Chapter 4: Evil intervention
Mr. Parazzi was relaxing in the open-air pool of his three-story suburban house. Amidst palm trees and the expansive grounds of his home, he sipped tequila while floating on a full-length inflatable raft. Life held many pleasures for him, since he had become magnificently rich, and had colleagues who could change the paths of world economy. He was content with his position and power. He had a family, friends, and, of course, MONEY. What more could he need?
"Sir, a call for you."
Parazzi removed his sunglasses.
"Who is it, butler?"
"It is an urgent call, Sir. The gentleman insisted on speaking to you immediately.
Parazzi sighed and pushed himself closer to the pool's edge so that his butler could hand him the phone. The butler then walked off, nose held high.
"Yes?"
"Mr. Luciano Parazzi, do you know who this is?"
Parazzi gripped the side of the raft. Robotnik. He vividly remembered his incident with the dangerous madman some years ago. It had happened two weeks after his restaurant had opened. He had refused Robotnik entrance to the restaurant since he had no escort or anyone accompanying him, for that matter. Luciano had also refused admittance of Robotnik's robots. Those metal men followed him wherever he went, but Luciano was adamant. No robots, androids or cyborgs allowed, just simple organic beings. Robotnik had made quite a scene and stamped off minutes later, his robots escorting him. It had taken quite a toll on the restaurant owner's blood pressure. Now, what did Robotnik want? From the stories his customers told, Luciano knew only too well what Robotnik was capable of.
"Dr. Ivo Robotnik. How n-nice of you to call me, signor. Is there some business you wish to conduct?"
On the other end of the line, Robotnik smirked. The uneasiness was plain in the ferret's voice.
"I know that today, you offered a certain blue hedgehog by the name of Sonic two VIP passes to your prominent restaurant. I am giving you a simple choice: Refuse admittance, or face the consequences."
Luciano's blood pressure acted up again. He sank back into the raft.
"What…" he managed to croak.
"Yes, Parazzi, refuse to entertain that blue rodent and his friend, or I will be forced to entertain you, rather distastefully, I might add."
With that, Robotnik cut the connection. Luciano dropped the phone, which struck the water and slowly sunk to the base of the pool. Then he called for his butler.
Luciano had remembered the name written on Sonic's hat. Some minutes later the manager of a pizza delivery service received a call from Mr. Parazzi. He was asked where a young man by the name of Sonic would be. The manager did not know; Sonic did not have any phone number. The caller was frantic.
"Where might I contact him?" he asked.
"I do not have a specific phone
number. But, he arrives here every day at eight AM sharp for work. You may
leave a message for him if you wish?"
"Thank you, signor! Please,
tell him this…"