Chapter 5

Nicol and James were travelling towards Richard and rest of the family. James was driving. He spoke up, “So when we get to the hotel. Are we going to sleep in separate beds?”

“Yes James, we are”, Nicol replied.

“Oh. Yeah. That is what I expected ... Aghhmm ... I mean what I also wanted to suggest actually. But you did that first. So, there is no point in continuing this conversation. Because we agree.”

“Yup”, Nicol said. There was an uncomfortable silence.

At least for James it was uncomfortable. For five minutes they were just driving in silence and looking at the trees. Nicol spoke - “This reminds me of an old Greek myth about Jason. He has to avenge his father and get the throne back from an evil king that stole his throne. Mia told me that story.”

“Does he make it?”, James asked. “Yes”, she answered. “Well good for him”, James said in a slightly irritated tone.

When they arrived at the hotel they left their things in the room. As they were going to the family house James spoke: “I think there is a chance I will have to fight Richard. I have to be the one that beats Richard or I will look like a coward. But it would be nice for you to get involved if I start losing the fight. The point of this trip is for me to look as manly and as cool as possible in front of the hitman. If I get them on my side, I will make peace with the Barzinis. And I will give you a lot of money. As much as you like. I will also make sure no one in my family seeks vengeance against you or Mia.”

In front of the house, they were stopped by two men with Kalashnikovs. One of them yelled: “Stop. Or I will shoot.”

James said - “Will! You son of a bitch. Don’t you recognize me?”

“Hahaha. I thought you were dead. Good to see you man. Come in”, Will replied. As they entered the house, both guards stared at Nicols’ butt and legs. A number of armed men in the house whistled as Nicol was passing by.

But before they did anything James said: “She is with me. Be polite guys.” James suddenly felt more confident because everybody thought Nicol was his girlfriend.

Soon they entered a large room in which Richard was sitting on a giant chair, made partially of gold, and smoking a cuban cigar. Richard was the first one to speak - “What brings you here James? I heard you got caught by the police. How come you are free now?”

James quickly replied: “I did not get caught. I came here to claim my fathers place. I have to lead this family and make peace with the Barzinis. My father wanted peace. I want to respect his wishes.”

Richard spoke again: “Your father was killed by the enemy and you seek to make peace with them. His soul cries for vengeance. And you James. You are too weak to seek vengeance.” James saw that the hitmen were impressed with Richards warmongering speech.

So he replied quickly: “No, Richard. My father was not killed by the Brzinis. I think you are the one to blaim. You killed my father. I can not be sure. But my gut tells me you did it.”

Suddenly there was silence. Both men did not know what to say next. Nicol noticed a drop of sweat on Richards’ forehead. Richard spoke after a long silence: “How dare you say I killed him. Where is your proof boy?”