Futile Trials

The Quarter

Hesitantly at first, you glance at the man, then back to the quarter.

Peaches. It's a Georgia quarter. That was the only one you were missing from a collection you had when you were young... Although odd, it is a coincidence and nothing more.

Slightly intimidated by the man and yet more intrigued, you take the quarter. This seems to be the right answer, as he lets you go. All the while, you notice he's carried a cocky, easy going smile. Nothing like the anger and despair you saw etched across his face in the alley. 

And things continue to get more interesting. He shuts the register without taking another penny and twirls the gun before holstering it, as if this whole thing were a joke. With his eyes still stalking every twitch of the gangly middle age man behind the counter, he asks you to retrieve a pack of batteries.

"Batteries?"

His gaze on the older man falters just to look you over with a skeptical concern. "Yes, batteries."

Doubting other chances of survival, or maybe just wanting to see how this plays out, you retrieve a pack of batteries, as asked. 9 volts. 

As you set the package on the counter, he makes a double take. "Are you trying to kill us?" Again, his gaze lingers on you instead of the merchant. 

You shrug innocently, about to ask what kind he would have liked, but he has already ordered a pack of AAAs. Obediently, you skip back to the batteries, and bring him a pack of AAAs. 

He urges you behind him as he deftly opens the pack. What he does next.... Is remarkably uncanny. He sets three of the batteries on end, a perfect triangle, equidistant from one another. All of them have the negative side up. 

Once he backs away, pulling you with him toward the door, you get the nerve to ask what he's doing. Another stern glance, as if he's known you forever and you as his accomplice should know, but no words.

"Move," he says quietly to the cashier, "and those will detonate."

You and the cashier exchange glances, both thinking the same thing: He's insane. He can't possibly be serious... Can he?

Suddenly, he turns and pushes you out the door, nearly stumbling over you as he runs, fumbling for a grip on your wrist to tow you along.. away, far away, from the drugstore. 

You're not one block over when the drugstore
Explodes. 

Now, the man who knew this was all going to happen, set it up with batteries, doubles over with laughter. When finally he recomposes himself, he is out of breath, and you're sure if it wasn't so dark you would be able to see just how flushed his face is. 

"Just a little magic," he remarks, raising his eyebrows suggestively. "Little bit like yours, I imagine.."

"Mine???"

"Draco," he responds, professionally extending a hand. 

Do you...

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