Part One.

Rainy, hot and sweaty
That's how the weather was the moment the boat docked and brought me to these shores.
Packed with only a bag containing some clothes, and a half empty flask of whisky in my jacket pocket.
Taking my first steps on the docks I went across and took a seat on an empty box to take a moment to think things over. Clear my head and really do my best to consider what I was going to do.
Sitting there for a few hours, falling asleep, I suddenly got spooked by some commotion not far from where I was sitting half asleep.
"Get him" a shaded individual yelled to another. Two men ran after another and got to him, I could see it all.
Knowing I wouldn't stand a chance helping the fellow, I stayed right where I was. I couldn't be seen so I was safe. So I kept my position and watched the scene.
"I've got nothing from you", the man pleaded. "We know, but don't give a damn thing about that. We're after what's yours." One assailant said. Without saying a word, the other stabbed the poor man and took all his money and possessions he had on him.
When they went off I approached the man. He was still breathing but unconscious, just as I stood by the man, policemen came running "Stop! Stand still, police!" Hesitating for a moment, I stared at them. When they were close, I started running away. For some reason they didn't chase me, at least, not very far.
A block or two further, as I was reaching to my last breath, I came to realise I left my bag at the empty box where I sat when the man was being mugged. But it was too late now.
There I stood, with only my clothes on me and my half empty flask of whisky in my jacket pocket.
Not able to contain my anger I started yelling and kicking some dirt.
A shady man was watching me and saw my anger and heard what I was yelling.
He approached me.
"Maybe I can help you with your problems" he said.

To be continued…

Part Two

I didn't know for sure what to do now. Should I run? Should I stay and face the music?
After all, I just ran like hell and I wouldn't get far if I had to do that again.
So I decided to remain where I was and accept my faith at that point.
"You look scared" the man said. I didn't say a thing but I kept looking him in the eye.
"As I said, maybe I can help you with your problems."
"How… how could you help me?" I asked the man.
"Well," he said, "if you do me a favour, I'll do you one."
Considering where I stood and the things I had I said "I'm listening"
"Let's step into my office." He said. We went into a bar, not far from where we met. Entering the bar we went into the kitchen where there was an oak-wooden door. "You first." He said.
As I entered the room two men received me by knocking the living daylights out of my. They were the same men that mugged that man I first saw on the docks. Deciding I wouldn't die like a dog, being kicked merciless in the gut and back, I started to fiercely kicking back. Luckily I succeeded in getting some space between me and the two men. The one that hadn't said a word earlier looked at me and said. "He'll do fine."
The man that led me to that office came in and shat the door behind him. "Let's talk".
He took the chair that stood behind the desk and lit a cigar. "I told you that I wanted a favour from you and in return you'll get one from me." I interrupted him "The why the hell was I beaten by two of your men? Can't they carry out 'your favour'?" He looked at me and calmly reached for his drawer taking something out. I thought this would be my end. This was it. He was surely reaching for his gun and was about to gun me down, I didn't know why but this was it. Maybe the two men did see me before while mugging that fellow at the docks.
But instead of a gun, he took out a booklet.
"In this booklet," he said," I have names of some people I would like to 'deal' with."
"Deal with?" I asked, "As in trafficking?"
He had to smear his laugh and asked "Why do you ask that?"
Not sure what to say now, I responded "Just a thought."
"Smart answer," he said, "not quite what you think but close." He opened the booklet and turned a few pages and then he resumed "So as I was saying before you interrupted me, I have a few people I need to deal with. Can you do that for me?"
Wondering why he took me off the streets and asking me that I asked him "Why do you ask me? You have men to do that." "True," he said, "but I want fresh blood to do that. Plus if you succeed in doing what I ask, you'll get more then you ask for."
"I'll get more then I asked for? This could be both negative and positive for me."
"I like you," he said, "You think things true real fast." Before he continued he enjoyed his cigar a bit first. "Where are my manners? I haven't asked you if you wanted a drink. Richie! Make us two whiskies'." The man on the left responded reluctantly and did as he was asked to. "Be polite for our guest", the man with the cigar said. "Polite?" I asked. "What is polite about beating and kicking me down without warning?" "Good point" he said, "But there's a reason for everything. And that had to do with the favour I'm about to ask."
Still not knowing exactly what he meant with that favour I replied "Can you finally tell me what it is you want from me as a favour?"

To be continued…