LEON'S POV
I'm parked near a park, the sound of children playing a dull, nostalgic ache. I remember my mother, how she cared for me, always telling me to be a big boy.
After a long while, I drive back to the company. I park and get out.
As I lock the car door, a lady appears out of nowhere and blocks my path.
"Luu, please, I beg, it's just one interview," she pleads.
"How dare you call me by my name?" I demand, the coldness hitting her instantly.
"I am sorry, I meant Mr. Wolf," she quickly corrects herself.
So, this is the persistent journalist. She is surprisingly cute. I admire her chase, but she uses the technique on the wrong person.
"You're the journalist who keeps calling for a magazine interview?" I ask.
"Oh my word, you remember!" she exclaims.
"I remember because you keep insisting," I correct.
"Yes, it's me. Will you please squeeze me in? It will only take five minutes," she presses.
"No. Now, please, leave my premises before I have you arrested," I warn.
I try to walk away, but this woman grabs my arm. She shoves me against my own car. That is where she loses the game. I immediately push her away. She falls to the floor. I give her the dead look.
Security rushes over.
"Is everything okay, sir?" the guard asks.
"Get this journalist away from here, and never allow her into my premises again," I order.
They take her away.
I fix my suit and walk into the company. The unnecessary contact has spoiled my mood.
I enter my office. I walk to the panoramic window, staring down at the city. My hands clench slowly into fists behind my back. I try to steady my breathing, but fail.
The knock on the door is immediate. It's Joe.
"Did I say you can come in?" I demand, my voice low and vibrating, far more terrifying than a shout.
"Mr. Wolf, I apologize, but this is urgent," Joe replies.
"HAVE I BECOME SOFT FOR PEOPLE TO THINK THEY CAN JUST TOUCH ME? HUH?" I hiss.
Joe wisely stays silent.
I turn back to the room. "Tell me, what is so important?"
"Boss, it's the Monde's," Joe stutters.
"What about them?"
"We've received a report that they haven't been paying their debts for four months now," Joe reveals.
"What? And I only hear this now? Why wasn't I told the first month they didn't pay?" I demand.
"The person dealing with their payments felt pity for them. They recently lost their daughter," Joe explains.
"Lost their daughter? I once lost my mother, but that didn't stop me," I snap.
Joe remains silent.
"Take me to the Monde's," I order. The decision is already made.
"Yes, boss."
The drive is silent and fast. Minutes later, the car smells like expensive leather and approaching fear as we arrive at the Monde's store.
"Joe, call our men," I command as we get out.
Joe makes the call. I walk up to the storekeeper.
"Good afternoon, would you like me to help you?" the man asks.
"Call the owner of this store," I command.
"And who are you, sir?"
"Call the owner of this store and tell him Mr. Wolf is looking for him," I repeat.
He hesitates. I lift my jacket, showing him the gun holstered at my waist.
"Tell him if my men arrive here before him, I will ruin his store," I threaten.
He calls, shaking violently. "He will be here soon," he informs me.
My men arrive. I look at them, then back at the terrified storekeeper.
"Tough luck," I mutter.
I look at my men. "Destroy everything. And I mean everything. If I find any product still in good condition, I will kill you," I warn them.
They agree and start smashing the inventory.
The owner of the store arrives, pale and panicked. I walk over and hug him tightly, a terrifying grin on my face.
"Let's watch a movie," I tell him. "I like the ending, because at the end, someone gets injured."
The destruction finishes. The windows and doors are shattered.
I walk to my men. "Beat him up, but don't kill him," I order, pointing at the owner.
They agree.
"After, tell him we will not supply them with goods or security. Our relationship is broken. I still want my four-month payment by next week. Or else, people will die," I command.
"Yes, sir."
"Joe!" I call.
"Boss!"
"Call all the direct payment collectors to meet me at the warehouse, now," I command.
"Yes, Boss."
The short drive to the warehouse is filled with the adrenaline of the store's destruction. An hour later, the warehouse smells of oil and fear.
I look at the collectors who have already arrived. Joe stands next to my chair.
"The person who made me call this meeting is not yet here, so I will wait."
Twenty minutes pass. I'm waiting for Cognet. He has made a mistake I will not forgive.
"Sir, Cognet doesn't seem to be coming. Should we proceed?" Joe asks cautiously.
"No, I will wait," I say, a terrifying calm in my voice. Joe looks away, knowing the protocol.
I wait another fifteen minutes. Finally, Cognet stumbles in, already scrambling for excuses.
"Sorry, sir, I am......" he begins.
BANG!!
The sound of my gun fills the warehouse. Cognet collapses. Joe and all the other men stare at me, eyes wide and fixed.
"Now we can proceed," I say, my voice level.
They don't say anything. They just look at me with silent, absolute terror.
BEAUTY'S POV (BOI)
It is very late at night. The high is wearing off, and hunger hits me hard.
I get in the shack and find Bricks sitting on his bed, smoking.
"Bra Bricks, I'm hungry," I say.
"Boi, where are you coming from?" he asks sharply.
"Mfana's shack. We were smoking," I reply.
"I hope you weren't smoking my stock," he says.
"I took one banky from your stock," I confess.
"Boi!" Bricks yells.
He jumps off the bed, his face immediately red with fury. He grabs my shoulder. I stiffen, ready to fight. His eyes, usually friendly, are full of rage.
"You touch my money, you touch my supply, you have a problem with me!" he snarls, pushing me hard against the wall.
I stumble. "I'll replace it! I swear!"