Page 37 of Destiny Redeemed
“So,” the brute growled, “what business brings you to us?”
I leaned back, adopting an air of nonchalance I didn’t quite feel. “I hear the Red Cross can accomplish… anything. For the right price, of course.”
His lips curled into a predatory grin. “You heard right. Name your poison, and we’ll make it happen. For the right price, of course.”
“Excellent,” I drawled. “Then I’d like to speak with Red himself.”
The smile vanished from his face faster than a noble’s manners at a peasant feast. “No.”
I had expected that much. But I had an idea, and I’m going to stick to it.
But I still acted taken aback by his bluntness. “I beg your pardon?”
“You heard me. No one sees Red. Now state your business or get out.”
Damn my plans!This wasn’t going according to plan at all. I needed to see their leader. Time for a more… forceful approach.
I stood, letting my chair scrape loudly against the floor. “I thought Red Cross operated on coin,” I declared, my voice rising. “Isn’t that right?”
The brute’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Watch yourself.”
Ignoring the warning bells clanging in my head, I reached into my coat and pulled out a heavy pouch. The coins inside clinked as I tossed it onto the desk.
“There’s plenty more,” I said, my heart pounding. “Surely your leader would be interested in such a lucrative opportunity?”
The man’s face contorted with fury. He stood, looming over me. “Listen here, you insolent little—”
“Or what?” I challenged, praying my voice didn’t betray my growing fear. “You’ll turn down good money? Some criminal enterprise you’re running.”
His meaty hand shot out, grabbing my collar. “One more word,” he snarled, “and I’ll show you exactly how we deal with loudmouths.”
I swallowed hard, my bravado faltering. Perhaps I’d miscalculated. Just as I was contemplating how quickly I could grab Tommy and reach the door, it slammed open with a resounding bang.
A figure strode in, radiating authority. “What,” a low voice growled, “is going on here?”
At the door stood a man who could only be described as unremarkable. Average height, average build, average everything. The only thing that stood out was the intensity of his gaze as he fixed his eyes on me.
Could it be the mysterious Red? It can’t be that easy.
The brute’s fingers unwound from my collar, though his glare promised violence. “Boss,” he grunted, “this one’s making trouble. Says they won’t deal with anyone but Red.”
I smoothed my wrinkled collar, studying the newcomer. His plain features and unremarkable build screamed ‘look away’, which made him all the more suspicious. No criminal mastermind would advertise their power. Still, something about him didn’t quite fit the image of the notorious Red. The way the brute called him ‘boss’ suggested authority, but perhaps not the highest authority.
Perfect. If he’s high-ranking enough, he might be my ticket to Red.
“Is that so?” He drawled. His eyes swept over me, lingering on the coin purse still lying on the desk. “You’re the one causing all the fuss. What business could be so important that you’d risk death to discuss it?”
I straightened my spine, channeling every ounce of rich merchant disdain I could muster. “I have a proposition for Red. One that could be quite lucrative for both of us.”
He sat down and leaned back in his chair, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. “Interesting. And what makes you think Red would be interested in your… proposition?”
“Because,” I said, allowing a predatory smile to spread across my face, “I know about the gold.”
There. I said it. To get his attention, I needed to say it.
The room went deathly silent. Even Tommy, who had been fidgeting nervously beside me, froze.Even Tommy thought I was digging my own grave.
The man - who I assumed was not actually Red, but some underling - narrowed his eyes. “What gold?”
