Him room to step into the shop. Dominic quickly stepped into the place and waited for his host to shut his door and move into the shop before going any further.
Francis went behind his work counter and gestured for Dominic to hand over the ring and the latter did as instructed. Francis placed the ring under a magnifying glass whose end he held. He looked curious then surprised then excited. He put down the glass and gestured for Dominic to come closer.
"Come here boy," Dominic cautiously stepped forward, "What kind of friend just ups and gives you a ring like this?"
A ring like this? what did he mean by a ring like this?
"He... he... I don't know man. He just let me have it"
"This is one fine piece of jewelry you know"
"How much are you willing to pay me for it?" Dominic asked hoping he didn't sound too desperate.
"Tell you what kid. For this fine piece of jewelry, I'll give you a million dollars"
A million dollars? Was this real? Francis was going to give him a million dollars? he had never held a million dollars in his life, never seen a million dollars in person either and now it was just going to be handed to him because of a little, old ring?
"Hey, why aren't you saying anything kid?" he snapped his fingers, pointed at Dominic and smiled, ''I see what the issue is. You need a little bit more don't you? how about i throw in an extra five hundred thousand"
"You.... you want to pay me more than a million for that ring?"
"Damn right I do"
"How do you even have that kind of money?"
"How do you manage to steal a ring like this?"
Dominic automatically went into defense mode. "I didn't steal anything. I told you a rich friend gave it to me"
"Yeah whatever kid. Look, take the money okay. Lord knows you and that pretty sister of yours need it," he looked Dominic up and down, "How is she doing these days? still struggling to keep herself in that little community college?"
"Don't talk about my sister" Dominic responded, his tone carrying annoyance.
"Alright kid, I'm sorry. Just take the money okay"
Dominic thought about how much of an aid that kind of money would be in his life. He was also skeptical of Francis; he was not the type to let go of that kind of money. What if he sent people after him afterward?
"A million and five hundred thousand dollars" Dominic uttered to himself and Francis placed his hand on his shoulder and chuckled.
"A lot of money ain't it kid?"
"Yeah"
"So, will it be cash or cheque then?"
Dominic had taken cash and headed to the bank to make a deposit as soon as he had parted ways with the ring. He felt like he was walking on air with all the excitment that coarsed through his veins. He didn't even have a scowl on his face when he stepped into the apartment building. Soon enough he and Halo would be long gone from here.
He danced in the empty elevator when he was on his way to his floor and hopped out whistling a happy tune when he stepped out.
"Hey, Dom!" the hoarse voice of a thin, older man called out to him and Dominic couldn't help but groan as he turned to face the man that stood a few steps in front of him.
"What now Thomas?" Dominic and his landlord had never been on the best of terms. The old man had always made a point of reminding Dominic of his inabilites and comparing him to his sister. In return, Dominic had never passed up an opportunity to annoy the man.
"Don't talk to me like that boy! I am old enough to be older than your father"
"My apologies grandfather" Dominic replied with enough sarcasm to make the man shake from anger.
"You best keep that same energy when I come for my rent next month!"
Dominic laughed a long laugh as he made his way to his door and opened it with his key.
"Who the hell do you think you're laughing at boy?!"
"Fuck off Thomas"