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2
“Lily, you’re back again. What did you happen to come across this time?” Lionel asked as I made my way through the jam-packed shelves in his tiny pawn shop.
It was empty of customers, thank God, and I smiled at the old man watching me curiously. His pawn shop was tucked into a small gap between a dry cleaners and a Chinese takeaway shop.
It always smelled musty and like cigarette smoke, thanks to his bad habit of lighting up inside his shop. He clearly didn’t have smoke alarms, which I’m sure the city was mighty happy about.
I reached the counter, smiling at the old man I knew so well, and he gave me a knowing, thin-lipped smile.
I was positive he knew what I really did. But he never said anything. As he’d once said, ‘my business is to buy and sell, not ask questions’, which I was grateful for.
“A nice man gifted me this when I helped him out of a tough spot,” I smiled brightly as I slid the Rolex onto the counter.
“I’m sure he did,” Lionel chuckled, the smile reaching his eyes as he pulled his reading glasses up and then moved his magnifying glass over the watch.
He squinted, and I took in his receding grey hair. He was a nice enough man, never caused me any drama, and never sold me out. I’d consider him a friend if anyone asked.
“Well, he certainly must’ve needed some help, this is a fine piece, Lily,” he mused as he turned the watch over in his frail hands.
I glanced back at Creeper, who was standing on the other side of the store while looking outside. As if he was being my lookout.
My eyes shifted to the new form to my left, recognizing it immediately.
Bug.
So he’d finally showed up. And as per usual, he seemed to be fidgeting.
Hence his name. Short for jitterbug.
“I can give you twelve Benjamins for it,” Lionel finally said as he sat up straight on his stool.
“Just twelve?” I hissed.
“Sorry love, it’s the best I can do. I’ll have to price it cheaper in order to move it, just in case it’s hot.” He winked at me.
“Fine, thank you,” I gave him a small half-smile. I was hoping for a little more, but he was right. It was hot, and he’d want to move it quickly. I understood that, even if it was frustrating.
“Tell me, how’s that day job going?” he asked as he pushed a few buttons so the crummy old register would open. It jammed, like usual, and he grumbled as he fumbled with it.
“Probably won’t have it for long. Not with my demons,” I sighed, giving him a charming smile as I thumped the back of the register, causing it to open.
“You don’t talk much about them, your demons. You got yourself in some trouble?” he asked softly as he counted out the notes, peering at me over his glasses carefully, those dull blue eyes concerned.
“No, nothing bad. Just up here,” I murmured, tapping my head as I looked over at Bug, who was now pacing back and forth.
“Been to see someone? Maybe get some medication?” he asked, his voice gentle and warm.
I saw Lionel more than anyone, which would tell you something about me.
“Can’t afford that, even with all this help from strangers,” I chuckled, tapping my fingers on the glass counter. I wasn’t going to tell him I’d tried medication when I was with my aunt, and it hadn’t worked. My monsters weren’t going anywhere, and I’d shut up about them instead.
“Well, might be worth it if it’s costing you your day job,” Lionel murmured as he handed over the notes. I jammed them into my pocket, right next to the wallet I’d lifted from the same man. It had a few notes in it. I’d hand the rest of the contents in somewhere local. They’d call the guy, return all his cards. I only wanted the cash. I wasn’t that much of a dick.
“They keep me company,” I admitted. “It’s what I know, and since mum died, I don’t like to stir the pot.”
Lionel just gave me a sad, fatherly look of worry.
“Don’t stress about me, old man, I’m fine,” I chuckled, trying to make light of the moment.
