A Number, Not a Name

The Beginning of the End

The black Mercedes had been making its way through the streets of Bulin for about an hour when the sights of the city dramatically changed. In place of the high-rise buildings and historic sites, they had seen earlier Tasha and Jason were now surrounded by run-down structures that were covered in graffiti, crumbling from years of neglect and showing the terrible effect the economic depression was having on the country. There were countless people, especially women and children, begging on the street corners for food and money as well as numerous others huddled together in alleyways and under makeshift tents for warmth and shelter. They also saw dealers selling their "goods" as well as other suspicious-looking characters lurking around the area.

The Mercedes soon came to a stop next to what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse. The two henchmen got out of the car and Tarek opened the passenger door next to him and exited the vehicle. He then made his way to the right rear passenger door and opened it. Tasha, sitting in the seat, next to the opened door, proceeded to exit the car. "Thank you," she said as she walked past Tarek who was still holding the door open.

"Thanks," Jason replied as he stepped outside the car and made his way over to Tasha who was now standing on the sidewalk. Tarek closed the car door and then walked toward where Tasha and Jason stood.

"Right this way," Tarek said before leading the group for about forty feet down the sidewalk before turning to his right which led them all into a narrow and dimly lit alleyway. Tarek led the group about twenty feet down that alley until they came to a large metal door which he stopped in front of. Tarek then knocked loudly, the sound of his fist pounding against the steel door echoing throughout the alley. After a few moments, the door opened and they saw a woman standing in front of them. She looked to be in her late twenties and had blonde hair, brown eyes, and a curvy figure. "Hi Tarek," she said in her earthy tone of voice.

"Hello, Scarlett" Tarek responded in his usual cold tone. "I'd like to introduce Melinda Tylerson and Edward Delucas." He said, gesturing to Jason and Tasha who stood behind him along with the two henchmen.

"Well, hello there good-looking," she said very flirtatiously looking at Jason as though she was fully enchanted by him.

"Ah...hi" Jason replied, somewhat embarrassed, clearly taken aback by Scarlett's forwardness, and unsure of what he should say. Tasha also felt somewhat uncomfortable with Scarlett and her advances toward Jason but she managed not to show it.

"Okay, Scarlett! Enough with that already!" Tarek shouted. "Mr. Delucas and Ms. Tylerson have some very important business with Dalmar."

"Yes, yes, of course" she replied in an annoyed tone. "Come on in." Scarlett held open the door and Tarek, Tasha, Jason, and Dalmar's two minions entered the building. The room which they stepped into was large, dark and wooden panels covered the walls. There were no windows so the room was only illuminated by one dingy chandelier dangling from the ceiling which looked like it could fall at any moment. The place was also in desperate need of a deep cleaning as layers of dust completely covered the round tables and chairs throughout the room and numerous cobwebs draped the ceiling. On the left side of the room was a long oak bar and behind it were shelves stocked full of all types of alcohol and glasses. The room was also packed full of people who Tasha and Jason assumed were some of Dalmar's followers. They were all seated at tables throughout the room talking, drinking, or playing cards.

"Dalmar's right there," Scarlett said, motioning to a man with grey hair, wrinkled skin, piercing black eyes, and wearing a freshly pressed navy suit who was seated alone at a table with two bodyguards standing beside him in the corner of the room.

"Thanks" Tarek replied coolly.

"Yeah, no problem," Scarlett responded in an equally cool tone before heading back over to the bar to prepare some more drinks for the people in the room. Tarek then led the group over to the right corner of the room where Dalmar was seated.