just finished admiring the Olympic-sized swimming pool at the back of the compound and was making

" he hailed in his l

ad a clever way of smiling that reminded John of a cunning monkey. That smile alw

answered wit

Nico," he shrugged. "

ect.

m my morning run. I see you

with the surroundin

ot at

was studying the other closely without giving him the slightest indication of doing so. Suddenly, Nico stop

love to believe they're true. Henry is a trusted soul, but still, people are liable to mak

ry, Mr.

plea

and advertising my supposedly good qualities. Instead, I prefe

l said. Hmmmm... well, if that's your style, then I'll

ded, shaking his o

me that I'd like to highlight right now. One, orders are orders. Straight and simple. Two, no s

yst

nning smile on his face. "Let me

that if John hadn't seen him go through the door,

ve been surprised or even suspicious. This new environment was jungle-like and to live through it, one had to be jungle savvy. It

acing illegal taxes on businesses of all kinds, engaging in trafficking of goods and people, running the only illegal narcotics business in the town and rumors even had it that he had his hands in some terrorism-related activities. The few law enforcement agents that were not in his pockets were always in constant fear for their lives. In fact,

ng question on his mind which begged for an answer. He would have to find out more about this man as fast as possible. Who the hell was

*

ching the sun set. He quickly peeped at the window and found that he could see almost nothing at all, so he walked as casually as possible toward the room whe

ind me a way, you dog and you went about it in a very slow manner.

im in such a state, but this new experience served to tell him more about the man. He stepped a little to the right just as Nico seized a small but heavy sculpture preparatory to hu

nce of a huge snake, he turned to John, smiling and rubbing his

a bad time," he said as he a

ime," John replied in

t him too badly... maybe a couple of fra

one of the plush sofas while he pocketed his hands and paced about t

being held, but the fool... well, you know how foolish goats are. He took a lifetime in getting a plan ready, but you see, the most foo

speed. He seemed more thoughtful and more in earnest than ever. John knew he h

that, Nico but what

rtunity. His first assignment and he messes it up. Should have trusted s

subjects. Suddenly, he stopped pacing and turned abruptly to face John. The suddenness of the move made John's hear

htful voice. "Yes, you'll take Henry's place and by God you better fit in prop

hav

and one more thing, the animal that cannot keep

d walked through it, but he just could not imagine how someone could do everything noiselessly except talking. In his estimation, this m

uch more savage master. It was clear that he had a lot of work to do and a lot of records to break if he was to avoid being cut down. He didn't need a seer to inform him that the shoes of Henr