Page 62 of Embriagado
Once again, my eyes moved to the man standing by the door and back. Getting the message clearly, the chairman asked his guard to leave us alone.
“So, get on with it. I’m a busy man—”
“Oh, trust me, I know,” I said, getting up. “I promise to make it as quick as possible, as I’d hate to delay you.”
Grabbing the small black suitcase from beside my desk, I lifted it up.
“It seems like there are a few stacks missing here.” I placed it on the desk. “It’s too light.”
His eyes widened, brows creasing in confusion.
“That’s impossible—”
“Should I open and count?” I offered, my fingers already on the zipper.
Taking a deep breath, his thus far pale face took on an ugly shade of red.
“How dare you doubt me?” he spat out.
I always found it amazing how liars were the first to take offense when doubted. Or perhaps it wasn’t at all about ego but the fear of being caught so easily.
“Let’s not get personal, shall we?” I removed my hand from the suitcase. “After all, we all have jobs to do, and this, well, this is mine.”
Swallowing hard, he gave me a barely there nod that made my lips stretch into a thin smile.
“Now, then, tell me, why is this lovely suitcase too light?”
“It’s the same amount as always,” he grunted.
“Well.” I huffed a small laugh. “That explains it, then. You didn’t add the cleanup fees.”
“The hell are you talking about?” He glared at me, reminding me of a pig.
They all do.
“You don’t expect to cause a mess and not face the consequences, do you, Chairman?” I looked at him in confusion. “It would have been one thing if it were a few blood splatters, but we’re talking about a whole thorough cleaning. One that left no trail back to you. Therefore, you can’t be surprised that such a service would cost extra. This is the hospitality industry we’re talking about, after all, where everything comes at a cost.”
His eyes drifted away from me as he loosened the collar of his shirt.
“How much more?”
“Two hundred grand.”
His eyes widened.
“You must be joking! As if I’d pay you such an absurd amount. She wasn’t even worth it.”
His words made my jaw tick.
“I demand to speak with your supervisor. Now.”
My smile dropped as I stared at him, disappointed.
“What a shame,” I sighed, walking back to sit in my chair.
“Huh?”
“What a shame that you don’t realize the situation that you’re in.” I crossed my legs, then rested my hands on my thigh. “This isn’t a market where you negotiate the price like a common peasant, but a legitimate business. Our professionals are the best in the field, not to mention discreet. And let me be clear, the last thing you want is to meet my supervisor. Unlike me, he’s not as patient when it comes to dealing with misbehaving clients who disrespect his organization. So, before I pick up my phone and make an unfortunate call, think wisely and pay what you owe.”
