control.
"I'm someone who can help you collect the debt," the man said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "For a price, of course ,I don't get a bruised fist for nothing kid."
Alex thought for a moment. He could try to handle it himself, but that seemed unlikely to end well. Or he could accept the stranger's offer and hope for the best.
"Okay," Alex said finally. "I'll take your help but what goes down with it. "
The stranger smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "Good choice, kid. The stuff should be for later yeah, now let's go collect that debt."
As the stranger stepped into the shop, Alex felt a sense of confusion and regret. What had he just gotten himself into? The stranger's presence seemed to fill the room, and Mr. Jenkins took a step back, his eyes wide with fear, '' aha thought he was running his mouth a while ago " Alex muttered to himself.
"Ah, I think we can come to some sort of arrangement, don't you, Mr. Jenkins?" the stranger said, his voice dripping with menace.
Mr. Jenkins nodded hastily, his hands shaking as he counted out the cash which he practically told Alex wasn't there . "Y-yes, of course, i.... mean why not ... I'll pay the debt."he said practically stuttering.
Alex watched in amazement as the stranger collected the cash and handed it to him. "Here you go, kid. You've got your debt. Now, let's talk about my payment."
Alex hesitated, unsure of what to say. He hadn't expected this turn of events. But as he looked at the stranger, he saw something in his eyes that made him nod. "I'll make sure you're taken care of," Alex said, trying to sound confident.
" you know , you seemed quite too confident for someone who just almost got there ass whimper out there ...you should be more greatful to the least you know.."the stranger said turning his full gaze at him.
" um...yes..sorry, yes sir " he said, he could swear sweats were dripping down from his armpit down to his leg, this man was really intimidating.
" you look familiar though are you one of the Jenkins huh? the stranger asked out of curiosity.
"yes sir, am the least of the linage sir....am Alex."he said with a straight face.
" Hmm, I thought the Jenkins looked intimidating what's with you , bad day huh" he said sitting down and motioning on Alex to sit too which he did without hesitation.
" most of em sir ...I mean, my two brothers are..of course am just the black sheep there.." Alex said looking straight to the strangers eye. Of all the things Alex can be ...he wasn't the type to be scared but of course, it was in his nature but he just wasn't intimidating and all of that.
The stranger smiled again, and Alex felt a chill run down his spine. What had he just gotten himself into?, it better not be what he was thinking...uhhh now his starting to regret why he agreed to it in the first place .
" Look kid...am not one of yours but I can help you though if you want it's not like I do offer stuffs like this, I just wanna help you looked stupid back there" the stranger offered.
" yeah, I know I just didn't wanna hurt him...but he was pushing it and I was clueless on what to do then you volunteered to help." he said..
" nah...kid that's where you got it wrong I Never volunteer for stuff, if I want something I get it immediately..I mean if I continue to volunteer ...what's the fun of it then..." he said with a smirk.
" I don't know I was....
" kid are you in for a deal yes or yes...no is not an option !