Cora, Book 1, It Begins

Chapter 27, Zor Lok

Guito had made it to the body shop just before three. He headed up the stairs to the top floor that was Tony's office. He got off the elevator and entered the vestibule. In front of him were two huge rippled glass entry doors almost touching the ten foot ceilings. . He buzzed the buzzer then looked up to the right so the person on the other end of the camera could identify him.

The lock buzzed and Guito entered the office. Looking over at Tony's huge desk he saw three suited men sitting facing Tony. Off to the left and right side of them were four enforcers. This was just typical so it didn't trouble him at all. However, looking out the front window was what looked like a huge praying mantis some seven feet tall with a body close to twelve feet long. It freaked him out but his life long training wouldn't let those feelings out. He just casually looked back at Tony and headed over to his desk.

Tony stood up. "Guito, please let me introduce you to Mr. Giovani, Mr. Rossi and Mr. Bianchi."

All three men just nodded without raising or attempting to shake his hand. This immediately told Guito everything he had to know about them. They were much higher up the food chain and are to be treated as such.

"Please have a seat," Tony said pointing at the one open chair. Guito did as told.

As soon as he sat down Mr. Giovani turned to him. He was loaded Guito thought. His watch was worth more than Guito earns in a year and his suit must have cost thousands. Not a hair was out of place. Perfectly trimmed moustache and manicured nails. Guito already disliked him. "Tellme, how do you plan to ensure our shipments get through without anymore mishaps?"

Guito looked him straight in the eye, he could show no fear or intimidation or else they would not respect him and if they didn't respect him he probably wouldn't get out of the office alive. "We will continue with late night times. We are changing the exchange locations for each shipment. We will be using small public or private piers. We are doubling our guard force." Guito responded knowing not to mince words, clear and to the point.

What about you're manpower issue?" Giovani asked.

"We will be using the motorcycle club until family re-enforcement arrives," Guito answered.

Giovani turned and looked at him again. "Do you trust them?"

Guito did not break eye contact and answered immediately "No."

Giovani looked over at Rossi, When will our men get here?"

"In four days sir," Rossi's responded.

Giovani looked up at the mantis who was still staring out the window. It made a series of clicks of different lengths and tones. Giovani turned to Tony. "We can't wait until then, when is the next exchange planned for?"

"Tomorrow night sir."  Tony responded.

"Good, make it happen," Giovani said as he started to rise.

Guito took a big chance "why the girls' sir?"

Tony glared at him, that was way out of line. Giovani looked at him for a few seconds before looking at the mantis. The mantis started clicking again. Guito thought that this was it, he was done. When the mantis finished Giovani looked back at Guito. "We use them to develop our hybrid soldiers."

Guito nodded. That told him everything he wanted to know.

The mantis still looking out the window started to click again. "He wants to know who those young humans are."

Tony got up and wandered to the window. Looking down he saw three teenagers heading along the sidewalk pushing and shoving each other while they laughed. "That looks like the two farmer kids and the witches daughter,"

Guito please come up here. Guito got up and wandered to the window. He found the smell of the mantis thing nauseating, somewhat like rotting fish. Looking out he saw Greg, Cora and Lisa. Both the girls jumping on Greg's back. Guito managed to maintain his cool "Yes sir you are correct, I am unsure of their last names though."

The mantis thing started to click again. Giovani translated "they must die"

Guito remained stoic but cringed inside. He wasn't going to let that happen.

The visitors then all headed for the door. No pleasantries were exchanged.