The Tailor's Razor

14. Headhunters

Definitely time for a cocktail
Apice Globale

Taylor didn't beat around the bush; he had to strike while the iron was hot and frankly it was burning his hand. Enrico was pleased to see the lad, regardless, when he was led into his office by a concierge. The boss-man veritably cacked himself when he saw Taylor's rented uniform: the golden knickerbockers and everything else.

Asking to leave, the concierge was dismissed as Enrico threw his arms wide and embraced the Australian, "Fantastic to finally meet you, Mr Taylor! And your dog, too!" he leant down to rub the big boy's jowls, Mahdo grinning in appreciation, "I was very impressed by your attack on Casaccia."

"Oh yeah?" Taylor followed the businessman, who was shuddering with excitement, back to his desk, "Didn't like Madison's performance though?"

"Oh I only wanted to see you! Someone had to watch your bike while we talked! You must tell me, though, what was your plan after you found out that we were the ones receiving the Curium?"

Taylor shrugged, "Find out how you were related to the fashion houses? How you fed the Curium into the clothes? Why, in God's name?"

Enrico laughed again, "You're so direct. I love it!"

"Calm down there, mate; you're getting a bit flirty."

"Would you say no to a cocktail then?"

"What're you offering?"

"I was thinking a Torino-Milano."

"Mix away, son," winked the convict, and Enrico beamed, slapping his shoulder on the way to the bar.

Finding the perfect balance between Campari, vermouth and fizzy drink, Enrico told Taylor that he was very impressed with the boy, "We've had our eye on you two since Milano. How are you after your fall?"

"What? Oh, the Daihatsu... yeah I think I did my back in," he was handed a blood-red glass, "Cheers. Who's the third one for?"

"My head of security; she'll be joining us in a moment," explained Enrico, "Now, as I was... saying, I enjoy your work; I looked up your newspaper-website. You write well. That article on Western Sydney? Va bene! I knew you would find me."

"May I... have an interview?"

Enrico roared with mirth, "Cheeky, yes? You're very cheeky."

"That's why they love me."

"It's why I love you," Enrico leaned over the desk, "Mr Taylor, I would like to hire you."

"You're joking."

"No, not at all!" Enrico shook his head as Yuri came in through the door, "Ah, Ms Yuri Jū, our head of security. Mr Taylor has arrived."

Mahdo went bounding over to the woman who stiffened for a second, with the huge black dog running towards her, but when she saw the look in his eyes she softened and let the boy lick her fingers, "So you've already been introduced to your number one fan, Mr Taylor?"

"Uh..." Will was dumbfounded by the reunion, "Just call me Will," he assured her as Yuri took her seat beside him, sipping the Torino-Milano.

"Of course, Will. Gu! Will is like Guglielmo."

"Ah... yeah, whatever. This is a job interview, right?"

"Si! Yuri has the paperwork."

"Doing courier-work now," she smirked at Taylor, handing him the folder.