The Unidentified- Chapter 3
As Robert was ushered towards a battered-up taxi, a million questions popped into his mind. He was in a wave of total confusion. What was going on? He was just a tourist here. All he wanted was the holiday he had dreamed of for the past month. He realised that he needed answers, now.
The bulky stranger bundled Robert into the taxi, then made a fuss of getting into the drivers seat. The heat was even more intense in the car. It was enough to make you sweat just sitting there. It was like being in an oven and already there was perspiration beads forming on Robert’s forehead. The large African man now turned in his seat, revealing a large scar running the length of his face. Robert couldn’t see his eyes because of the man’s sunglasses, but he could sense them analysing him. Cutting up and probing the student sat in front of him. Then, as though he had made a decision, he spoke, again in terrible English.
“You come at a bad time, Grant. Things not normal at the moment. You shouldn’t come here.” the man mumbled.
Still completely baffled, Robert replied, “What are you talking about? I’m just a student from England. Well now I’m a qualified scientist, but… I’m just here for my holiday! I don’t understand!”
“Robert, bad things are happening here. Villagers disappear. We don’t know what is. All we know, that we are in trouble. Creatures steal humans in night. We call them ‘menslik diefs’. It means ‘human thieves’.”
“Look mate, all I want is a holiday. I don’t care about your little stories. I just want a break and your not helping.” Robert said slightly irritably.
“Whatever you say Mr. Grant, but now I take you to hotel. I am Abdul.” the man said politely.
“Err OK… nice to meet you Abdul, can you take me to my hotel now?” Robert asked.
Then, Abdul silently and solemnly turned back to the steering wheel. He choked the old, dirty vehicle into life and they set off. The air inside the car seemed to get warmer and thicker every minute.
Half an hour passed, and they were still driving. The roads were narrow, cobbled slums, now. The sides of the streets were clogged with refugees and small homeless children lined up. There seemed to be an endless amount of poverty here and after a few miles it still showed. Eventually after another ten minutes, the poor people seemed to fade, as though this very spot marked the end of their territory. Soon enough, in a much nicer looking area, the taxi pulled to a halt outside a luxurious hotel.
The hotel didn’t seem right in a place like this. It looked out of place in such a country. Everything about the place had a sense of apprehensiveness towards its surroundings. There were two bodyguards at the front door who waved Abdul past as Robert carried his hand luggage through the door. The inside had air-conditioning which Robert was very thankful for, but nothing could have prepared him for the inside of the hotel.
The reception had a very high ceiling with several chandeliers. All the furniture was a pristine white and the carpet was a thick burgundy colour. The walls were also a perfect white. Every factor of the place was truly amazing, yet almost too good. The price Robert had paid didn’t deserve accommodation this good. A hotel as nice as this didn’t belong here. It wasn’t right.
As the two approached the front desk, where a woman with immaculate uniform stood, ready to greet them, Robert whispered to Abdul, “What is going on? Why are we here? I know my hotel wasn’t as nice as this.”
“I was going to explain in car, but you were…” he paused to think of the word, “Impatient. We are here for reason, Robert. Your science knowledge is needed. There someone to meet you. Also, you been upgraded to this hotel.”
“I don’t understand! Who am I meeting? Is this to do with your silly stories about man-eating monsters?” Robert hissed.
Abdul left the question unanswered and silenced Robert with a flick of his hand. Then he spoke to the receptionist, received a key and led the way to a room a few floors up. There, in that room was the place where the unknown visitor would meet them.
The meeting took place several hours later. At around three o’clock, a man in a crumpled shirt burst in, drenched in sweat. He hadn’t shaved in several days and had deep blue eyes, filled with frustration. He was quite tall and handsome with jet black hair. He stood there looking from Robert to Abdul, as if he didn’t understand where he was. Soon however, Abdul introduced him.
“Mr. Grant, meet Mr. Nelson.” Abdul exclaimed.
“Please, call me Dave. Yeah I’m Dave Nelson.” Mr. Nelson said, his voice low and hushed, as though he was worried someone was eavesdropping on their conversation.
“Err Abdul, why am I here to meet him?” Robert asked, suspiciously.
“Well Robert, the stories I said are true. Mr. Nelson will tell.
“Yes. Well basically, Robert, these “stories” are one hundred per cent real.” Dave explained.
“Whatever. I don’t care. I just want a holiday. How can a stupid human-stealing creature be real?” Robert enquired.
“Oh its real. I know its real from personal experience.” Dave said urgently, “Its real because I watched my best friend get devoured by the beast.”
