type as me

The Charming Monkey, Part 2

The Muscles walked directly towards my desk, ignoring Madison, who limply held out her hand, trying to attract his attention as he went past. The man who followed, was a man I recognised. We weren't on first name terms (hell, I hadn't even met the guy), but everyone knew The Fat Hungarian. His name was Miklos Vadas, and he owned "The Artemis", the local casino. He was a short man, with a very appropriate nickname. He was dressed in a tailored suit that fitted him much better than the suit that his goon was wearing. He had a weathered face that told a few stories - stories that I probably didn't want to hear. A broken nose and a couple of scars were his best features, but I wasn't in a hurry to call him ugly.

"Are you Cane, or Able?", demanded Muscles, as he slammed a piece of paper onto my desk. I knew what it was straight away. It had the words "Cane and Able's Debt Recovery Agency" written on it in big, bold letters, along with an address and telephone number. I had designed the flyer myself, and was secretly quite pleased with it.

"I'm Cane, but also very able", I replied with the smallest hint of a grin on my face. I caught a glimpse of Madison in the corner of my eye. She had begun to cringe before I even said the words. I never get tired of saying that line, but obviously Madison wasn't as fond of it as I was.

"Cute", grunted Muscles. "And where's Able?"

"I don't know", I said, "I haven't seen him for days now. He was chasing a lead over in Trent City last time I heard from him, but that was last week". The truth is that there was no Able. I made him up to give the agency a catchy name so that it would stand out in the Yellow Pages. It worked too.

"You don't know where your partner is?", snorted Muscles, "What kind of two-bit operation are you running?"

"It doesn't take two of us to chase a lead", I smiled, "and I don't like to get in his way. He's damn good at his job, and I hate to upset him". I winked at Madison, who smiled and lowered her head so that Muscles and The Fat Man couldn't see.

"Don't mind Mr Fratelli", interrupted The Hungarian, "He has my interest at the forefront of all his actions". I expected Vadas to have more of an accent, but I guess he's not been home for a long time.

"That must be nice", I replied, "Does he cook and clean for you as well?" To my surprise Muscles smiled at this. At least the guy's got a sense of humour.

"Yeah, I make a mean Eggs Benedict", he chuckled. I got distracted for a second by the thought of food, and I realised that I hadn't yet had breakfast. I brought myself back from daydreams of bacon and sunny-side-ups, and gestured to the two seats on the other side of my desk.

"Have a seat gentlemen", I said, "I presume you're here for something other than exchanging recipes".

"Indeed I am", stated Vadas as he squeezed himself into a chair opposite me. "I'll cut to the chase, Mr Cane. I've been informed that you are very good at obtaining things for people". I raised an eyebrow. To those who don't know, Cane and Able collected debts for people. When people refused to pay their dues, I get involved...for a percentage of the debt. I'm not a thug, and I don't go to their house and make them spit claret until they pay. Everyone has a weakness, and I'm very good at finding that weakness, and exploiting it. To those who do know, I do a lot more besides collecting debts. Vadas was apparently one of those who knew.