The adventures of Tintin, Malory and Snowy.

Tintin and Malory in America. (3)

Mr. Smiles.

Malory POV:

"I know it's a little out of the way but this is the secret headquarters for mob activity." Andrews told us as we climbed the few steps towards the big barn door.

"I see..." I mumbled with suspicion as I looked at the narrow alley where not even a single soul was passing by, I could hear the Chicago train above us, before I looked back at him as a raised eyebrow, "so you're tracking the gangsters by hiding like ones?" 

Detective Andrews just shrugged.

"It's easier than working out of the station." He said simply before passing us.

"I see..." Tintin said as well as we watched him knocking on the door before this was opened by someone from the inside.

A funny looking man scanned us before he moved aside and let us in.

That's when I noticed all the people who were standing everywhere with guns in their hands, making me frown and look around everywhere.

"I don't like this..." I mumbled to Tintin as I started walking by his side. We usually did this when one of us, and sometimes even both of us, felt threatened by our surroundings and didn't want the said ones to hear our conversations.

"They sure don't look like policemen to me..." Tintin mumbled back in agreement and Snowy looked at us as if to say 'I think you're right'.

Detective Andrews reached a door and opened it.

"Right in there." He motioned into the room, where there was one man in a blue uniform, smiling at us as he stood up to greet us.

"Sit down, Mr. Tintin, Ms. Malory, it's a pleasure to meet you." The man said as we entered.

"Uh thanks! But who are you?" Tintin asked we agreed telepathically that he'll sit on the only chair that was there while I stood behind him, Snowy jumped into his arms and we all frowned at the mysterious man.

"My name is Bobby Smiles." He introduced himself as he opened a box full of cigars and offered us to take one while announcing: "I'm the under boss of the Chicago mob syndicate."

"Mob syndicate?! I knew there was something wrong with this setup! You're nothing but a gangster!" I found myself yelling out my fear.

"I prefer the title 'Syndicate Member' myself." He said nonchalantly before picking one of the cigars in the box and rolling it a little without looking at us.

"Why were we brought here?" Tintin finally asked, being way more calm than I was.

Smiles didn't hurry to answer his question though, as he breathed in the toxic smoke.

"Because I wanted to meet you personally. Before you leave town." He finally replied after exhaling the smoke. Tintin and I switched quick looks.

"I'll make it worth your while, Gentlemen, say... $200,000 each?" He suggested while examining his cigar.

Tintin quickly grabbed a hold on my wrist and squeezed it a little, signing me not to say anything. But it was pointless, seeing how shocked I was from what I just heard.

Is this guy serious? He really thinks THAT low of us?? That we'll leave the city for the mercy of him and his friends for greed??

But then I remembered; It's the MAFIA! For them money is always the answer...

That and-

"Of course, if you two decide not to accept my offer, then I'll be forced to make you leave in a less pleasant way..." Smiles added.