Terror Kid Read Online Free Page B

staff will make a note of what you want me to do.’
    â€˜No, I can’t do that. Come on. Let’s walk. I’ll explain why.’
    Rico looked around as he thought about walking away. As he caught Speech’s eye, Speech cracked a smile.
    â€˜Trust me,’ said Speech. ‘It’s a job, a good job. If you don’t want it, don’t take it – but at least hear me out.’
    â€˜OK. But that’s all I’m doing. Hearing you out,’ replied Rico nervously.
    They began to move away from the demonstration, but Speech dictated the route, and as they walked Speech made small talk about the weather, the rising price of music downloads, and the lack of good music in the charts. Rico kept looking around trying to see if there was anyone else involved, others who might be watching and waiting, but he saw nothing that looked suspicious. After a bit more small talk, he didn’t feel he was in any danger, but he couldn’t think what Speech would want with him.
    They came to a large road junction and went down a subway to pass underneath. At the centre of the subway system was a plot of grass with a water feature that wasn’t working. Speech stopped. Rico stopped.
    â€˜So, what’s up?’ asked Rico.
    â€˜Like I said, I need you to do some work for me.’
    â€˜Repairs depend on the price of parts, but if you want me to write a programme for you it’s £100 a day, paid at the end of each day, in cash. For half days, £50 – anything over a half costs you full.’
    Speech nodded approvingly. ‘You could be a businessman.’
    â€˜I am a businessman,’ said Rico.
    â€˜Could you build a website for me?’
    â€˜Of course I can.’
    â€˜How long will it take you?’
    â€˜It depends on how big you want it.’
    â€˜Just an average-size website, but I want it custom built. Not one of these cheap off-the-shelf ones. I want good graphics, sharp photos, and it’s got to be user-friendly.’
    Rico thought for a while. He didn’t get jobs like these often, but when he did they earned him good money, and he needed some extra money for his future business plans.
    â€˜An average-size, custom-built website, made from scratch, with you providing all the photos and links, will take me about two weeks. That will cost you £1400.’
    Rico thought it sounded expensive and Speech would start talking the price down. He waited for him to start bargaining, but he didn’t.
    â€˜Cool. I’ll give you £2000.’
    â€˜Are you listening to me, man? I said it would cost you £1400.’
    â€˜I know,’ said Speech. ‘But I want to pay you two grand.’
    Rico was taken aback. ‘What the hell do you want to pay me two thousand for? I only asked for one thousand, four hundred. Are you crazy or what?’
    â€˜I told you we had a friend in common.’
    â€˜Yes. Who is it?’
    â€˜Ana.’
    â€˜Who? Ana that works in the shop?’
    â€˜Yes, that Ana. You know what she does for a hobby?’
    â€˜Yes, she designs and makes dresses.’
    â€˜That’s right. I’m a good friend of hers. She did a big favour for me once, and I want to repay her by getting this website built for her. But you have to keep it a secret. It’s really important. This must be kept a secret until her birthday. Don’t mention it to her. I want this to be the best birthday present she’s ever had. Do you see what I’m trying to do?’
    â€˜I see,’ said Rico. ‘So that’s why you can’t come into the shop?’
    â€˜That’s right. And that’s why I’m paying you extra. This has to be between me and you.’
    Speech went into his inside jacket pocket and took out an envelope. He held it out as he spoke. ‘Here are two memory sticks with photos and text on them. I’m leaving it up to you to design it. You need to have a shop area so people can buy