1-14:Porn Again (part1)

Donnie stared, then took the paper, holding it in much the same way as one would with any unexpected bill.

‘Of course, if you have Police Cover, the bill is of no consequence.’

‘Oh, nice to know,’ said Donnie with a smile.

Major Smith saluted smartly.

Donnie, whipped off a quick, though appallingly executed, salute in response. He’d watched far too much Benny Hill in his formative years.

As the helicopters lifted off and departed, Donnie turned to face the man who had met him.

‘Follow me, sir.’ said The Assistant, leading the way into the building.

‘What’s your name by the way,’ asked Donnie. ‘I’m sure we’ve met.’

‘I have possessed several jobs over the last few years,’ said the man, speaking as he walked.

‘Nice to know you’re employable,’ Donnie commented, frowning at the badly-lit concrete corridors which reminded him of every 70′s spy movie he’d ever seen. Small bulbs flickered dimly behind barred covers. He half expected to be stopped suddenly by someone in a black hat and told some cryptic bunk that was bad for his health.

‘Indeed, sir,’ said the man, turning a corner and stopping beside the large doors of a Service Elevator. He pressed the button for the lift.  ‘I’m not authorised to go any further, sir.’

The doors opened with an elderly-sounding ‘Ding’. The speaker crackled and was silent.

‘Good luck,’ said the man, stepping back.

‘Oh, ta,’ said Donnie, stepping forwards and turning again to face the man. ‘Which button?’

‘Press ‘B’ sir.’

‘Ah, self explanatory, really,’ Donnie said and pressed the appropriate button. The doors slid closed.

Moments later, Donnie picked himself up off of the floor and tensed his stomach. He’d dropped fifty or more floors in a matter of seconds, and his lunch – whatever it had been – was trying to come up for a second chew.

He managed to stand again just as the doors slid open, revealing a moodily lit room, with plenty of deep and dark colours and the hint of incense in the air.