THE ALGORITHM

12.

The older man sat in his recliner with a book in his hands. His glasses sat on the tip of his nose as he murmured silently. The ringing alarm caught his attention. He pulled up and immediately grabbed his monitor to check his surveillance camera. A notification popped up, informing him that his cameras were offline. He furrowed his brows while standing up to check his modem.

"You might want to take a seat."

The man almost jumped out of his skin. He dropped his book, turned around, and looked over his glasses. A tall stranger stood before him, dressed in concealed clothing. There was nothing friendly about him. In fact, he seemed dark and malicious.

"Whoa. What is this? Who are you?"

"Sit down and shut your mouth." The intruder demanded without raising his voice. "Or I'll shut it up for you."

Slowly, the man took a seat in his recliner. His eyes never left the intruder. He held his mouth agape as his heart drummed. Something was wrong. He inspected the man's attire and assumed he was going to get robbed.

"All the money I have here is in that safe, right over there." He pointed at the heavy, iron chest. "You can t-take everything. The combination is-"

"I don't want your money, Bert." The intruder pushed out.

Bert looked up in curiosity. He wasn't surprised by the sudden call of his name. Bert was well-known around Manhattan. He owned one of the greatest restaurants in the heart of the borough. The man ran ads and appeared on television, newspapers, and billboard posters. Bert's face was recognizable.

"I don't know what this could be about," Bert muttered, head shaking lightly. "I um...I don't do anything wrong. I don't owe anyone–"

"I thought I told you to shut up." The intruder warned him. "You sit there and you listen to me carefully. The cops are snooping around, and I want you to keep quiet. If they try to speak with you, decline and walk away."

"What is this about?" Bert looked around in puzzlement.

"Don't play stupid." The intruder rasped. "Luis Bellamy's body was found about a week ago. The police are investigating his unexpected death."

Bert sat there stiffly, trying not to give away anything. He was aware that Luis had died on the boat. He also knew that Penny had a date with the man the same night Luis decided to kick the bucket. He was unsure if she had anything to do with it, but her sudden disappearance made her look guilty. Penny didn't bother to come in to work or respond to his messages.

"I don't know anything about that." Bert lied.

"You're going to sit here and lie in my face?" The man questioned him as he screwed his face in anger. "You know exactly what happened because you're the conspirator."

"I'm innocent, I–"

"I don't want to hear your phony story. All I want you to do is stay quiet. Don't talk to anyone about anything. Don't mention Penny's name. Keep it to yourself. If I find out you're talking, I will handle you."

The intruder prepared to leave but stopped when Bert decided to say something.

"Penny?" Bert questioned the man. "That kid...S-she has something to do with this? Where is she?"

The man didn't bother to turn around. He stood there and said, "Don't try to put your nose in places it doesn't belong."

"Well.." Bert stood up, dumbfounded with a curious glance. "What happens if I don't stay quiet?"

The intruder remained quiet and quickly drew out his silenced pistol. He aimed at Bert's leg and pulled the trigger.

Pffst!