I take a look at the lock. “I’m assuming you don’t have the combination.”
“Brilliant deduction,” she deadpans, then adds a smirk.
“What if I tell you I can get this open if you?—”
“If I what . . .” Her eyes narrow. This woman has definitely been fucked over, and not in the good way.
“If, after I get it open, you at least talk to me about selling this place.”
She leans her palms on the safe like her last ounce of strength seeped out of her body. “Fine. You really think you can get it open?”
“Wouldn’t have said it if I wasn’t sure.”
She stares at me for a few seconds, then silently steps aside.
I probably should’ve told her what a piece of shit this safe was, and that with a little practice, a twelve-year-old could’ve opened it, but if working my magic got her to at least talk to me, then game on.
Four minutes later, I have it open. Much slower than my usual time, but, shit, I’m out of practice.
When the door releases, her mouth swings open with it. “That’s amazing. I’ve been hitting at it for at least a half hour.”
I step back and give her space, letting her open the door all the way. I don’t wanna spook her, since I outsize her in both height and weight.
“Shit,” she hisses out the word in one long breath. She steps aside and motions to the inside of the safe. “I don’t know why I’m surprised.”
I peek inside the empty space. “You were expecting what?”
“Who the fuck knows? My father told so many stories, I don’t even know ifhethought they were true.”
“I’m assuming you thought there was money or something of value in there?”
“Bingo!” She sinks into the unsteady wooden chair next to the desk. “It was my last hope. Most of what came out of my father’s mouth were half-truths or outright lies.”
I could agree with her if I even gave either of my deadbeat parents a thought anymore, and, sure, it sucked, but I have other things on my mind right now. “Hate to say it, but we did have a deal.” I motion to the empty safe. “I got it open, so . . .”
“Right, and it’s empty.” She rests her head in her hands.
“The deal was that I get it open, not whether there was anything in it or not.” I smirk at her. “And I did get it open.”
“You really are a ballbuster, aren’t you?”
“I’ve been called worse, but now you gotta listen to my proposal.”
“Fine.” She waves her hand at me. “Talk.”
“I wanna take this dump off your hands, and I’m willing to give you what you’re asking.” After all, how much could she want? One strong wind and the whole place would implode.“What the hell are you gonna do with it, right? So, what do you say?” I pull out the smile that’s dropped plenty of panties.
“No.”
“Huh?”
“No.”
“No to what? Giving me a price?”
“No to selling The End, no to whatever else you might’ve said. No.”
“Why?” The smile falls from my face fast. “I’m sure you could use the money.”
