Edon opened one of the bags, spreading the opening of each for inspection. It took only moments for Edon to glance back at a man next to his big cohort Nick noted first. “It is very good. We will get much more than the asking price.”
“I do not like these men,” Ardi stated. He pointed at Nick. “Especially that one.”
“But I like you,” Nick told him. “I hoped to ask what you planned to do with all the money from this so called Oxy fire sale.”
Ardi screamed. He grabbed at his shattered right knee cap where the 9mm hollow point round smashed through in devastating fashion. Not one of the Albanians had even seen Nick draw. Ardi’s right leg collapsed under him, unable to support his weight, making the dive to the warehouse concrete floor a painfully abrupt one. Nick dropped into a shooter’s crouch. He fired in a sweeping arc, each of his bullets finding and pulping delicate knee joints. Gus grabbed the shocked Lisa, pulling her down while John drew his weapon to cover Nick’s unexpectedly quick end to the meeting.
“I have them covered, John. Can you do the honors? I believe these are the only Albanians coming to the party.” Nick spoke loudly as he did not risk a fast draw with silencer. The aftermath of ringing ears, overwhelming smell of cordite, and wafting smoke residue provided a senses piercing accompaniment to combat’s ending. Intermixed with the mechanical effects came the yips and yelps of shocked wound victims writhing on the floor. Gus joined John in plastic tying the joined wrists at the back of each man followed by hastily made gags. They searched and stripped each man of any belongings including weapons.
“I’ll get the duct tape out of the SUV and stroll out while I check the neighborhood,” John said, heading for the door after his last restraint task.
“Don’t forget to look around, properly shocked at the sudden noise, while wondering where it came from,” Nick advised.
“Kabong shall give an academy award performance of terrified angst
“Sorry for the surprise, Lisa, but the big guy over there sensed something, probably the same thing I sensed about him. He was too reliant on helpers though. Did you recognize him?” Nick shook the girl’s shoulder gently when she continued staring at the agonized men. “Lisa! C’mon now, buck up. We have work to do.”
“Ah… ah… sure,” Lisa muttered finally, walking unsteadily over to Valon. He had been Nick’s second target and the loudest screamer. “I recognized the big one, but… this guy I did not see before.”
John returned with the duct tape. “There were a couple other neighbors out there. We all looked around at each other, perplexed at where the gunshots had originated. It was deemed a mystery. We all shrugged and went about our business.”
“Duct tape all but the one Lisa is standing over.” Nick joined Lisa at Valon’s feet. “Jahannam, I presume?”
Valon nodded energetically, making mewling sounds as if wanting to speak. Nick knelt next to his head. “I’ll remove the gag, but if you begin screaming like a two month old baby with a gas bubble I will pistol whip you across your beak. Do you understand?”
Valon again nodded with attitude. Nick removed the gag.
“Yes… yes, I am Jahannam! Take me to a hospital! Where are your EMT’s? Doesn’t your force have a medic?”
Nick grinned. “We sure do. I’ve patched wounds, delivered babies on the field of combat, and sewed gaping wounds under fire. You can call me Doc if you want. How may I help you?”
“Quickly fool! Get me painkillers! I am prisoner. Take me for proper medical care!”
John and Gus both snorted in amusement.
Nick clucked in saddened commiseration. “Uh… no. I might wrap your wounds so you don’t get my SUV bloody, but there will be no pain killing elixirs for any of you unless I get some answers.”
Valon stared at Nick in horror. “I…I am in pain! I must be treated by doctor!”
Nick sighed. “John. Our buddy here with the cool nickname of Jahannam is in pain. Whatever shall we do?”
John hurried over with the duct tape, tearing a piece off as he approached. “We must first bind his mouth.”
With quickly applied pressure John smoothed the tape into place sealing Valon’s beginning protestations off. He then took out his Smith and Wesson 9mm automatic, popped out the clip, and cleared the chamber. Holding it above Valon’s damaged leg, John glanced at Nick.
“One lump or two?”
“I think two because Jahannam asked so nicely.”
John swung the barrel down in a short chopping strike directly onto Valon’s pulped kneecap in two rapid smashes. Valon passed out. John held out his hand. “Water please.”
Nick handed him a bottled water. John drank a little and then doused Valon’s face with sprinkles until he came to in muffled barks of pure anguish. Nick waved at him from next to his face.
“Hi there. It’s me, Doc. Would you like to say a few helpful words or do you want what’s behind door number two?”
John peeled the tape away until Valon could speak.
“This… this is torture! I…I will report this-”