Episode 3

"The appointment is at five in the afternoon," Christian announced while they were having lunch at a small restaurant, after leaving the hospital. Alonzo still felt somewhat weak, so they decided to stop and eat something before continuing with the day. "I'll send you the address and all the necessary information," Christian added, taking a sip of his juice.

Alonzo nodded, although his mind was occupied with a detail that bothered him.

"Why so late?" he asked, looking at the time on his watch. "It's an hour's drive to get there."

Christian shrugged with a slight smile before replying:

"Well, the client doesn't have any other time available. Besides, he preferred not to send one of his employees. You know how those people are, so... special."

Alonzo sighed, resigned. He knew very well what Christian meant. During his time as his assistant, he had dealt with countless unpleasant people, many of whom suffered from a marked superiority complex. Each encounter was a test of patience.

Hours later, Alonzo found himself parked in front of an imposing mansion located on the outskirts of the city. He looked at the information Christian had sent him and then looked up to contemplate the construction. It was majestic, with extensive grounds that included part of the mountain on which it was located. The entrance was a kilometer away from the main road, and the whole complex radiated opulence. It was surprising how some people were able to spend so much money on their properties.

The sound of a horn startled him from his thoughts. He turned his head and saw a black SUV with tinted windows parked next to his car. The vehicle, clearly expensive and luxurious, indicated that the client was someone important. Nervous, Alonzo adjusted his tie and took a quick glance at his reflection in the rearview mirror, making sure his appearance was impeccable. Satisfied, he got out of the car and prepared to meet the man.

The client was tall and dressed completely in black: from his dress pants to his tie, passing through his perfectly ironed shirt. He wore sunglasses, although the sun was already disappearing behind the mountains. His presence imposed a sense of authority and a certain discomfort in the environment. Maybe it was his imagination, but Alonzo felt a chill run down his body, as if the temperature had suddenly dropped.

"Mr. Vega, it's a pleasure. I am Mr. Rylan's assistant," Alonzo said, extending his hand in a professional gesture. However, the man simply tilted his head in acknowledgment, without making any move to shake the hand Alonzo had offered.

The discomfort grew, but just as Alonzo was about to withdraw his hand, the man took it firmly, shaking it briefly before releasing it.

"Nice to meet you, Alonzo," the man replied in a deep, grave voice, devoid of warmth or courtesy.

The client took off his sunglasses, revealing dark, cold eyes that looked at Alonzo with a disturbing intensity. That penetrating gaze made him feel small, insignificant, and for a moment, Alonzo wished he was anywhere else.

"Come with me, I'll show you the property," he ordered the man, without waiting for a response. Vega walked past him with seriousness and elegance full of coldness.

Alonzo, trying to maintain his composure, gave him a professional smile and began to walk behind him. As they moved forward, he noticed a huge fountain in the center of the garden that added a touch of elegance to the place. The landscape was spectacular, but the man's intimidating presence made it difficult to enjoy it.

"The main construction is two thousand square meters," Alonzo began, trying to sound calm, "and the land covers a whole hectare. Behind the main house is a guest house and, beyond that, a service house. This place is ideal for a weekend getaway or to offer your family a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the city."

"I'm not married, nor do I have children," the client replied, curtly.

"Ah, I understand. Well, in that case, it can be a perfect place to enjoy peace and privacy," Alonzo replied, trying to correct himself as they continued towards the main entrance.

Nerves began to take their toll on Alonzo as they approached the door. His hands trembled slightly as he tried to enter the access code. Although he couldn't see him, he felt the client's gaze fixed on his back, which produced a feeling of increasing discomfort.

"The floors are made of the best quality marble, with granite finishes on the walls. The ceilings are double height to give greater spaciousness to the living room and dining room," Alonzo explained as he showed him the spacious living room.

The man walked slowly through the room, his shoes echoing with each step he took. He ran his fingers over the fine furniture and then headed towards the kitchen, inspecting every corner with an air of indifference. Finally, he turned to look at Alonzo.

"Are you going to keep pretending you don't know who I am?" the man asked suddenly, his tone dry and defiant.

The question took Alonzo by surprise. His eyebrows furrowed in a gesture of confusion as he tried to remember if he had ever seen that man before, but he couldn't find any memory that linked him to him.

"Should I know you?" he asked after a few seconds of reflection.

The man began to walk slowly towards Alonzo, and the sound of his steps sent a shiver down his spine. Alonzo took a couple of steps back, trying to maintain his composure.

"Do you take me for a fool?" the client snapped, approaching dangerously.

"No, sir, I simply don't recognize you. I have never seen you in my life," Alonzo replied, maintaining his professional tone even though fear was beginning to take hold of him.

"I've always thought you people are useless," the man growled, "but I never imagined they would send the most incompetent one to do the job."

Rage quickly replaced the fear that Alonzo had been feeling.

"I don't know who you are, but I'm not going to allow you to talk to me like that. You may have a lot of money, but that doesn't give you the right to treat me like garbage."

A crooked smile formed on the man's lips.

"At least you have character. You would be too boring if, in addition to being incompetent, you were also a coward."

"You can leave right now and never contact us again," Alonzo spat, turning on his heels to leave. But before he could take more than one step, the man grabbed his arm tightly, preventing him from moving forward.

"Tell me, how many of yours are waiting for me outside?" the man tightened his grip, causing Alonzo to wince in pain.

"Are you on drugs or drunk?" Alonzo tried to break free, but the man's fingers sank deeper into his flesh, making him double over in pain.

"You're coming with me, Interpol pig," the man whispered in Alonzo's ear.

Before he could react, Alonzo felt a sharp blow to the back of his neck that knocked him unconscious.

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