Nakatuon lang ang aking mga mata sa gitna ng fighting arena. Kulay pula ang kapaligiran pero mula sa kinauupuan kong mesa ay tanaw na tanaw ang dalawang tao sa gitna. They were exchanging punches, kicks and their knives.
This underground fight club was one of few, that we owned. Boozes were overflowing and other ilicit substances could find around the corner while everyone busied to each of their own tables. Hindi ko gawain na magpunta sa ganitong lugar pero dahil may sadya kaya naman heto ako kasama si Storm.
"He's agent 13, a decade in service and still the top notch." Storm whispered to my side.
I nodded. My eyes still glued to the man. He looked good in a close combat fight but I find him just average and not so spectacular. His skills were like of my special squad. I didn't understand why uncle Amer suggested this hitman for the anticipated job.
"Are you sure about this?" tanong muli ni Storm.
"Yeah. I want him because your father vouches for him."
Natahimik lamang si Storm at di na ulit nagsalita. Nilingon ko lamang ito saglit at bumaling na muli sa unahan. My eyes turned into a slit as I saw how the man made a flawless move and pierced his knife on the throat of his opponent in a swift but gore way.
Natahimik saglit ang mga taong nagchicheer. Subalit sandali lamang iyon dahil nang magtaas ng kanyang mga kamay ang lalaki ay muli nang binalot ng malalakas na sigawan ng mga manonood ang buong fighting arena.
"He's not bad." Storm commented.
The manager of the club went to us at kinausap iyon ni Storm, tumango ako ng sabihin nito na pwede na namin lapitan ang arena fighter. I just finished my glass of whiskey before I stood up.
Sa locker room kami dinala ng manager. Though he wanted it done in his office, but then I refused it. Naabutan nga namin doon ang lalaking kinukuha ang kanyang mga gamit.
"Cassian may gustong kumausap sayo." the manager informed him.
Marahang isinara ng tinawag na si Cassian ang kanyang locker, ibinaba rin ang duffel bag bago lumingon sa amin. Nagpaalam naman ang manager kaagad tulad ng napag usapan namin kaya tatlo na lamang kaming naiwan. Siguro sinabihan ang iba na huwag na muna pumasok dito sa locker room habang narito kami at nag uusap.
Nagpatuloy ako sa paglakad at huminto ilang metro ng hawakan ni Storm ang aking baywang. Stopping me from nearing further.
"Cassian Todd?" I asked him and extended my hand. "I'm Lioness Schultz."
He irate looked at my face then to my hand. Hindi niya tinanggap iyon.
"I declined the job. Why are you here?" his head tilted and arms crossed. He shortly glanced at Storm then it went back to me.
Huminga ako ng malalim trying to compose myself and not get angry. "I insisted to come here to have personally talked with you. You see, I was told you were a good hitman and you can do the job untraceable." I just shrugged.
Pinasadahan niya ako ng tingin na medyo ikina kunot noo ko. "I maybe consider the offer but on one condition."
I waited for his next words, his condition. Whilst Storm was murmuring curses beside me.
"I want a dinner with you.. alone." nagtaas siya ng kilay at dinampot na ang kanyang duffel bag. Storm turned livid beside me. "But since, you have a jealous boyfriend around you so it means no, right?" he gave me a lopsided smile and walked past.
"The fuck, man?" aktong susugod sa kanya si Storm pero pinigilan ko ito.
"How about tonight? I'm fine with a dinner." I said in an even tone. Hindi ko naman kailangan pag isipan pa yon, I could handle myself fairly and I know Storm..
