10 Minute Tales

Jun 21 - The Deal

He was practically thrown into the seat, grunting in surprise at the impact. The bag was dragged from his head. He blinked rapidly, getting used to the light. It was dazzling!

"Take your time, big man." a woman's voice called from in front of him. A voice that gave him reason to dread. "I can wait."

"But you said you wanted him here now." another voice objected meekly. The man in the chair didn't recognise this voice.

"Shut your trap, Jaju." she snapped. "You know what I meant."

"Sorry, boss." he mumbled. His eyes were getting used to the light. He could make out now that he was in a sort of office, large wooden panels adorning the wall behind the desk. A large window let the sunlight into the room, facing a powerful sunset. It was polarised, but that wasn't enough to stop it from dazzling him. Sat in a chair far too large for her was a goblin, a squat woman with green skin and large, pointed ears. She drummed her fingers on the table, less than impressed. He didn't need to look behind him to know he would see a giant, lanky humanoid with blue skin and giant tusks.

"Feelin' better, sweet cheeks?" the goblin asked, grinning maliciously. He was intimidated by her pointed teeth, a shark's maw just waiting to bite him.

"L-listen, I promise, I'll get the gold you're after by Friday..." he stammered, already knowing where this was going.

"You already tried that line, honey, Friday came and went." her grin dropped, revealing her impatience. "And the Friday after that. I mean, I get it, y'know? I've been where you are, I've been tryin' to deal with money problem from both sides of the issue." she sat back, putting her feet on to the desk and crossing them. "I get that life don't always play fair. But you don't wanna start cheatin' with me." she frowned a little, staring at him with those cold, uncaring eyes.

"I-I ain't cheatin', miss, I..."

"Oh, you ain't cheatin'?" she grinned again. "Well, Jaju, why don't you share what you found?"

"Well, Fidget and I saw this punk leavin' town."

"E-everybody does!" the debtor stammered. "This is just an academic town, isn't it? Not much going on, I was... I was goin' for a day trip."

"Ain't everybody that goes for a day trip with a month's worth of clothes." Jaju grinned toothily.

"You're holdin' out on me, buddy." the goblin stood on the chair, doing her best to loom over him. It would have been comical if it wasn't for her power. "I'm gettin' real tired of your schmuck." she hopped onto the desk and walked towards the debtor, who leaned back in his chair, trying to get away. With the sun behind her, it looked like she had a halo of fire. "I'm givin' you three more days to get my funds together. After that, you'll go meet Fidget."

"N-no, not that! I'll... I'll get your money! I swear!"

"Attaboy." she grinned, hopping back into the seat easily. "Jaju, see him out."

"Ya, mon." he nodded, grabbing the debtor by the shoulder and lifting him up easily. The two quickly left, leaving the goblin alone. She giggled, turning to look out of the window.

"He ain't getting enough in three days."