I stood their, speechless. I was completely lost for words. Then Antonio, seeing the look on my face, spoke again.

"Yes, yes, I know muchacho, it's a lot to take in, but have a seat, and let's talk about things."

I followed him to the other side of the room, where there were a couple of comfortable-looking armchairs and a small table with cookies and drinks.

"Take what you want" said Antonio, pushing the tray with the cookies closer to me.

But I still didn't have any appetite after everything that had happened in the last few days.

"No thankyou" I managed to say.

Why was I being so polite with this guy? Oh yes, because I knew that he could probably chop my head off in a matter of seconds with the little kitchen knife sitting on the small table. I almost forgot. I had to play things easy, for the moment, maybe even accept the job offer if I had to. I would just have to wait for the right moment to plan my escape out of their stupid base, or wherever I was.

"Now, about this job." he said. Even though he had put the cigar down, his breath still absolutely stank the place out. "I am asking you, Zack, if you want to form part of our organization. Firstly, because we need someone to replace George. And secondly, because we need someone just like you in our group."

"But.. why me?" I asked "Did you just pick a random teenager in the entire city, or...?"

"No, no, muchacho." laughed Antonio "You see, we have been looking into a few teenagers around this area, but when I set my eyes on you, I knew you were the one. I just knew it. You have great abilities, Zack."

"Stop making me sound so special!" I said, irritated.

It was then when I realized that I had spoken a little too loud and angry; a big mistake. But seeing that Antonio's expression didn't change, I continued.

"Look, I don't exactly understand why you chose me. I'm not strong, not much of a fighter, I even dropped out of school, and now I spend my time reading books! I'm sorry, but you couldn't have chosen anyone worse!"

"Oh, you don't understand, Zack." he said.

"I know. I don't. In fact, I could tell you at least twenty other guys in my school that-"

"STOP!"

I jumped back in surprise, for he had said it so sudden.

"Zack" he said clearly "My men have been watching you quite a bit lately- for example the one on the bench in the park -and they say you are an intelligent guy, a person who observes each aspect and detail of the world around you, and finally - this is my favourite part - you are a lonely person."

I almost snorted, but I held it back at the last second.

"Gee, thanks. Thanks for the reminder" I muttered.

"No, no, Zack, I'm not insulting you. This is just perfect for the job."

"But...why?" I asked, extremely puzzled.

Antonio then leaned forward in his chair abruptly and spoke quietly, almost a whisper into my ear.

"Because sometimes, the less contacts you have the better."

But then, seeing that I was still lost, he continued:

"We live in a dark world, Zack. Full of bad people."

Full of people like you I thought, but didn't say it out loud.

"We don't want little tale-tales running about the city, shouting out our darkest plans and secrets, do we? So that's why we stay hidden in the shadows, and choose carefully about who we recruit next."

I was about to mumble a little "Oh" of agreement, but Antonio just straightened up again, and prettended nothing had happened, so I just kept my mouth shut.

"So, muchacho" he said, rubbing is hands together "The great moment has arrived"

All of a sudden, my heart started to pump a little faster, and my body felt slightly warmer. I was about to start sweating all over, but I just kept my chin high and concealed it as best as I could.

"Will you take the job?"

What was happening to him? This last sentence had sounded a bit strange, and his eyes were flickering wildly, impatiently, maybe even with glee.

"So?" he asked slowly.

It was clear what he wanted me to do: Accept the job. But was I really up to becoming a killer? I mean, I only was 16. I had a normal life to live. Well, at least a job to find, to begin with. Yes, it could be hard, but to suddenly become an asassin for no good reason,... it was just a step too far. It was so strange how my life had just changed in a matter of days, from reading Shakespeare to possibly end up kiling people. And besides, they were the bad guys, the criminals that haunted the streets of my city. Whatever their plans where, it was surely something evil. Very evil.

After a lot of thought, I finally sighed and came to a conclusion.

"Look, I'm sorry Antonio, but I... I can't do this. I suppose I'm just not the guy for the job, because killing people in cold blood..." I tried to say it as smoothly as I could, even though it was a horrible thought "... just not my thing. Sorry."

There was a moment of awkward silence.

But suddenly, out of the blue, Antonio's expression changed completely. His cheerful smile transformed into a scowl, and he got up menacingly.

"All right then, kid. It seems like you chose wrong. We're going to be doing this the hard way."

Two men burst in through the door, walking straight for me.

"Wait, what?!" I said alarmed. "You gave me a choice! Now just let me go!"

"Ha! You maybe are more stupid than I thought." growled Antonio "We can't have you running about the place, free! You'll probably just go straight back to the police station. You've already had enough courage to go once. How do we know you won't do it again a second time?"

"But...but I don't know anything!" I shouted, as the men picked me up as if I was as light as a feather, and started to walk away. "I don't know hardly any of your names, I don't know who you are and what you will do. I don't even know where I am right now!"

"Yeah, whatever Zack. But just to be extra sure, we'll keep you here for a while."

"No! No!" I shouted again and again "You can't do this to me! I'm just an innocent teenager! You got me into all this mess in the first place, you killer! Murderer!"

"Oh, you finally realized what I really am" said Antonio "I got tired of playing nice ages ago! Thanks for the compliment anyway!"

"Set me free! Please, I didn't do anything wrong!"

But Antonio just laughed. I pushed and struggled and squirmed to get free, but the men were way too strong for me.

"You know what Antonio?" I said "You'll never be like your father or your ancestors! Never!"

His smile then disappeared once again.

"Yeah, you ugly skunk! You're just a phsycho and a maniac, that just terrorizes his city by murdering and kidnapping people.  They were all proffessionals and powerful men. But you,..." I made an expression of complete disgust "You know, internally, we both know that you're a complete-"

He didn't let me finish my sentence, for a great fist slammed into the side of my head, and I was out inmediately.