Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 2)

41. Threat neutralization

"I like this suitcase, let's put it where it can be seen on camera," Deren points at a spot on the corner and Mehmet nods.

Deren stops and looks at the car parked on the side of the road. "What - Whose car is this?" She looks inside and tsks. "Whose car is this?" She spots a paper with a name and a number and goes to take out her phone.

"If you're not a buyer, don't touch it. If you scratch it you have to pay and as far as I know, you can't."

Deren turns around to see the same man that had bothered her earlier.
"You again?" She narrows her eyes at the grinning man. "Where did you come from? Everywhere I go I see you!"

"Yes me again. And what are you going to do hm?"

"We're going to start filming. This car is in the way, do you know who owns it?"

"I don't know," he looks at the car. "It looks a lot like mine. I can't be sure. Maybe it is and maybe it's not." He takes out a keyfob and presses the button. The alarm clicks and he locks it again. "Like I said, maybe it's mine, but I don't know."

"So it's yours." He shrugs. "Move it. Now!"

"You have quite a bit of confidence, auntie. Where did you get it from? Are you one of those self assured guru followers?"

"I told you not to call me that!" Deren glances around. "Once again you've made me scream like a banshee in the middle of the street," she stomps her heel. He just looks at her this time. "Listen, let me explain one more time. We're about to start filming an ad here that's set in the 1980's. Your car is spoiling the visual. Move it."

"You explain very well. I understand completely. You're about to film. I get that. But what do I need to move the car for? There were cars back then, so I don't have to move it. If it bothers you that much, we can come to some kind of agreement." Deren sighs and purses her lips, lifting her brow. "In order for the car to move, it needs gas. We will need to push it to a station and that means manual labor and time spent. I won't add the rest."

"Look at you," Deren sneers, "a strong, big man who does everything he can to swindle money out of people instead of using his strength to actually do work and get paid." He stares at her in surprise, and she opens her purse. "I feel very sorry for you. Here, take this." She takes out a note and hands it to him.

He stares at the note then grins. "With this I can make it move for you, no gas needed. Thanks Aunty." He drops the smile. "Do you think I'm a moron? Give me another 10 000 and maybe I'll think about it."

"10 000?" Deren shakes her head, scoffing. "Have you ever seen that kind of money? Who has that just lying around? Give me back my money!" She holds out her hand. He hands her the note and she huffs in annoyance. "You know what I'm going to do now? I'm going to call the police because you're a fraudster. A cheat. A scammer. You scout out someone you think is vulnerable and pounce. Think again my friend! Think again!"

"You do that and I'll - "

"Ah!" Deren, who had been stepping back and away from him as he closed in with angry eyes, trips over her own feet and falls down before he can grab her.

Osman, who had been passing by, inspecting everything out of curiosity, saw her fall and ran over, grabbing Ihsan's hand and shoving him back. "Take your hands off or I'll make you one with the wall, Ihsan." Ihsan glares at him. "Go!" Osman stares him down and before he turns to help Deren up.

"You don't understand Osman."

"Jackal, I told you to go! Disappear! Now!" Osman growls and steps towards him, one arm protectively around Deren. Ihsan looks him up and down and then leaves, glaring over his shoulder. "I'm so sorry," Osman says, looking at Deren apologetically. "Ihsan just likes to pass through and soil our reputation, he doesn't stay here."