C11 Chapter 11
Two impeccably dressed gentlemen in black suits were seated adjacent to each other in a spacious, dimly lit chamber. One of them happened to be Miguel, the individual Rowen had encountered earlier at the bar and the other was formally referred to as Antonio. Positioned before them was a table adorned with two firearms, a flickering candle, and a packet of illicit substances. Both men possessed an imposing stature, their countenances exuding an aura of intimidation.
"Please have a seat," they instructed, their voices firm yet composed. I cautiously pulled out a chair, positioning myself directly in front of them.
"What may we call you, and could you kindly divulge your age and place of origin?" Antonio inquired, his tone measured.
"My name is Bryson Finley, and I am 29 years old, hailing from the bustling city of Hub," Rowen responded, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves.
"Do you possess any current or prior occupations?" Antonio probed further.
"I was previously employed at the 'Arenia' casino in Hub, but unfortunately, it faced closure due to repeated visits from law enforcement agencies. Subsequently, I found myself without employment, lacking familial support or anyone to turn to. Despite my efforts to secure a legitimate job, I faced numerous obstacles, leading me down a path of illegal activities.
Eventually, I found employment with a small-scale drug syndicate, merely serving as a middleman for their operations. However, one fateful day, our hideout was raided by the police. Fortunately, a few of us managed to evade capture, while the rest were apprehended. Since then, I have struggled to find alternative employment, resorting to menial tasks to sustain myself on a day-to-day basis.
Recently, I received a call from a friend, Diego Martinez, who resides in El Paso. Upon learning of my circumstances, he extended an offer that piqued my interest.
He extended an invitation for me to stay with him until I regained my independence, and that's how I came to reside here," Rowen recounted.
Miguel inquired, "Have you ever taken a life before?"
Rowen responded, "Yes, the first instance was an act of self-defense, but the subsequent occurrences were purely business."
Antonio concluded, "Very well. Please surrender your identification card and provide us with the contact information of your friend, Diego Martinez, so we can verify your identity." Rowen complied, handing over the details and a counterfeit ID card crafted by Jay earlier.
Miguel pointed to another door, instructing, "Go and wait in the hallway until you are summoned again."
Exiting the room, Rowen entered a hallway already occupied by individuals seated in two rows facing each other. Finding an empty chair between two men, he took a seat. The man to his right possessed a tall, slender frame with well-defined muscles, likely in his late thirties. The man on his left, though not as tall, boasted a broad build and plump physique.
Rowen attempted to engage them by greeting, "Buenos Dias," but only the man on his right responded.
"I'm Bryson Finley," Rowen introduced himself, extending his hand for a handshake.
"Santiago Perez," he replied, shaking Rowen's hand.
"Observing him for a while, Rowen inquired, 'You don't strike me as someone who has ever taken a life. What brings a man like you to a place such as this?'
The man responded, 'You're correct in assuming that I have never engaged in any criminal activities, including murder. However, my wife, Fernanda, has been battling a prolonged illness, and she urgently requires surgery. Unfortunately, I lack the financial means to cover her medical expenses. Despite my efforts to secure gainful employment, I have been unsuccessful thus far. Hence, I find myself here today, hoping to secure a job opportunity.'
Meanwhile, in a separate location, Antonio dialed a number and spoke into the phone, 'Greetings, may I have the pleasure of speaking with Diego Martinez?'
Diego, on the other end of the line, replied, 'Yes, this is he. May I inquire as to who is calling?'
Antonio continued, 'I am contacting you on behalf of Fabrica De Jabon LA Corona Soap Company. A mutual acquaintance of ours, Bryson Finley, recently submitted an application for employment with us. We required someone to verify his identity, hence why we decided to reach out to you.'
Overjoyed, Diego exclaimed, 'Goodness gracious! Is this truly happening? I always believed in Bryson's potential, and I'm thrilled to hear that he has secured employment. You see, Bryson and I have been acquainted for quite some time, and I can attest to his unwavering work ethic. Employing him will undoubtedly be a wise decision. May I share a little secret with you? When I first met Bryson, I must admit I wasn't particularly fond of him due to his perpetually serious demeanor. However, as time went on...'"
Before Diego could complete his sentence, Antonio promptly concluded the call.
"I merely sought Diego's confirmation of Bryson's identity, but instead, he proceeded to ramble incessantly. It astonishes me how one can maintain a friendship with someone like that."
Antonio turned his attention to Miguel, who was engrossed in the computer screen. "I have successfully breached the security of the 'Arenia Casino' computer system, where Mason claimed to have worked. It has been confirmed that his name is indeed listed among the former employees," Antonio revealed. Miguel nodded, acknowledging the falsity of Mason's identity.
"Alright then, let the next candidate enter," Diego instructed the guards stationed outside.
After a few hours had passed, all the applicants were summoned back into the room. Diego addressed the group, "You all came here today in pursuit of employment. However, we regret to inform you that we have limited vacancies available. I have here a list containing the names of the successful applicants who will proceed to the next stage."
The list read as follows:
1. Lucas Alvarez
2. Emiliano Castillo
3. Joaquin Cisneroz
4. Nicolas Delgado
5. Lorenzo Estrada
6. Santiago Perez
7. Dante Fuentes
8. Salvador Gonzalez
9. Enzo De Leon
10. Bryson Finely
11. Edgar Herrera
12. Arnesto Diaz
13. Erick Garcia
14. Andreas Mendoza
15. Adolfo Dominguez
"For those whose names were not mentioned, we kindly ask you to leave the premises immediately. Furthermore, it is imperative that the events of today remain strictly confidential. Any breach of this confidentiality will result in severe consequences, including potential harm," Antonio announced, and the unsuccessful applicants exited the building.
"To the rest of you who have successfully advanced to the next stage, you will receive information regarding the location and time of the next phase. It is crucial that you arrive punctually, as we do not tolerate tardiness. Additionally, remember that the events that have transpired here today must not be disclosed to anyone else, as the consequences will be dire," Antonio concluded.
Congratulations to all those who have successfully advanced to the next stage. Detailed information regarding the location and time will be communicated to you promptly. Punctuality is of utmost importance, as tardiness will not be tolerated. It is crucial that the events of today remain strictly confidential. Breaching this confidentiality will have severe consequences. Miguel emphasized the need for discretion and provided additional instructions before allowing everyone to depart.
