The Proposition

TAKAHASHI

"I'm outside your house, Paul. I need to discuss a few things with you," I said with the phone pressed against my left ear. I was gazing at the two-story house of Paul Del Rosario the morning after the big event that had taken place.

While listening to his response, I had a feeling that he was somehow annoyed with me. It wasn't something new though. People tend to hate me and I savor their distaste.

"Ah, yes, I could have asked you to do that. However, I had wanted to see your house again and I also needed a change of scenery," I stated after hearing him tell me that I could have asked him to come over to save myself all the trouble.

I find it amusing and at the same time had somehow expected it. Filipinos are known for their hospitality. It was one of the things which my father had loved about them.

I felt and saw how that goes for everyone I had met. Allan Cortez never failed to shower me and my men each and every time we met with such a hospitable characteristic.

In all honesty, I will miss receiving that kind of welcome and generosity from him. But did I regret what I had done? I smirked.

Regret is for the weak. My father had once said that. He added that I should not have any regrets and take pride in my accomplishments.

I considered what happened last night as one of my greatest accomplishments. Hence, I don't feel any remorse.

"That would have ruined the element of surprise, wouldn't it?" I added hearing him say that I should have at least called before coming over.

"Take your time, Paul." I glanced at my watch. Paul Del Rosario just told me to give him ten minutes. I'm an easy guy to talk with.

"Sure," with that, the call had finally come to its end. I sat inside the car, pondering about something. At the back of my mind, there was something that seemed to bug me.

I gave my watch another glance, drumming my fingers on my lap, trying to drown out my impatience.

As the minutes ticked by, I allowed my thoughts to drift on some happy memories. I could vaguely remember the first time I had met Mary Serrano. She was with Margaux. They were laughing at something.

The two of them appeared to have little or no care about their surroundings. They were lost in their own little world.

Briefly, our eyes met while I was passing by and Mary Serrano offered me a faint smile. I inclined my head, gesturing acknowledgment to her silent greeting.

It was the first time my father had brought me with him to get acquainted with the Mafia community we are affiliated within the Philippines.

Allan Cortez had, as he would normally do, hosted a party in lieu of my father coming back after a few months of staying in Japan.

I could clearly recall thinking about how beautiful Mary Serrano was. There was something about her that seemed to have piqued my interest.

I was in my twenties then and she probably must be around seventeen or eighteen or maybe even younger. I really couldn't tell. It was another one of those Filipino things. They tend to look younger than their actual age.

After that instance, I couldn't get her out of my mind. The gatherings and parties which Allan Cortez held following that eventful meeting with Mary Serrano, I was giddy. I began to look forward to seeing her even though I have yet to know who she was and neither did she know who I am.

Briefly remembering how Margaux Cortez had pulled the trigger, grazing Mary in the process and injuring his hand, I can't help but be furious.

Who did she think she was dragging my future wife like that and also tainting her flawless face with a graze from a bullet?

On top of that, Margaux had the audacity to kill Myojo and Daisuke. Those two were the most loyal to me. And now, I will have to find new people to replace them. Which explains why I was outside of Paul Del Rosario's house at eight in the morning.

I have decided to make an offer for him. One that I was certain, he can't say no to.

I glanced at my watch for the third time. Ten minutes was almost up.

I waited, tapping my foot, counting down the seconds.

Finally hitting zero, I opened the door of the car and stepped out, the men I had brought with me following suit.

An engine revving to life caught my attention. It seemed to have come from a few blocks away. In a few minutes, I heard the car zooming away.

Positioning myself by the gate to Paul Del Rosario's house, I rang his doorbell. I had pressed it twice before the gate swung open.

I took the time to walk inside, savoring the smell of wet soil. The rain had lasted for hours. Eventually, it stopped somewhere mid-morning.

By the time I had reached the front door, Paul Del Rosario was standing right there and I was right to guess that he did not look happy to see me.

I smiled, approaching him.

"Paul," I said upon gradually reaching where he was.

"Takahashi, to what do I owe the pleasure of your presence in my humble abode?" I smirked, gesturing to the inside of what appeared to be a living room behind him.

The house seemed different. The last time that I was here, the arrangement seemed to be in contrast to what I had pictured out in my memory.

I shrugged, eyeing him.

"Won't you invite me inside first?" I asked which Paul seemed to have thought over before finally stepping aside, allowing me entrance to his home.

I was right to assume that he had made a few rearrangements. The sofa was in a different angle and also there was some new notable furniture.

Turning to face Paul, I plastered a grin.

"Can I not drop by for a friendly visit?" Paul smiled faintly.

"Right. Because you love giving those," I did not miss the sarcasm on his response. It made me feel a little glad to find that he was partly annoyed.

"It's true though. I came here on friendly terms."

"I feel honored Takahashi," Again, the sarcasm laid thick in his tone.

"You should be," I paused letting my eyes wander around. "After all, I did come here to make you an offer."

Paul didn't seem to find this pleasing, I could clearly feel his irritation. I could only theorize why he appeared to be so displeased with my uncalled for visit.

Option number one, I must have disrupted him in the middle of doing something. Whatever would that be, I could picture out some women being involved in it.

I can't blame him if that was indeed the reason. But I wasn't sorry and I wasn't about to apologize either.

Option number two, there was something he didn't want me to know about.

Our talk last night had somehow triggered this second option. The way he had warned me about underestimating Margaux Cortez seemed to have a deeper or maybe different meaning which he had chosen to mask in the form of notifying me.

"Offer? What offer would that be Takahashi?" I smirked.

"You, Paul Del Rosario, is hereby chosen to work closely with me from now on," I paused, gauging a reaction from him. However, he was merely looking at me, waiting for me to finish what I was saying.

"I offer you the position of being my underboss."