3.88
“What the
fuck is this,” James looks at the items we brought back.
“Antiques,”
Isaac provides an answer as Michael snickers in the back.
“From a
plantation, most of these are from the 1800s or hold some place in history of
sugar production in the South. While they may not be valuable immediately, they
can be sold to collectors for high value,” I try to run through my logic.
“We need
money now motherfucker and you want to run a show and tell in social studies
class,” James picks up where he left off.
“No, the goal
was to bring something of value. We brought something of monetary value, historical
value, and even emotional value. You want value, I brought value in more ways
than one.”
“You
brought a history class.”
“You say
that like it’s a bad thing.”
“It is a
bad thing you nerd.”
“It’s only bad
thing for a backward hillbilly high school dropout.”
“I’ll show
you hillbilly asshole,” James steps close until we’re chest to chest.
“James, you’re
not a fighter and I get the feeling the scrawny nerd from up north has a little
more blood on his hand than he shows,” Sampson steps between us. “Seriously,
back down James, he’s not afraid of you at all.”
“We can’t
let this shit slide, it’s worthless,” James keeps yelling.
“That’s for
Granny and Old Ben to decide. Know your role,” Sampson is much more
intimidating than I’ve ever seen him look before, and I’ve fought him.
Tensions
are high with everyone here except Michael and Isaac. The rest of exchange glances
while we wait for Granny and Old Bill to make their way out for the appraisals.
We get a moment of relief when the girls fly up the driveway leaving dust
behind them and blasting music. Attention is immediately taken off of us as we
check out what they brought. They broke into a pawnshop and stole a bunch of
jewelry. It’s less than what we brought, a lot less, but it looks more
impressive. Still, all it is jewelry. Maybe I’m overconfident, maybe James is
right. They might just care about the money, but if I’ve been reading Granny
correctly, she’ll make a grand show about it. I’m just waiting for the other
shoe to drop with her, and I’ll play along for now. We’ll both look great and
she’ll be willing to train me on everything that I’d need to know until I can
get out of here. This doesn’t seem like a long-term place to be, it feels more
like a cult than a family. I still don’t know what Granny’s real name is and it
seems to be the only thing anyone calls her.
Speak of the
devil herself. She makes her way out with Isis by her side. She takes a great
deal of effort opening a small wooden box. Inside she pulls out a magnifying glass,
some kind of machine and gloves. Making a big show, like I thought she would.
“Well, lets
see what you all brought back.”
She’s
instantly impressed by the gold and jewels, I take it the girls passed with
flying colors. James continues to shoot me dirty looks and talk about how smart
the girls were. It’s clear his praises are less for the girls and more to trash
us. I just take it and smile. I’m sure I’ve played my cards right tonight.
“You know,
gold and diamonds they are plentiful in Africa. That’s where we’re all from. I’ll
spare you the lecture tonight. I know you ladies are tired. Well,
congratulations, you’re one step closer to not having to sleep every night.”
She takes
her time going through everything we’ve laid out across the lawn. The paintings
get the most interest. There’s a chuckle from the sewing machine. James keeps
whispering how worthless this stuff is, as if I can’t hear him. I’m just as much
vampire as he is, but he seems to forget that, maybe that’s why Sampson warned
him. Isis holds up certain garments or paintings to be inspected. There’s some
jewelry as well, I don’t remember grabbing that stuff so maybe Isaac did. I
watch as she stares down the scope of the gun and runs her hands across it as
if were bringing up old memories for her. It takes time for her to go over
everything, never saying much to us. She didn’t say anything to the girls, but
it was a much quicker check.
“James
tells me that all of this is worthless,” she finally speaks.
“I
disagree,” I speak up without hesitation.
“Why is
that?”
“All of
these items can be sold for money, but they have more than just monetary value.”
“I agree
with you. This was surprising, comical, but you understood the true purpose of
the trial and didn’t place all your bets on monetary value. Still, you have an
impressive monetary value here.”
“Thank you.”
“How do you
expect me to sell this stuff,” James angrily intervenes.
“I
understand that it is late, but watch your tone James. Were I someone else,
that could have gone badly for you.”
“I apologize
Granny.”
“I accept.
As for what to do with it, this was your trial, you chose it. It is your job to
decide what to do with it.”
“So we
pass,” Isaac finally speaks up, causing Michael and Granny to laugh.
“Yes, you
pass. Go get some rest boys,” Granny says with a smile.
“Thank you,”
I continue to play her game.
I give
Isaac a nudge in his side, “yes, thank you very much Granny,” he caught the
hint.
“You boys are
real charmers. Reminds me of Old Ben back in the day.”
0 comments :
Post a Comment