Page 107 - Herzlia HS Magazine 2021

“There has been no misunderstanding of any kind Mr Stone,”
Colombo interjected, “No, you have refused to pay the security money

that was required of you and now your account has fallen into
arrears.”

Colombo began to pace as his monologue gained momentum, “Yes

and now you see Mr Stone, men from my kind of trade are not like the
bank; we won’t repossess your property or possessions to cover
those debts. How you cover your debt is up to you.”

John Stone turned a sickly shade of pale, whilst the growing stream of

sweat gushing down his face refracted the awful pink lights with an
almost macabre mockery. Colombo heard a slight commotion behind
him but chose to ignore it as he knew Brute was a capable, if only

slightly challenged, man. He knew what to do when it counted.

“So, you will pay us what is owed, either by the end of tonight or by
tomorrow morning at the absolute latest. Am I clear?”

There was no response from John, only hesitant silence.

“Are you hearing me? There can be no misunderstandings this time. If
you do not pay, we will- “

THUD – Colombo was on the ground. He wasn’t sure what had hit

him, but he could tell it was a huge impact, something from behind.
The back of his head was killing him, and he could feel something

warm and sticky behind his ears. Before he could even begin to
gather his thoughts and pick himself up, there was another resonating

crash, and his world went black.

Benjamin Anstey