OOM: Back in business

[latino_menace]

It's a simple process really, but he's always enjoyed it. A guy at the club, named Carl, had told him where the owner was and when he'd arrived at the seedy bar the guy was drinking at it had taken about ten seconds for someone to point the man out to him.

Ramon walks over in a genial way, briefcase handcuffed to his wrist. He smiles down at the man who's nursing a beer and simply says, 'John Tanner?'

The guy looks up. He's in his mid fifties, grey hair and balding a little. He looks a little confused, like he half-recognises him but isn't sure. Ramon likes that, and sits down without waiting for an invitation.

'Ramon Salazar. I'm a friend of Random's, your drummer at the club.'

Recognition dawns and the man smiles.

'Oh yes. I've seen you at the place quite often. Can I get you a drink?'

'Sure. Tequila would be good.'

Tanner nods and turns, calling to the guy behind the bar that he obviously knows well. A moment later the drink arrives and Ramon tips the waiter well. Then turns back to his unknowing victim, exuding ease and familiarity.

'What can I do for you, Mr. Salazar? I hope your...er, friend, isn't dissatisfied with his working conditions.'

Ramon's expression doesn't change, though he finds the use of the word 'friend' quite stupid. Everyone in the place knows that he and Random are together.

'No, Random likes the place. Likes it very much - which is one of the reasons why I'm here.'

'Oh?' Tanner has no clue. None at all. Another thing Ramon likes.

'I'm here to buy it.'

He says it without preamble and completely casually, sipping his drink as he does as though it's the most natural thing in the world, while the man opposite him splutters a little. It takes a moment for him to get over his shock, then he bursts out with,

'The club isn't for sale. Not for any price.'

Ramon nods understandingly, looking for all the world as though he's entirely sympathetic to what the man's saying. Then he simply unlocks the briefcase from his wrist and opens it, revealing the cash stuffed within. Texorami denominations are higher than on Earth, so it all fits in nicely. And there are papers on top that Ramon now picks up and slides over to him.

'Five million. Cash, right now. Sign it.'

Tanner stares at him with his mouth open. Then at the papers, then the cash. Then back at him.

'No!'

Ramon smiles and says nothing. It's quiet for a brief pause...and then there's the unmistakable sound of a gun being cocked under the table.

'Let me put it this way Mister Tanner. Sign the papers and take the money, or you'll be dead within a minute. Clock's ticking.'

He says it as though discussing the weather, completely calm and assured. No doubt at all as to what's going to happen. He's done this many times before. Tanner, obviously, hasn't. There's more spluttering.

'This is outrageous! You can't do this.'

'Forty five seconds.'

'We're in the middle of a bar!'

'You think I care? I'll be gone before anyone can stop me. Sign it.'

He's stoic and Tanner wavers because he looks like a man that'll do what he says, despite the suit and the outwardly respectable appearance. He still hesitates though because he doesn't want to sell his club. Ramon watches and decides to help him out.

'Let me put it this way. If you don't sign, you'll be dead. The club will go to your wife. I'll pay her a visit tomorrow, the grieving widow - and she'll sign. Five million is a lot for a woman on her own. And if she doesn't?'

Another pause.

'I'll kill her too.'

Tanner just stares, horror on his face. Ramon smiles easily and continues.

'You have three daughters and a son. Guess who I'll be seeing next?'

His free hand pushes the papers towards the guy.

'Twenty seconds left. Call your bartender friend over to be a witness, pick up the pen and take the cash. You'll get to enjoy your retirement with your family.'

* * * * *

Five minutes later, Ramon walks out into the sunshine, still smiling. It's a short walk to his nightclub but he enjoys every step. Just needs to tell Random and then the day will be complete. And after that? Well, there are a lot of places to party in Texorami. A lot of drugs here too. But he knows all about that and isn't worried about what's coming.

It feels good to be back in business.