"You're 8 minutes late" The voice came as soon as Jonathan came out of his car.
"Cut me some slack. The only time you're entitled to keep is your jail time" Jonathan retorted.
"Huh! Touché. First time murder attempt? I see". Martha said.
Jonathan snubbed as he sat under the gazebo in which Martha has been waiting. He heaved and spoke after what seemed like eternity, "So which Police station or prison was he taken to?".
"Don't bother, he will be coming here". Martha replied.
"Coming what! Where? How? Was he released? Why?".
"Calm your balls, man. I got info he would be coming to find me so he could kill me because he thought I betrayed him". Martha said. "I want him to come meet me here, while you stay a few feet away and hidden just in case, so you can shoot".
"This is f*cked up. Where did you get your info? Who are you, this woman? How did I got myself into this"? Jonathan wimped.
Martha shrugged. It can be described as a bad omen if the man who was supposed to be the daring one becomes the weak one, the irony. She kept her gaze at full attention and alert to any suspicious or unusual appearances. With black shades on, she monitored everyone and anyone.
A black Audi R8 car parked in front of Chase, the window was wind down, and a Brazilian man on dark shade said "Get in".
Chase got in the car and it zoomed off.
After a 47 minutes drive, they got into a gated compound with automated gate. The gate opened itself as the Audi R8 got to a certain proximity. They drove in and the car was parked at the car's garage.
As Chase stepped out of the car and into the visitor's lounge, his eyes widened in awe. The mega mansion's vast scape and scale overwhelmed him.
He observed towering ceilings, at least 20 feet high, seemed to disappear into the heavens. Walls of gleaming marble and polished wood panelling stretched out, on these walls are priceless artwork and sparkling crystal fixtures.
As Chase navigates the lounge with his eyes, he discovered hidden details that displayed the mansion's cutting-edge technology: discreetly placed touchscreens, voice-controlled lighting, and invisible speakers that filled the air with soft, soothing music. Despite the mansion grandeur, Chase felt a shiver run down his spine. Something about the mansion's perfection seemed...unsettling.
The silence was almost palpable, disturbed only by the soft hum of the air conditioning and the distant sound of a private movie theatre.
"Welcome to Alma Dantè's Paradise," a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Can I offer you a refreshment, Mr Chase?"
Chase turned to face the person speaking, his eyes locked onto the meticulously dressed butler who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
"No". Chase claps. Evidently showing the displeasure on his face for his thoughts disruption.
"Pardon for the disturbances, Sir, but I was ordered to get you something before the meeting" The butler replied warmly.
"Okay, water...just water, yeah and two servings of steak, pork or chevron.. Don't forget the water".
Chase said. 'If at all he is to go for a murder gig, at least he should eat good protein. The servings in the prison was bland and stale'.
"Okay sir, everything would be done in 15 minutes". The butler responded and turned away.
Chase continued his gazing, admiring the vibes of opulence the site gave.
"This things don't cost much". The voice rang. "Just a few million dollars here and there and you have this". The voice laughed while coming out of a wide expanse of a room that looked like a game house.
Chase turned to look at the man that spoke, 6'3, built, bald head, mixed race he couldn't pick which, on a white robe and barefooted.
The man moved to the round table adjacent to where Chase sat, with a cup filled ⅓ with wine and a bottle of 1945 Mouton Rothschild. Dropped the bottle on the table and spoke.
"Now that you're here, we have a job for you. Just a simple task. Kill Jonathan, don't worry about Martha, leave her to us. And we will handle the rest. I'm sure Jayden would have briefed you". He said everything at one go.
Chase looked at the man with fixed eyes. Looked at the coordinated up and down movement of his epiglottis as he swallowed each gulp. "Why should I kill Jonathan and leave Martha, whom is the real culprit here?".
"Leave that to us" The man answered curtly.
"Well what do I..." Chase paused.
The butler walked in with an exquisite tray of beautifully painted ceramics, each ceramic covered, emitting sumptuously cooked meaty aroma that clouded the lounge atmosphere in seconds.
"Well, Chase you've got a good taste, I admire that".
"At least, I get to eat like a billionaire before I die". Chase replied.
The butler arranged the dishes dextrously and left.
Chase grabbed a fork and stabbed a mouthful of Chevron, put it inside his mouth and his mouth drooled. "Hummmm" He murmured while munching and filling his mouth with more and more mouthful.
"Like I was saying, What do I get in return?" Chase pointed the fork at him as he savoured the sensation coming out of his taste bud.
"Well, money and a new identity and exile. You're leaving this country to start living like you don't exist elsewhere".
"Hmmm, too good to be true. Anything else? How sure am I you would keep to your deal and I won't be in a body bag after this deal?" Chase asked.
"Well, your answer is at the other end of your decision. Kill or be killed, you just got to pick one".
"Well, I'll tell you after I eat up this delicacy, do you mind you join me?" Chase asked.
"My hands man will give you the necessary once you're done". He picked up his bottle, raised a cup to Chase, and left into the house. Two half naked Latin women escorted him into the house, caressing and rubbing his head and chest.
Martha Bornfield checked her watch one last time, and raised her head up to see a black Audi R8 driving into the premise. She immediately pressed on the earbud on her left ear and said "He's here".
"How did you know?" Jonathan asked.
"I know who this car belongs to" Martha replied.
The Audi R8 door opened and Chase was seen alighting from the passenger front seat.
"He is the one. Do as I say. Be ready".