Shadow's Within

23 : The old gentleman

The incident has left Chase to be resentful. I don't blame him, taking hits like that from a sneaky devil like Paulo would get into anyone skin. But I can't reside any punishment to him. We need him. He's our ticket out of free. If we want to be free of the organization, his assistance is one we need, irrelevant to how devious his characteristics traits left him as a person.

They took us through the back door into the back alleyway. Its stench is vile; not as fragrant as inside. I guess it shows how different this place is inside and out.

"What are we doing here?" I ask.

Paulo didn't answer. Instead he dials numbers on his phone and wait for the phone to ring. Two resonate ringing and I could a hear muffle voice on the other end of the line. Paulo utters some Italian word to the guy on the phone. "Yes.. Now" He finally ends the conversation.

"We're waiting" He said.

I encircle the entire circumference. "For what?"

"You'll see" he reaches under his suit and brings out a cigar, lit it and begin puffing for smoke. "Oh Mr Vanes" He focus on Chase. "No hard feeling"

Chase didn't respond. Paulo stares at us, discern of our situation.

"You know Lanelle" Paulo returns to me. "I'm surprise you're the one running. I'm intrigue to know the identity of these people you're running from. From what I knew of you, you were the one chasing not the other way around."

"Well. Everybody's got something they're scared of." I said.

He smiles. "That they do... that they do"

The scenery didn't change as the air scowl around us, and a ruffling screech reeks in the air. Within seconds, the source of the noise came surging through the driveway. It's a black SUV with dark tinted windows. The front passengers seat windows roll down and the face of the people inside is reveal.

The man inside is aging, scruffy white beard and wrinkly cheeks; ashen wavy hair. His eyes however did not bear any foxy glare. Instead it only divulges a kind eyes but gloomy.

"Senor" Paulo embraces the man as he gets off the passenger seat. "I'm sorry to bother you in this moment of hour"

The elderly only smile as he approaches us. "These two are the package?"

"Si senor" Paulo replies.

"Pleasure to meet you" he offers his hand.

I greet him as well as Chase. "Armore at your service" he lowers his head.

"The transporter" Paulo utter as he resides beside us. "He will be escorting you into hiding. The best in the service. Never fails in delivering packages to the destination. His expertise would help you to disappear"

"Oh please Paulo, enough of the compliment.. you're exaggerating" he laughs. "I'm merely a man who helps people in trouble to escape further problems"

"Always such a modest person" Paulo tease.

This man seems different than the rest of Paulo posse. His credibility and tone doesn't bode well with this whole situation. He's a man I would at first glance thought of to be a quiet person, loves riddling through the parks, feeding the birds, enjoy a quiet time watching the sunset. I fail to see how this old-fashion transporter supposed to be of any help to me and Chase. From the rumors I heard of transporter, they are a group of lethal personas that would strike fear the moment the enter the scene. Yet, this man uncovers a more pleasing aura that radiates around him.

Chase and I exchange glances. Neither of us unsure of the current situation. However, it's the only way for us to be free. A gamble we have to risk.

Armore handing me his palm. "Shall we miss?"

I took his hand and we enter the SUV. He enters after alongside his driver and the engine rumble to life. They drove the car with a future guaranteeing our safety.