The Seeker Infinity

Chapter 31 : Do I Wanna Know?

Suddenly, a sharp rap on the restaurant's door pierced the tense atmosphere, interrupting the heated conversation between Robert and Gary.

Gary and Robert exchanged wary glances before turning their attention to the door.

"Who is it?" Gary called out, his voice tinged with caution.

Robert's tone was more brusque as he shouted, "We're closed for today!"

The silence that followed was palpable, thick with tension as Gary and Robert exchanged uncertain glances. Then, another sharp knock reverberated through the room, breaking the stillness once more.

Gary rose from his seat with a sense of apprehension and approached the door cautiously. With a steady hand, he turned the knob and swung the door open, revealing the unexpected visitor on the other side.

Stefan Agapov's grin stretched across his face as he leaned casually against the door frame, his presence commanding attention.

"Is Robert Santiago here?" he inquired, his tone polite but carrying a subtle undercurrent of authority.

Gary's surprise was evident as he regarded Stefan with a questioning gaze. "Yes, he's here. What do you want from him?"

Stefan's expression remained unreadable as he simply replied, "I just need to ask something."

Gary hesitated for a moment before stepping aside, gesturing for Stefan to enter. "Come in, please," he said, his tone wary yet accommodating.

Stefan entered the room, his presence commanding attention as he fixed his gaze on Robert. "Hello, are you Robert Santiago?" he inquired, his voice calm yet carrying an air of authority.

Turning to face Robert directly, Stefan's expression shifted to one of seriousness. "I'm here to talk about something important," he explained, his tone reassuring. "You're not in trouble, don't worry."

His words were meant to offer a sense of comfort amid the uncertainty that hung in the air.

Stefan's inquiry cut through the tension in the room, his eyes fixed on Robert with unwavering intensity. "I heard that you are Melpomene's boss," he stated matter-of-factly.

Robert's surprise was evident as he met Stefan's gaze. "Yes, I am his boss. What about it?" he replied, his tone guarded.

Stefan continued, his voice tinged with urgency. "Well, my nephew has a personal grudge against Melpomene. May I ask where he is?"

Robert's confusion deepened as he struggled to comprehend Stefan's request. "I'm sorry, but I don't know where he is," he admitted, his brow furrowing in thought. "What grudge does your nephew have against Melpomene?"

Stefan's approach was deliberate, his presence commanding as he fixed Robert with a threatening gaze. "My nephew lost an arm because of Melpomene," he stated, his voice low and menacing.

Robert's shock was palpable as he processed Stefan's words, a cold shiver running down his spine. He swallowed hard, his eyes darting nervously between Stefan and Gary. "Do you know something about this?" he asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.

Gary's gaze flickered between Robert and Stefan, a hint of incredulity coloring his expression. "What's your nephew's name?" he inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Stefan's response was measured, his expression unreadable. "Malcolm Vern," he replied evenly.

Gary's eyes widened in shock at the revelation. "Are you kidding me? That bastard. I know him," he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. "He's a very violent and arrogant guy."

Stefan's demeanor remained unchanged, his tone serious. "He may be arrogant, but he's still my nephew," he stated firmly., "So tell me, where is Melpomene?"

Gary sighed, a sense of resignation creeping into his voice. "He's currently at his home. I can give you the address if you want."

Gary carefully wrote down the address on a piece of paper and handed it to Stefan. "Here," he said hesitantly, "this is the address. I hope you won't harm him. His life isn't worth your anger."

Stefan's gaze hardened, a glint of menace flickering in his eyes. "I decide who lives or dies," he stated coldly, his words laced with lethal intent.

A chill ran down Gary's spine as he recoiled from Stefan's intensity. "I-I didn't mean to offend you," he stammered, his voice trembling with fear. "I was just giving the address."

Stefan's gaze remained fixed on Gary for a moment longer, a silent warning lingering in the air, before he finally turned away and strode out of the room without another word. The weight of his presence seemed to linger even after he had left, leaving Gary feeling unsettled in his wake.

Robert's expression darkened with anger and disappointment as he confronted Gary. "Why the hell did you tell him Melpomene's location?" he demanded, his voice laced with frustration.

Gary met Robert's glare with defiance, his own anger simmering beneath the surface. "Are you fucking dumb!? That guy... That guy is very dangerous," he retorted sharply, his tone tinged with urgency. "If he wants to, he can easily kill us right there."

Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, Stefan's gaze fell upon the hooded figure lurking in the shadows. "Are you here for me," he inquired coolly, "or the people inside the restaurant?"

To be continued.....