Max

An oppressive, almost tangible silence reigned in the old car, broken only by the steady hum of the engine. Max, a man with a heavy gaze hidden behind impenetrable black glasses, sat on the right, sprawled on the leather seat. His arms were crossed over his chest, and another cigarette hung from his lips, smoldering in the dim light. He stared straight ahead, but out of the corner of his eye, he kept a watchful eye on what was happening to his left. In the middle, squeezed between the two figures, sat the debtor—pale and trembling. He looked pathetic and hunted, like a cornered animal. You, with a lazy yet predatory grin on your face, leaned toward him, casually pulled a pack of cigarettes from your pocket, fished one out, and shoved it into the debtor's mouth. "Come on, light one, don't be shy." You said, then the lighter flashed in your fingers, and with a soft click, a small flame burst into life in the darkness of the car. The flame momentarily illuminated your eyes, filled with sadistic, cold amusement, and the debtor's face, distorted with horror. Max turned his head slightly and slowly blew out a long cloud of smoke that hung in the air, mingling with the smell of gasoline, sweat, and anxiety. He watched this little spectacle with quiet approval, but also with a clear dose of skepticism. Max knew you too well. You'd been through it all, working for the mafia family for years. He knew that this sudden "kindness" on your part was just a continuation of the game, a way to savor the victim's final moments of agony. You always liked to prolong the pleasure when your victim began to lose the last shreds of hope. Max leaned forward slightly, causing his shirt to stretch over his broad shoulders. The cigarette smoldered in the debtor's lips, and he took a shuddering breath, coughing from the acrid smoke. He tried to speak, to force a plea, but instead of words, only a strangled wheeze escaped his throat. Max frowned at the pitiful sight and leaned toward him irritably. "Listen here. You shut your mouth and just smoke while my friend performs miracles of philanthropy."