Striking a Deal

“So will you take it or not?” The woman in front of you said with an irritated look on her face.

She has a set of serious eyes that sits just beneath her clear rectangular glasses. It may be because of the eyes, or the glasses, or the tiny mole that sticks just below her left eye but, you realized instinctively that you need to take this person seriously.

You’ve been trying to make this deal as soon as you entered but the words just can’t come out of your mouth. You thought this was a good idea. Wear a hoody in broad daylight and ask for something no sane person would ever ask if they were on your shoes.

“Uhm..” You try to find the words, remembering all those action movies you’ve watched during your lifetime.

“This is a trade. Money for the goods.” These are the words that kept playing on your mind.

“I need to look like a natural.” Were the next lines your mind thought of. This was your only option. Well, not necessarily. You thought this was the saner option. After all, it’s either that or you wear some crappy one-dollar shades as you blow this place up – looking away of course, like all the bad-asses on action movies.

“Yeah, show me the goods.” You answered, clearing your throat and wishing that your voice didn’t shake as much as it felt.

The woman went and opened a box that is hidden from plain sight. The sound of plastic hitting plastic as her fingers try to get a sample made you more nervous than ever.

“I just need to be quick about this.” You told yourself.

But then, the sound of chimes interrupts your negotiation. That is the sound of the door opening and, before your heart could burst from the idea of being found out, you dashed out of the store without getting the goods.

“Dammit.” You told yourself as you try to catch those rugged breaths. There are a lot of people in the streets and maybe running is better than acting normal.

“Nobody saw that.” You keep on telling yourself as you tried to picture who it was that entered before you struck the deal. An alleyway appeared next to you so you took a quick turn and sat at what seem to be the stairs of a backdoor building.

“Was my cover blown?” You asked yourself, thinking if anybody out here could distinguish the uniform you are wearing just under your hoodie. With eyes closed, you tried to remember everything that happened so far.

The distributor was there. A fine, middle aged woman who looks like an expert at the trade. The whole place was empty, but a single cctv camera stuck at the upper right corner of the room. There was also a guard standing patiently at the side of the door, with a shotgun on his hands.

You tried to picture the person who just entered but, you were in such a hurry that you didn’t get the chance to get a clear image of that person’s face. This is a crucial piece of information and, having it in a blur made you more nervous than you initially would have been.

“The operation is safe.” You told yourself as you took one long breath and let yourself feel at ease. But then, your muscles tightened up, knowing that you cannot go back without finishing the mission.

“I need to go there, or else everything will be wasted.” You told yourself; remembering how much you had to wager with your subordinates for this. They’d take all your money, grab all your food, and you will be left empty handed.

The mere thought of it is enough to rouse you back into action and you did. As soon as the sweat on your body stopped dripping, you fixed yourself up using the camera of your phone. You wiped your clothes with your hand and gave your cheeks a strong slap.

“I can do this.” You told yourself, as if the words can jump start you back into action.

“I can do this.” You said again, but noticed how little conviction there are in your words. So, you decided to huff for more air and from the top of your lungs you shouted:

“I CAN DO THIS!”

 “Hey pipe down will you!” Another voice shouted which made you close your mouth using your hands.

“This is a public place.” Your brain reminded you.

It was a shameless act but now, you have enough gas to fuel your spirit. You started walking back to the building, covering your face with a hoodie. You understood that you have to be smart about this, nobody is supposed to recognize you or take shots which would prove that you came to make the deal.

“I can do this.” You told yourself again, tucking your hands inside your pockets.

It didn’t take long for you to come back to the building once again. As soon as you opened the door, you looked around you; securing the area before you finish the task.

The woman stood at the same area, resting her back against a wall, with arms folded and staring at you. She seems to be more annoyed than she was earlier. You were supposed to get the pack before leaving, not enter, run off, and come back again.

But nothing can be done about that now. You are back, and that is what matters. You are back and determined to finish what you started.

"Just say it," you silently reminded yourself. You knew you'd regret it if you didn't.

You walked up to her, making sure to make eye contact and establishing dominance. You took out the cash for her to see. She then came closer, smiling as she started opening the box which was left earlier on.

“This is it.” You told yourself.

She looked at you, waiting for you to say the words before the deal is done. You place the money on the table and say the words she needed to hear.

“Can I buy a pack of condom?”