I got invited to a party today Options

[Reidar]

I’ve had a pretty bizarre school semester so far this year. You may remember a couple of altercations I was in that I wrote about and shared. I didn’t think much of them at the time, but what happened today makes me suspect an underlying connection for all of this.

I was out on my daily jog through Vasona Park, a populated area that you wouldn’t expect a need for exercising caution. There’s a bridge at the end of the actual park area that overpasses the bay, and it was here that I happen to catch a black car quietly pull up a few meters behind me as I stopped to stretch out and drink from the fountain. I pretend not to notice, but from the corner of my eye, I could see it to be a banged-up Ford Taurus, black and far from conspicuous. Sure enough, once I resume onward, I hear the throaty growl of the engine rise as it follows me. Now, I have no idea who this is or what motives are involved, but I sure as hell don’t intend on staying around and finding myself on the wrong side of a bad incentive. I turn the corner and calmly trot through a tunnel that traces along the underside of the dam. They stick to my trail like a fat kid on cake, but at enough of a distance so that I don’t realize what’s happening – at least, from their perspective. This allows me time to clear the corner and double back up the side of the dam so that I can get behind them. I walk up, hop the fence, walk down, and continue through the tunnel again, where I can see the car in front of me. Two grown men in black suits have gotten out and are looking around. As I get nearer, I can hear their exchange.

"God dammit! Where did he go?"
"How the **** did we lose him?"
"Jericho ain't gonna like this. Your ass is as good as dead."
"Oh, yeah? You're the one who can't ****ing see jack."
"Don't ****ing start with me..."

By this time, I've casually strolled up right behind them. Ever the diplomat, I go, "Gentlemen, I'm sure we can come to some sort of an agreement."

They jump about two feet in the air. "Allow me to introduce myself," I offer as my fist plants itself squarely in the first lackey's jaw, throwing him back. I grab the shirt collar of the second one. "Urgh! Wait!" he screams as I reel my elbow back to show him my regards.
"Wait, Reidar! We didn't come to fight you!"
"What?" I inquire.
"We were sent to deliver a message to you! Please!"
I slowly let the guy go. The one I had decked lurches to his feet, clutching at his face.
"We were sent to relay an invitation to you."
"From who?" I demand. "Who do you work for? And how do you know my name?"
"Oh, everyone knows your name, now," the injured one says. Did I detect just a hint of smugness in his tone? "You're a ****ing celebrity, practically, with all of the trouble you've been getting into. And a fighter of your caliber in this humble, quaint little city...it's more than enough to attract some attention."
"Yeah, well, I didn't ask for that," I growl. "And I don't care for your petty little social meanderings."
"Well, perhaps this will pique your interest," the other minion says as he pulls out an envelope. "This is for you. It's from our boss."
"What is it? And who the hell is your boss?"
"It's an invitation. Our boss is an extremely high-ranking official of a telecommunicative infrastructure."
"A mob."
"Uh...t-that's one way of looking at it..." he stammers. "You don't know him, but he knows you. He knows everyone."
"And Mr. Jericho is holding a party at his mansion, the location and details being enclosed in that slip," finishes the other, almost as if this was rehearsed. "He's very interested in you being his guest."
"Very interested," the other one chimes in.
"Yeah, right." I laugh. "Sorry, but this crap ain't my cup of tea."
"Oh, we think this will be in your best interest. He would like to make a...business proposal to you."
"Oh? What about?"
"We've said too much already," the second goon quickly says. "It's up to you, Reidar. All of the details are in the envelope."

And with that, they both retreat back into the car. As they drive off, I can't help but smirk when I notice that the one I punched is still holding on to his jaw.

So, here I am now, considering my options. Pretty weird day, I have to say.