TMB XIV: Visit from the Zoo

"I don't know what you're speaking of."

That was a threadbare elusion, but I couldn't think of anything else. Simply the fact that he knew the names, Arthur Koesthlers as well as Mr. X's codename, showed that he wasn't guessing in thin air. I hoped he would talk on. Didn't know what to make of this.

He seemed to enjoy my puzzlement. On his face, something resembling a fine smile seemed to substitute the gloomy expression. He hadn't blinked for a single time yet.

"Arthur Koesthler: Working for the Speyar company for thirty years. Nineteen years in development, eleven years in the sales department. Fired half a year ago. Had an appointment with you tomorrow. Unfortunately isn't in shape to attend."

The monologue pleased him. He was beaming like a schoolboy reciting the basics in front of the class.

"Mr. X: The dark mystery man, but not so mysterious anymore. He's a client of your firm. You deliver him. Koesthler was supposed to be your source. Now that source has run dry. You're in trouble."

"How'd you find out where I live?" I asked.

His smile grew even broader.

"We have our methods, just as you have yours", he answered. "This visit of mine, or should I say us, is just an informal get-together."

Over in the shades, a couple of gorillas moved into view. They'd stood still like statues. Hadn't had the slightest idea they'd been there. Must even have stopped breathing. Deep-sea divers, without a doubt. Dark suits, bulging under their armpits. They were only lacking sunglasses.

"Your gorillas lack sunglasses", I told the cool guy on my sofa. "And you lack the right contact. I got no idea what you're talking about. Sounds like some scary Scotland Yard to me." This said, I reached for the whisky bottle on the cupboard.

"You're lacking something as well", the bloke said. "Been sitting here for a long time yesterday night. Been quite surprised yesterday afternoon, hmm?"

I could imagine what the guy was aiming at. Yet I couldn't believe my ears.

"We'll meet again. Keep a low profile. Do your work. And better do it well."

"I can't sleep. People come into my apartment and keep me awake", I said.

"Sorrow and pain can do that as well", he told me. He nodded to his menagerie, than moved towards the door.

Out if a sudden, I leaped for him. Tried to catch him on the wrist. His gorillas must have waited for something like that. Before I could even touch him, a hard blow felled me. An axe split my head. With a loud crash, I slumped on the floor.

He didn't even say anything, just shot me another of his dark gazes, then opened the door and stepped out, his apes right behind. One of them was putting away the gun he'd used to crush my skull.

The door closed, and I was alone. Trying not to touch anywhere those guys had touched, I crept into the kitchen to the bottle of whisky.

The clock read half past one.

This was one of those nights.