a chat with the security guard who he had met once or twice before through Kirk, walked to the wing, shoved the vase into the backpack and then walked out. On the way out too, he stopped for another chat with the guard, just to really make it seem like he was on the level. For once, everything seemed to be working in Lance’s favor.
As Alexander examined the vase, Lance could see a distinct smile form behind his eyes, a definite sparkle. The Russian was clearly enamored by the vase but was also doing his best to not appear so. Lance had him.
“I like,” Alexander eventually spoke up. “I like enough, anyways. But I admit, I am confused.” He puffed away at the cigar, creating a haze of smoke just above his head.
“About?” Lance sat up.
“What is it that you want – yes, yes, I know you want the money. And then what, I hold this vase for you until you pay it back?” Puff, puff, puff on the lit cigar. Thick clouds of smoke began to billow in front of his face.
“That’s... well, yes.” Lance blinked and waved the smoke away. “Look, I know I will be able to pay this money back – that's not the issue. The issue is you trusting me to do so. I figured that this vase is a... a show of good faith. You can add it to your collection, show your friends, do whatever it is you do.”
“Very nice, yes,” Alexander chuckled.
Lance ignored him. “And then when I have the money to pay you back, you simply... you hand the vase back, I give you the money owed and we go our separate ways. Simple.”
Alexander pulled the cigar from his between his thick lips and blew a cloud of smoke right into Lance’s face. “And if you can’t pay back? What? I keep?”
Lance waved the smoke away and tried not to cough. “Yes,” he managed. “You keep.”
When Lance stepped onto the street some ten minutes later, it was to mixed feelings. On the one hand, the sensation of fresh air filling his lungs was one he could appreciate. And the fact that he was out in the open, away from large men with guns was a relief that was hard to compare. But that was all just noise.
In his right hand, Lance held firm a small gym bag that was packed to the brim with wads of cash. He hadn’t counted it, but Alexander had assured him it was exactly one hundred thousand dollars. It was heavier than Lance would have thought, but it also felt light. Or maybe that was just the stress falling from his back. No matter what happened now, Lance would be able to start up his own business.
But then there was Kirk. Despite how good Lance felt, there was still that nagging feeling in the back of his mind that he had done the wrong thing. And that was because he had. Although he hadn’t technically lied to or stolen from Kirk, it still felt that way. Worse was that he’d have to continue to lie to Kirk until he’d paid Alexander back. As far as Kirk would be aware, the money was from the bank and they had simply changed their mind.
And then there was the vase! If Lance failed, then that vase was gone for good. And if that happened, Lance would have to tell Kirk what he did. And if he did that.... the odds of Kirk forgiving him were very, very slim.
Lance gave his head a shake and pushed all that from his mind. What was done was done and there was no use worrying about it. He had the money. He had the means. He had the idea. Now all he had to do was implement it. For the first time ever, Lance’s fate was rested entirely in his hands. And honestly, it felt pretty good.
Chapter Nineteen
“I don’t understand.” Kirk really had no idea what was going on. “When did it go missing exactly?”
The Dean groaned and rubbed at his eyes like he was in pain. “I’m honestly not entirely – within the last three days. Maybe earlier?” He hurriedly fished through the top drawer to his desk and pulled out a mars bar. Then, with a depressed sigh, unwrapped the thing and started eating it like it was his last meal.
“Maybe earlier – how do we not know?” Kirk eyed the candy bar quickly disappearing into the Dean’s mouth and stomach.