Taxi

An unpleasant-looking man gets into Azriel’s car. He smiles in a very obliging way. The cab driver also disliked the harshness of his voice. It was clear to him at once — he was the boss’s doormat, but he treated lower-ranking people like cattle. It was already evening, so the order to take him to a residential neighborhood did not surprise Azriel. They drove off. - Where do you work? — The driver asked, trying to make the question innocent and distracted. - At 'InfiniEdge',” the passenger replied, eyeing the man suspiciously. - And what does it produce? — Azriel decided to continue the questioning. - We don’t produce anything. We conduct seminars,” the man said in a more relaxed manner. - I see. And when you got in, were you talking to someone on the phone? — carefully asked the cab driver. - Why such questions? — The passenger got worried and asked. - Just to keep the conversation going. I don’t like to ride in silence,” Azriel explained. - All right. Anyway, yes. With a subordinate. They can be so annoying, you wouldn’t believe it! — exclaimed the passenger. - Why not? I believe it. Though I’ll never understand it. - Ha, you’re right about that! — laughed the man. - Do you hold a high position? - Uh-huh. Deputy Director,” he said, chest out, proudly. - You must have a lot of subordinates…” Azriel suggested. - That’s right! Fifty-seven! — answered him. - Wow! You’re a giant! — The cab driver falsely admired him, but the passenger didn’t seem to notice. - Yes! But just imagine how much they piss me off! - Is that why you treat them like cattle? — the driver asked calmly. The man immediately shrank back. - How… You… know…? — he asked, stammering. - From the way you talked to them on the phone and from your face. Don’t be so stiff. I won’t do anything to you. Asriel liked to talk nice to sinners first, then nail them to the wall. Make the transition as abrupt as possible. - Well, we’re here. Goodbye. I suggest you think about your behavior. The man walked out on wobbly legs, and the cabbie couldn’t hold back a nasty grin.