9 cold-bloodedness (2/2)

In front of the portrait stood a man with his hands crossed behind his back. His dark blue uniform stretched over his huge shoulders. His bullskirt arched over his collar, his dark hair was military short.

The driver pushed Sam into one of the chairs and cleared his throat briefly. ”Miguel, sir, we're here.”

Miguel went on staring at the portrait. Sam stared at the burnished board of the wooden table. In this bare room lit by neon lights, her life should end. She resolved not to beg or plead, and if she had the opportunity to deal as many punches and kicks as she could.

Sam glanced at the driver, who nervously stepped from one leg to the other. The man in front of the portrait still did not move. The only sound came from the buzzing neon tube over Sam's head. Suddenly a deep, full voice cut through the silence.

” Leave us alone”

The driver reacted visibly nervous. ”Sir, I do not think that's a good idea” he answered hesitantly.

Finally, the man turned around, Sam closed his eyes depressed. She saw the same features as Jessica's tormentor. This was not a distant relationship, the two had to be brothers. This specimen was not fat, he looked massive, but well-trained. Again the full voice sounded. ”If I want your opinion, I'll tell you which one. Out now?.”

After these words, the driver and his colleague hastily left the room. When the door closed, Sam's ears sounded pretty good. She braced herself, assuming that he would immediately attack her and beat her. Defiantly she raised her head and looked at her opposite. Their eyes met. He studied her closely and finally sat down in the chair on the other side of the table. He crossed his hands on the tabletop and studied his manicured fingernails.

The silence felt tough and heavy. He looked Sam straight in the eyes again, his eyes were piercing. Sam shifted uneasily in her chair. The man registered this with a satisfied smile.

”I want to know one thing, why ??”

Sam looked over at the portrait. ”?Who is this??”

Miguel glanced at the picture for a moment.

”This is my father. He died two years ago. He was police chief and mayor, 18 long years. When he retired, I began his succession. Manuel, my brother, has devoted himself more to the economic affairs of this region. Your interest in our family history surprises me. And now I want to know - WHY !!!?” A vein on his left temple began to throb.

Sam decided it would be better to give him the information he wanted.