Fate of a monster's friend
[Arthur sped down the empty road, fully aware of what it meant. He was still in Daniel’s clutches. His car drifted wildly across the streets as he tried to escape.]
Arthur
This monster… He drained me dry for money. He ruined my company and threatened me for more. I’ve paid him back ten times his investment, and he’s still after me like a relentless beast.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
[Geared up as to catch up with Arthur]
I love the chase... He's going to pay me even more for playing this game.
[Daniel lowered his car window, one hand steadying the steering wheel while his legs controlled the car’s speed. He pulled himself partially out of the window of the drifting car, aiming directly at Arthur]
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Too precious to die soon..
[He pulled the trigger]
[Arthur's car crashed into a light pole. Daniel stopped his car just ahead, pulled his coat over his shoulders, and got out. He tried to open the door of Arthur’s car, but the crash had jammed it shut. The air was thick with the smell of leaking gasoline]
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Tsk...
[He stepped back from the door as Arthur's blood seeped out of the door, mixing with the gasoline on the ground]
Such a waste? He could have at least died after giving me the money.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
[Daniel's eyes caught the sight of a briefcase beside Arthur]
There it is. It must be a very small sum, but how can I not take it after causing so much trouble?
[Daniel held the door and tried to force it open. He was desperate, not to save Arthur but for the money]
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
[Breaks open the door. His hand held the briefcase]
You are so troublesome Arthur. You didn't just ruin the investment but also didn't pay me for 7 months.
[Daniel observed Arthur, his breath faint and shallow. His body heaved with each ragged breath as the pain took its toll. His right leg was severed just below the knee, while the left was pinned to the crashed seat and dashboard. A bullet had struck his collarbone, and his face was bruised from the impact of the airbag]
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
You are alive? [sighs]
Let’s see if you can lift a finger. I’ll give you another chance, Arthur. I’ll invest again... Work yourself to the bone and pay me. Maybe... I’ll take 95% of the profit. Would you like me to save you?
Arthur
L-Let me... Ah... [coughs] Let me g-go...
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Sure. As you wish. [Daniel got out of the car]
Arthur
[grabbed his hand] Give me back my money... Please... Please Daniel. You want me to die? I will... But, I want that money. It's for my-
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
No! I never gave so much opportunity for anyone before. I gave you some liberty because you were on the good books of mine. But slowly you started to fight back.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
I appreciate your effort, but you need to understand one thing: you are my prey. You’ll work yourself to the bone, earn, and I’ll take the money. And then, if you want to leave... you only have one option. Die.
Arthur
We were friends. You invested as a friend. We started working together.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
I invested in my pawn, someone who will work for me. I told you, no one survives as my friend. I never asked for your friendship. And it’s not like you’re the only one working for me—there are many. In return, they ask for my protection, for me not to hurt them. I own 15 companies. Which I developed from scratch. And I control 28 more like yours.
Hah! The count has come down to 27 since you are dying. Have a nice trip to find peace in the afterlife my friend, this world isn't the place for friendship or any relationship.
Arthur
My son is in the hospital. He’s only 7. He’s injured, and the doctors say he might end up bedridden. If the surgery isn’t done, it could endanger his life or leave him in constant pain. I need this money... I need it for his surgery so he has a chance to regain his ability to walk, even if it takes years.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
So? Is that the reason why you sold the company I set up for you? For your son who'll be bedridden?
[He pulled his hand from Arthur's grip]
You disappointed me again. you waste your money on something that can't be fixed.
Arthur
I'm his father! Without him, my entire world will fall apart!
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Your son's condition does let you escape from paying me my share of profit.
Arthur
You only show up for profit, never for the loss! I’ve shouldered all the losses and carried the weight of running this business on my own.
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Very good work. You are appreciated. [He walks back to his car and tosses the briefcase]
Arthur
Stop! Come back! Give me my money! My son will die if I don't pay his hospital fee. They won't conduct surgery until I pay them!
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Then let him die...
Arthur
.... [Arthur forced the dashboard to open. He winced as it fell apart on his injured leg. His bloodied hand fumbled, desperately searching for his gun]
I never thought I'd use this... On you...
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
[He had just finished burning his cigarette as he got into his car when he stumbled at the door, a shot fired from behind, striking just below his chest]
Arthur
[Held the gun with both his hands to keep his hands steady so that he wouldn't miss his target again]
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
[He pulled himself up, his face twisted with pain and his eyes burning with rage. He flicked the lighter open and tossed it at Arthur's car. The flame ignited the gasoline, causing the car to explode. The blast threw Daniel back against his own car]
[Daniel got to his feet and moved toward his car. His eyes caught the flame following the leaking gasoline toward his vehicle. He yanked the briefcase out of the car and managed to rush away just in time]
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
Hel... [He tried to shout for help, but the word felt foreign on his tongue. He despised asking for help, even in his helpless state. He stumbled across the street, his hand clutching the briefcase tightly.]
Daniel (The Mafia leader)
There's... there's nothing that money can't buy. Arthur was a fool, caught up in insignificant emotions. He failed to understand that money is everything, not his son, who will spend his rest of the life in bed.
Well, fate had different plans for Daniel. And now, he was walking towards it.
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