14 Chapter 14 [ Cabal Or Junto? ]

I got out of the lift, on the ground floor only to behold the cunning Humberto.

He spoke first, "Gustavo there is a matter I wanted to run by you," he paused to take a proper look at me before proceeding, "Why do you look frightened? Seems like you are running away from or being pursued by something. Or is it a 'someone' instead?"

I pondered on his question, thinking to what extent my countenance was giving me away.

Perhaps, I should be cautious of him because how come he is the very first guy I see after what I just witnessed on the fourteenth floor?

"Why would you think that I am frightened? What causes you to have that impression about me?" I quizzed him. After which, I adjusted the front collar of my shirt being that I had begun to feel hot in a chilled environment. The various air-conditioners blew cool air, harmonizing together to create the illusion of a snowy effect. Still I feel hot; sweaty and hot.

He spoke again but this time, rather slowly as one trying to make sure of something, "If you say so. It's alright brother. I want. To talk to you. About. Our international partners, Mr Cho and the Wangs."

As Humberto rattled on, I was no longer paying attention because my thoughts were doing me in.

Why is there a mafia boss here in Magnífico? How come there's an isolated part of the hotel reserved for this deranged psychopath and the rest of his gang? Surely, there must be an insider working with him. But, there is always a proper search by the gate. Unless the security is part of the plan. A secret killer organization here in Magnífico? More like a cabal or junto? Who is this ruthless mafia boss who goes by the name 'no-faced man' How much more can.

"Gustavo!!" the cut in was coming from Humberto. He contorted his eyebrows afterwards.

"Yes, yes brother go on," I insisted.

"You weren't even paying attention."

"Why would you think so? I was paying attention?"

"You weren't so don't even lie about it," he took a break before proceeding, "If you were paying attention like you dare to insist, you would know that I ended what I wanted to say already."

'Shit!!! Bad lie Santo!' I slapped my forehead in my mind.

"Oh, I ehm...", I cleared my throat before speaking again, "Why don't we have a private meeting about it in my office by let's say 4:00 pm today?"

"Okay!" He shrugged.

"But I don't seem to remember much about them," I may have deepened his disappointment by saying that.

"Gustavo!! Brother, are you sure you are quite well?"

"Hahaha. Nonsense Humberto," I moved closer to him and placed my hand around his shoulder, "You know some days are hard. Some days, I don't even remember who I am." I smiled broadly at him to prevent him from pushing the discussion further.

"Alright, alright. Let's meet up later then."

"Thanks, man."

"No biggie."

As he turned to walk away, I got struck by an idea. But won't it be me revealing myself to the actual enemy? He might as well not be the enemy. So?

"Humberto I'd like us to talk, outside by the eastern pool area...now. If you don't mind."

"I hope it's not that serious?"

"Yes and no!"

I may be wrong in my decision but with no Gustavo's ghost around, I may as well take my chances.

**

"The fourteenth floor?"

In my mind, I am like yes you heard me correctly. Why are you surprised? Unless you do know something.

"You know about it?"

"Haha, but why Gustavo? You bring this up all of a sudden when even you made sure it stayed uninhabited; its suites I mean."

I did? Damn it! There's a lot more the real Gustavo needs to brief me about. Why won't he show his fucking ghost face already? No offence to the dead. Maybe he wants me to give this up already. But after coming this far and tasting this much fame and luxury? NEVER!

He gave me a suspicious look as I took subtle steps back to thoroughly process my thoughts on what to say next.

"Well don't mind me. It just suddenly came to my mind."

"Hm okay, brother but."

I seemed interested, looking at him with eager eyes, "But what?"

"Oh, never mind."

"Spit it out, Humberto! I don't have the time nor energy for this."

"Hahaha, always the impatient little brother. Haha."

Really bro? Are we going to do this now? Aren't you done laughing already?

"Okay, I want to suggest that we both go to have a look."

"A look at what?"

"The fourteenth floor of course."

No, thanks, Humberto. I just witnessed a man get killed ruthlessly, and you want to take me with you. Is this your best bet to have me killed?

Don't look at me that way readers, I mean he has all the motive to want me dead. Fill in the dots in your minds and tell me what you think.

"Just a suggestion. You can decide to oblige or not," he added.

Maybe I did give something away earlier on the fourteenth floor. And this little prick of a man wants to lure the words out of my mouth. He would have his curiousness satisfied once I decide not to go with him.

This is all so fucked up!

I wish Antonio is here to help me out —my only real brother.

**

Back in the hotel, we stumbled into Mr Ohmura who seemed to be heading out in a hurry.

"Ah! Mr Ohmura!" Humberto began, "How are you feeling today?" He ended his speech with a broad grin on his face which I considered cheap.

It should have been me asking this question, but I don't want my ego wounded if this, I better mind my tongue, if Mr Ohmura decides to snub me. Bottom line! I feel bad because Humberto will get snubbed. Haha!

"I am well Mr Humberto. Thank you."

Hm, I may have misinterpreted this Mr Ohmura wrongly.

"It seems you are heading out— alone."

Haha! You are pushing too hard my brother. Now you are going to get snubbed. Haha!

Mr Ohmura simply nods his head and makes out for the door.

But before his exit, I muttered, "Stay safe out there."

Soon after he took his leave, I began to wonder if I may have wrongly accused Humberto in my mind all along. Mr Ohmura is a hard man, but something about his aura makes me the most uncomfortable. What if he is the no-faced psychopath?

Well, whoever it is, should better watch out for me because they won't see me coming.

I'm damn well right, they won't.