type as me

The Charming Monkey, Part 4

The Hungarian looked at Fratelli, and then back at me.

"Mister Cane. Jonathan Fortis has an item in his possession that I desire", he said, "I would like for you to ensure that this item ends up in my possession".

"And what might this object be?", I replied.

"Whenever I see Mister Fortis, he has with him a statue of a monkey. It is a gold statue, ornately decorated. It is very striking, and very...desirable".

"I take it that it's worth a lot?"

"Without doubt the statue has significant monetary value. It is not for this reason that I want it. It is priceless for another reason". Vadas brought his fingers to his lips.

"Do you believe in luck, Mister Cane?", he asked.

"Luck?", I replied, "Sure. I wouldn't be here now if it didn't exist... but I hope you're not trying to suggest that this monkey is behind Fortis' winning streak". Vadas smiled.

"I believe that certain objects project good fortune. Throughout history there are records of amulets that have given the owner an increased amount of luck. I believe that this statue is one such object". I was struggling to keep a straight face.

"Correct me if I'm wrong: you want me to steal a lucky monkey from a guy who has managed to fleece your casino? You'll forgive me if I start to laugh".

"Laugh all you want", interrupted Fratelli. "Mister Vadas speaks the truth. I was sceptical like you, but I've seen it with my own eyes. The chump's a lucky son-of-a-bitch. Not just at the casino. I've often attempted to reason with Fortis, but whenever I've tried to get near him, something'll happen to stop me. Like the fire alarms going off for no reason, or a slot machine falling over, blocking my path. It's weird, Mister Cane. I'm not superstitious, but once you've met him, and seen it for yourself, I'm sure you'll agree with Mister Vadas".

I narrowed my eyes and looked at Vadas. I tried to work out what the Hungarian really wanted. Lucky or not, it was clear that he wanted the statue.

"The statue belongs to Fortis, right?", I asked, "It's legally his. My business is legit. I just get people what they're owed".

"Come now, Mister Cane", replied Vadas, "There's no need to be coy. You underestimate how much I know about your business. If it helps to simplify the issue, I believe that Fortis has wrongfully obtained money from me. He owes me a great deal as a result of his gambling, and I am willing to accept the monkey as full repayment. It is your job to make him understand this".

"And if I don't want the job?". This was the question I'd been dreading to ask from the moment that Vadas walked into my office. I knew that I had no choice in the matter. Vadas was a powerful man. A dangerous man. The type of man that I try to avoid associating with. Vadas Learned across the desk toward me.

"Mister Cane", he growled, "if you do not obtain that monkey for me by tonight, then tomorrow I will ask someone else to get it for me. If that happens it clearly means that you are of no use to me. If you are of no use to me, then you might not as well...exist". A silence fell across the room, which was broken by Madison, who had clearly been listening, and knocked a stack of papers onto the floor. Vadas grew a mischievous grin accross his face.

"I'm sure that will not be the case", he chuckled, "and if what I have been told about you and your work is true, then I'm sure we will both be happy. I will, of course, reward you very well if you are successful". With that, Vadas nodded to Muscles and the two gents stood up.

"You will excuse me, Mister Cane", said the Hungarian, "I am a busy man, and I'm sure that you wish to get started on my little task. Come and see me at The Artemis later this morning. Mr Fortis turns up early everyday, and it would be an excellent time to begin your enquiries". I feigned a smile.

"Looking forward to it already", I said, with the smallest hint of insincerity in my voice. Vadas and Muscles turned and walked to the door. I stayed seated as they left the office, and let out a sigh when the door closed behind them.

"Well, Mrs Parker", I said to Madison, who was clearly flustered, "I guess I'm in for a busy day".