Page 92 of Sins of the Father

“Ah, those are what you came for. She’s attached to those. I understand why, they are very valuable.”

I restrain from strangling him with his gold chain. He undoubtedly took advantage of Harper and paid her nothing compared to what they are worth. I grew up in this neighborhood and understand the pawn business. I don’t blame the guy for trying to make a living, but he profits off desperate people’s problems. And, in my eyes, it’s the equivalent of a loan shark or cash advance scheme.

Keep your cool.

“Please get them.”

He takes the rings with him and unlocks another case.

“How much for everything?”

He scans my suit.

I should have worn jeans and a T-shirt.

“Ten grand.”

“You didn’t pay her ten. What’s the price?”

“Hey, I’m in business. You look like you understand what that means.”

“I’ll give you two.”

“I paid her more than that.”

I highly doubt it, but arguing isn’t going to help. “Three.”

“Eight, and we have a deal.”

I cross my arms. “Did you check these weren’t stolen items?”

“Are you telling me they are?”

“No, but if I report them as such, you’re going to have a headache on your hands, aren’t you? Seems like a quick profit in less than twenty-four hours is a pretty good deal, unless having items held up for weeks or months is a better option for you.”

He grunts. “Six grand.”

“Four, and I’m not going any higher. The next words out of my mouth are going to be directed to the police.”

He grunts and holds his hand out. “Cash only.”

“Didn’t expect anything different.” I count it out and give it to him then take the items and leave. I call Vivian and ask to speak to Anna.

“Everything okay with Harper?” she asks.

“Yeah. Can you tell me the address of her place in New York?”

“Sure.” She rattles it off.

“Do you think you can go check on Harper while I’m at work today?”

“Yes.”

“Thanks.”

I spend the next few hours researching who Harper’s landlord is and get his cell number from a website online. When I call him, he’s the typical slumlord. I find out Harper’s lease is up in three months, so I get his information and pay it in full via a wire transfer.

There’s no way I’m letting her go back to anywhere that isn’t safe, but I’m not going to have her stressed over her rent.

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