~2.2~

He approached the tan and cream colored van from the front, giving him the clearest view inside. Its windows were tinted up to the legal limit, which was higher for the side and back than for the windshield and front door windows… that aside, the curtains were drawn around the back.

There were curtains separating the front seats from the passenger area, as well, though they were open a bit. He leaned in over the hood of the van, peering straight back into the semi-darkness. He saw nothing but what he expected to see… the dignified figure of Mama… the head, heart, and soul of tribe.

She saw him, acknowledged him with a welcoming nod, and reached over to flick a switch in the armrest of her bench. He heard the van’s locks click.

He walked around to the sliding door, set the drink carrier down, and then opened the door with a single quick jerk, jumping back and surveying the van’s interior before the sliding panel had even reached the end of its track. There was only the single bench in the back, and the spaces beneath and behind it were stuffed full of various necessities, emergency supplies, and the sundry worldly possessions of the vehicle‘s occupant… there was nowhere to hide inside the van. Satisfied that no hidden enemies lurked inside the vehicle, he stepped forward, stooping down before the opening… but not actually climbing inside. That would require him to get down on his knees.

“Well, well,” Mama said. “My elusive head of eastern security turns up at last.”

“It has been too long, Mama,” he said, making a small bow.

“My door’s always open to you, Ivan,” she said.

“What door is not?” he asked, with a cold, wolfish grin.

“Should I assume your visit to my humble home has something to do with the reason my driver is late?” she asked him.

“What are you talking about?” Ivan replied, holding up the drink carrier. “Your driver is here.”