Arlo and Remi found themselves stepping into a nondescript building nestled within the heart of the black market. Guarding the entrance were two intimidating figures cloaked in black, one brandishing a gun and the other a staff. They scrutinized Remi and Arlo, confiscating Remi's phone and firearm.
Once they passed the rigorous inspection, they were ushered into a room carved from stone, its walls adorned with provocative paintings of women
They were told to await the arrival of the dealer. Remi kept his eyes averted from the risqué artwork, while Arlo examined them with unabashed curiosity.
"Such beauty," Arlo mused aloud, while Remi maintained his silence, steering clear of the portraits.
"Indeed, it is beautiful."
A distinguished old man with snowy hair and a matching mustache entered the room. He was clad in a blue checkered suit and black shoes, and his fingers were adorned with golden rings, hinting at his status as a dealer of no small repute.
The old man seemed intrigued by Arlo's fascination with a specific painting: a raven-haired woman, her nudity veiled by a sheer white sheet, her silhouette tantalizingly visible. She sported a small red stone ring on her nose, a golden anklet, and the sunlight streaming in from the windows above bathed her in a radiant glow.
Approaching Arlo, the old man queried, "What about this painting captivates you so?"
"Her face. She's looking down to avoid the direct sunlight, isn't she? The way the light illuminates her form... it's sensually captivating. And the nose ring, the tiny reflection on the stone... it's as if the artist is saying that 'beauty lies in simplicity,'" Arlo responded, a smile playing on his lips.
"CLAP!" "CLAP!"
"The artist would be overjoyed to hear this; someone finally understands his work," the old man applauded Arlo's insight.
Arlo and the old man settled onto a sofa, while the two guards positioned themselves behind the old man.
"Present the items," the old man's tone shifted to a more serious note.
Arlo complied, handing over the briefcase. As the old man scrutinized its contents, Arlo attempted to assess the old man's standing.
[Vincent Griffin
? ]
A question mark beneath the name left Arlo perplexed.
With a voice as deep as a bass drum, the old man commented,
"It appears they haven't been fully appraised yet."
He signaled to his security, "Take these items and get them appraised."
Arlo placed a protective hand over the items, and the old man reassured him,
"Rest assured, we won't tamper with them. Chief Jacob vouched for you both; I wouldn't dare jeopardize my business."
Arlo shared a glance with Remi, who gave a nod of approval to surrender the items. As they waited, the old man received a call. After a brief exchange, he excused himself, leaving the room momentarily.
In the eerie silence that followed, Arlo and Remi felt a chill creep into the room.
"Seriouslyyyyy!!!" A loud exclamation echoed from the adjacent room, unmistakably the old man's voice.
Shortly after, the old man and his security reappeared, the briefcase in tow. He suggested, "Let's discuss the price."
Arlo recalled Remi's advice from their time in the Psionic District.
'Arlo, remember, we're heading to the black market. They'll try to undervalue our weapons, citing integrity issues or unknown origins. Some might even abscond with our weapons. Stay vigilant. Also, when the dealer says, 'Sorry, we don't have enough cash right now,' it means they intend to purchase at a lower price than anticipated.
Maintain your composure, regardless of whether they offer less or more than expected. Stay calm. Do you understand? I feel like I'm lecturing a child. Huh… perhaps I'm ready to be a father.'
Keeping Remi's advice in mind, Arlo was prepared to accept any offer they proposed.
The old man, his expression stern, said, "Apologies, we don't have sufficient cash at the moment."
The Oldman echoed the exact words Remi had warned him about, Arlo and Remi exchanged knowing glances, and Arlo responded coolly, "Then I'll take it to another dealer who has the necessary funds."
To their surprise, the old man rose to his feet, his expression grave, and bowed before them.
"We sincerely apologize. Could you grant us some time to gather the required cash to purchase your weapons?"
[End of Chapter]