The Cold Caller

‘Yeah, man - s'up?  What's with all the knocking? Chill!’ Zak flung open the door to check out his unexpected caller; a slight figure with a pasty complexion, rather prominent incisors and eyes hidden behind tinted lenses. ‘Hey, is that a silver top on that cane, guy? Like, a skull - awesome! Ain't seen nothin' like that before.’

‘Good day to you, sir. My name is Gregor. My apologies for disturbing you in this way…’

‘Whatever you're sellin', I ain't buyin'.’  Zak stuffed his hands deep into the pockets of low-slung, baggy shorts, and coolly regarded his visitor.

‘Oh no, you mistake. I don’t wish to sell you any things, I can assure you. Quite the contrary. Maybe you could invite me into your home and I can explain further?’

‘Waall, I really don't know...I got food comin' soon and then I'm headin' to the skate park, so-  Hey, cool shades though, man. Chiller than any Wayfarers.’ Gregor did indeed cut a dapper figure; waistcoat with gold watch chain under his long, tailored coat, hat in his hand. Zak estimated him to be slightly older than his own father. Late fifties, early sixties maybe, but with a curiously old fashioned air about him.

‘Shades? Oh, you mean my tinted spectacles. I have a sensitivity to light you see, so I have these specially made for me.’

‘Yeah, you gotta rad steampunk vibe goin' on there, with the cane and the Matrix coat and everything. Kinda reminds me of that guy in that film? You know the one...zombies or somethin'? No, vampires, that's it. Yeah, vampires.’

‘I don't think I'm au fait with such a thing, but as I was saying, if you could invite me inside I have a proposition to discuss that could prove most advantageous to you.’ Gregor edged closer to the door, pushing his foot surreptitiously towards the step.

‘Well okay, that’s cool, I kinda like your style. Call me Zak, by the way. Oh hey, that's my delivery dude pulling up. I'll just pay him then we can chill. Grab a beer and a bite.’

‘A bite? Oh, that sounds like a most excellent idea! Wait, what is inside those boxes? What is that smell?’

‘I got pizza – extra pepperoni – and loads of garlic bread. The chef makes it extra garlicky for me – you’re gonna love it. Hey, hey mister. Gregor! Where you goin', bro'? I thought we were gonna hang?’