There was a crowd.
Discussions filled every corner of the place. It looked like a bar.
From within the crowd, a man approached Stephane. He had an imposing body and a bald head. He wore a black shirt and black gloves. He was almost twice Stephane's height.
Stephane slowly lifted his head to look at him. The man stared down at Stephane as if he were something inferior.
Suddenly, the man's eyes widened. He inhaled deeply, then exhaled directly into Stephane's face.
"The boss is waiting for you," he said loudly.
Stephane neither blinked nor moved.
Several people watched the scene in surprise. Thoughts crossed their minds, yet none of them dared to whisper.
There was total silence, like in a graveyard.
Who is that?
Is that not the debtor?
An obese man wearing luxurious clothes stepped out of a room.
"Frankie, do not frighten our customer," he said calmly.
He walked toward Stephane, and each step echoed through the room.
He leaned closer and whispered into Stephane's ear.
"My money is due today, or you will leave without your precious parts between your legs."
Stephane froze. His mind went blank for a moment.
If I had not come with the money, I would already be dead.
Why does everyone want to kill me today?
He nodded and followed the boss into the room. Frankie walked behind them with a serious expression.
When they entered, the discussions outside resumed.
They sat on chairs. Only Frankie remained standing beside the boss.
The boss smiled maliciously.
"So, where is my money?"
Immediately, Stephane removed the money he owed and placed it on the table.
It was inside a small bag. The boss took it and began counting. After a few minutes, he smiled with satisfaction.
"Excellent. You may go."
Before he could say anything more, Stephane had already disappeared.
Upstairs, Liz sat in her chair smoking. She glanced at him and gave a faint sigh.
"See you later."
Outside the building, Stephane walked a few meters before smiling happily.
I am free now. I can become rich in peace.
He entered an open tavern and drank until they threw him out. Later, he staggered through the streets as if he might collapse. His mind was clouded by alcohol.
Journey.
Yes papa.
What are you doing?
He returned to his rented room, fell onto the bed like a sack of stones, and fell asleep.
Meanwhile, in his luxurious room, the boss sat on a golden chair. A woman knelt before him.
"So he has won the jackpot this time. Investigate him. I want to know where his money is coming from."
He stood and walked toward the window.
"I will become even richer."