Hoffman's visit to Saskia's flat was an eye-opener for both her and Harry. They discovered what seemed a fair gentle man with a very mysterious business. Harry still could not place him when he was a teenager, even though those days were as clear as day in his mind.
The stranger invited them both to his penthouse apartment in town. They were surprised to see where Hoffman lived. It was the most expensive block of apartments in town. Only the rich could afford such accommodation. "You live here?" Harry asked, looking up at the tower block from the court. "I can't believe you live here. This is just amazing." Hoffman smiled in reply as he led them into the main foyer and the escalator. And as the lift slowly made it's way to the twelfth floor, Hoffman took the opportunity to scan his eyes over Saskia. He liked what he saw and realised that he had never had the pleasure of such a young woman in ages. Harry was too busy watching the numbers flash on the board. "How many floors does this place have?" he asked.
"Eighteen. I'm on the twelfth." Hoffman replied just as the lift stopped and the doors opened onto a corridor. There were four apartments on each floor and he led them to his, sliding his key card through the reader and letting them in.
The apartment was spacious, a huge window opening up the afternoon autumn sunshine into the lounge. Everything was glass, stainless steel and soft cushioned furniture. A modern executives paradise. "Make yourself at home. Then I can talk business with you both."
Harry and Saskia sat together on the lush expensive settee. They could not believe that the place belonged to a man like Hoffman. He did not even look that affluent, just simply dressed and smelling of cheap aftershave. "How did you get this place?" Harry asked. Hoffman grinned in reply offering them both a cigarette. Saskia took one and shared the light from Hoffman's lighter as they both lit up.
"Lets just say, I inherited this place. Not family, but old acquaintances. Well, one of them anyhow. Such an amazing man who is no longer with us." Hoffman sat in an easy leather chair and looked at them both. "I'm glad you like it. It's far too big for me. I like something simpler. Would you like to live here?"
"What? Me? Here?" Harry was taken aback by the offer. "Are you taking the piss?"
"No. Bring your young lady friend with you. Settle down, get married, etcetera etcetera."
"You are taking the piss mate."
"Mister Hoffman, what is it you do?" Saskia asked. He looked back at her with a grin. Harry was still trying to let the offer sink home in his mind, still thinking it had to be a joke that was not exactly very funny. He hated people being patronising towards him and making jokes on his personal expense.
"My business my dear is life. Just as simple as that." Hoffman gave his reply still looking at her with desire to have her, take her as his, if ever that was possible. He could almost taste and smell her nubile essence from where he was sat. Pure imagination based upon past experiences.
"What exactly do you man by "life"? Harry asked with curiosity. "Life isn't a business."
"Oh yes it is. My business is very unique and very useful to many people, like yourself."
"Yeah yeah, so you said, but in what way?"
Hoffman looked at Saskia. "Run into the kitchen and fetch us some cold beers," he almost commanded with ease. He watched her closely as she left the lounge. "Your friend is very pretty Harry. I feel almost jealous of you." Hoffman laughed knowing that would wind up his guest.
In the kitchen, Saskia opened the fridge door to take out three cold cans of lager. Then her gaze met with something she never expected. In a glass jar there were lots of eyeballs crammed together pickled in some kind of fluid. When the initial shock had passed she realised that the contents were almost human, each one having their own individual colour. She shivered and closed the fridge door quickly.
"So, explain this business of yours more clearly?" Harry asked. Saskia handed out the cans of beer, then retained her place beside him as Hoffman pondered some kind of answer that would seem more understanding to his guests.
"Let's say I... settle scores for people. I once helped your stepfather many years ago. It was a great pleasure that I won't forget. And now I think I can help you the same way. These people who are making your life a misery. The ones that smashed your face for instance?"
"Oh wait! Don't mess with those guys. They are crazy."
"Nobody is crazy. Just stupid." Hoffman replied with his grin. "I can deal with them. Let's say as a favour in your case. You can have a freebie as I'm quite well off at the moment and I need some fun." His eyes continued to gaze on Saskia as he spoke.
"Look mate... no my girl ok?" Harry was quick to notice. "And these people I'm having bother with are not the kind to play any games. They are after my guts because they think I stole from them."
