The Castle: Part One.

Part- One

He had a thick German accent to his English. His right hand clutched a newspaper rolled into a pipe. It was actually a bit cold and I sat sipping my coffee. He sat across the table and faced me.

‘Are you the man who talked on the phone?’

‘Yes.’ I said.

‘Where are you from?’

‘Where do you think I am from?’ I wanted to know how his brain worked.

‘I can’t say. Half-Persian- Half-American? I don’t care!’ He stared at me.

‘Let’s not discuss complicated things.’

‘I agree. So, you want to see the castle. Huh? I know someone who can arrange that. But, you should be careful enough to not tell anyone. There is a reason why they protect it and tell the world that there is nothing like that. Still, a few people come looking for it and we deal with them.’ He paused and looked around.

‘I have heard these stories before. I am considered as an expert in this field. What do I owe you to take me there?’ I crossed right into the matter.

‘2500 Euros. No bargain no complaint. Plain and simple. You pay half now and half later. Agreed?’ He unrolled the newspaper. It was Tuesday’s newspaper in which the hot news was about the assassination attempt on the French President. ‘Bad thing. The assassination attempt. He’s a good guy. Bang lot of girls!’ He said, noticing my gaze at the President’s photo. I did not bother to ask what his idea of good was. He was probably the descendent of the violent Celts once ruled this place.

‘Tomorrow morning at 9. I will arrange a taxi to half the way up there.’ He offered.

‘Why half? Why not go all the way?’ I was intrigued.

‘Taxi drivers do not like going up there.’ He said irritably.

‘So, we’ve to walk the rest?’ I was already tired.

‘No. My friend will pick us up from where the taxi leaves us.’ He said.

‘Your friend? Who is he?’ I asked.

‘Let’s not discuss complicated things. You want to go there? You go my way…’ He said sharply. I shuddered at his tone. It was like a beast in chains lunging at me.

‘Alright with me. Just being careful. I don’t know you… or your friend.’ I defended.

‘You don’t have to. So, tomorrow morning. Be ready.’ He got up and left and in a few seconds he couldn’t be seen among the crowd.

My coffee was cold.

(To be Continued…)