“Indeed.”
He gave her hand a final squeeze then let go, composing himself for what was sure to be an interesting negotiation. With a final deep breath, he stepped through the door, with Maureen close behind.
The smell of the place was that of old cooking permeating the very walls despite the relatively new look of the place. Clearly it had been superficially spruced up to appeal to newcomers. How the actual units would be was anyone’s guess.
It wasn’t a hotel by any means. More of a modified structure someone had repurposed many years ago. Movement caught their attention as someone rose from a deep chair off in the corner.
“Yes?” an old woman with long gray braids and a craggy face of wrinkled violet skin surrounding her bright, icy-blue eyes said. “What do you want?”
Bodok stepped forward, rising to his full height, his chest pushed out and a slight flex in his arms. Maureen wondered what he was doing, but it quickly became clear when the old woman sized him up with her cool gaze.
“My friend and I are looking for housing. Nothing long-term.”
“I sense a but,” the woman said.
Bodok smiled his warmest smile. The woman did not react.
“Butwe find ourselves in a bit of a difficult situation. We were robbed just outside of the city, as you can see by the state of our attire, and we have no currency.”
“No currency, no housing.”
“Yes, I understand your reluctance. But I saw you have a great deal of supplies in need of removal and storage. I will gladly offer my services in exchange.”
“Oh? Well, that might be a very useful arrangement.”
“But,” he added with a playful grin, “I will also need payment for work beyond the cost of housing. Nothing exorbitant. A fair rate is all I ask.”
The old woman scoffed. “Now you’re just trying to be funny.”
“Not at all. But we still need to eat, and I would work to earn enough to acquire us some proper clothing.”
“And?” she replied, cool but clearly entertaining his offer.
“And that is all. I am not looking to take advantage of you, I assure you.”
The woman mulled over his offer a long moment, though he was pretty sure she had made up her mind the moment he had first spoken.
“How do I know you won’t just up and leave in the morning?”
“You have my word,” he replied.
She laughed. “Not good enough.”
“Then tell me, what is?”
The woman stroked her chin, pretending to be thinking, though she had already come up with her demands.
“I can pay you a little if you are a good worker, but there are no free rides here,” she said. “If you want housing, you startnow. There are loads to be delivered in addition to what needs storing. You seem strong enough. If you agree to my terms, your woman can stay here and get settled in while you work. The unit I can give you has been vacant a while and could use a good cleaning.”
“I can do that,” Maureen offered.
Bodok glanced at her but his expression remained unchanged. Maureen worried, however, that she had maybe done something wrong.
“I agree to your terms,” he said. “And as a show of good faith, you needn’t pay me this first day. Just housing. Do we have a deal?”
She nodded, offering her calloused hand. “Deal.”
Bodok shook and handed his pouch to Maureen to look after while he worked. He was tired and longing for a bit of rest, but this was what was required, and he wanted to get on their host’s good side. Making, or in this case, saving, her money was a good way to start.
