Chapter 40 Money Talks

Asher nodded, understanding the man's caution. "Right, right. Discretion is key in this business. What about your other offerings? I could be interested in purchasing."

"Look, if you want mystical ingredients, I've got plenty of options," the stall owner replied defensively. "But I'm not giving up the names of my suppliers or the details of my business."

"Understandable," Asher replied smoothly, sensing the stall owner's reluctance. "But I'm curious. If I were to consider the Shadewalker potion, what would it take to persuade you to part with it?"

The stall owner's eyes narrowed. "It's not just about the money. There are risks involved. You'll attract attention, and not the good kind."

"I can handle attention," Asher said, his voice low and steady. "But if you're not comfortable discussing it, I completely understand. I wouldn't want to jeopardize your business."

The stall owner eyed him closely, still weighing his options. "You're not just a passerby, are you? What's your interest in all this?"

Asher leaned closer, revealing a glimmer of gold from his pocket. "Let's say I'm looking for something unique. Perhaps some gold for the right information about your clientele and your operations."

The stall owner's eyes flicked to the coin, a glimmer of interest breaking through his caution. After a moment of deliberation, he nodded slowly. "Alright, but you didn't hear this from me: 300 pounds for the potion."

"Good man. I'm glad we understand each other. If you could enlighten me to a few more details, I believe we can reach a deal."

"Is that so? I presume you have information valuable enough to barter for your queries then?"

"Indeed I do. Grave tidings, unfortunately, but you'll be glad to know of that, I'm sure."

Asher smiled at the man, who seemed to balk at his response.

"Where do the birds say the mystical ingredients and potions are coming from?"

"Kid, you don't know what you're asking. You don't want to piss those people off."

Asher just stared at him and motioned for him to continue.

"Fine, it's your grave. Rumor has it they're coming from the Winchester Corporation's subsidiary company."

Asher took out a gold pound and handed it to the man.

"Good man. That's all I wanted to know. I'm a man of my word, so I will return the favor. Crows are circling your stall; clear off before it's too late. Farewell."

Asher wasn't entirely lying to the man. It was very plausible that he would be apprehended as a necessary tool to further open the case. If his leads were dry, they would have no choice. Literally speaking, he couldn't have been more honest.

Asher regrouped with Clarissa shortly thereafter, vacating the premises. They quickly cleared off and made their way for Crestcheek.

Clarissa couldn't take the silence in the carriage. "So?! What's the scoop? What did that, um, distinguished man say?"

Asher glanced at his restless partner before offering a polite smile. "Clarissa, we will be at the firm in just a moment. Hold on, and I'll brief you and the captain together, okay?"

Asher tried his best to make sure his tone didn't sound like he was talking to a child.

Clarissa looked disappointed but still nodded energetically.

Moments later, they were walking through the lobby towards the conference room of the firm.

Asher sat down hard, a sigh escaping him. Surely I'll be able to get some rest soon! I've been overworking lately, Asher lamented silently.

Shortly thereafter, Captain Bolard entered.

Does this man not sleep? Does he go home?!

"Captain," Asher greeted him.

"Back so soon, kids? Goodness, if I didn't know better, I'd think you two were just lollygagging away, having already extracted information from Melody."

Clarissa immediately became animated, looking severely offended. "No! We just got back from the market! Asher questioned the stall owner!"

Captain Bolard laughed. "Yes, yes, I know. I'm just kidding. Try not to be so gullible, Clarissa; it's your biggest weakness."

"The stall owner isn't connected to any particular entity, Captain. Rather, he is sourcing his materials from the greater market. The concerning thing is where he suspects they come from. The supplier is allegedly a subsidiary company of Melody's father's company, Winchester Solutions. I'm sure we both know who they are and what they do; our revolvers are manufactured by them, after all."

"Winchester Solutions, huh? That is indeed concerning. As far as this subsidiary company nonsense is concerned, it's likely just a security company. It seems they are looking for 'alternative' income sources for whatever reason."

"It makes sense they would have a security detail considering their shipments and transactions involved large amounts of firearms and ammunition," Asher observed.

Clarissa, who had been quietly listening with a bit of a lost expression, suddenly interjected, "So wait a minute—Melody's dad is supplying the potion recipes and ingredients to the black market?"

Captain Bolard responded, "No, not necessarily. In fact, it's very unlikely. People in that much power are watched very closely. Additionally, he simply has no motive. Winchester Solutions is a behemoth of a company exporting firearms to many corners of the world.

I find it to be much more likely we are dealing with some rotten apples."

"All that notwithstanding, what is our next step, Captain?"

"Hmm, well, many inquiries must be made. This is perilous territory, and careful steps are not a luxury we can afford. Go home, you two; I'll take it from here. Get some rest, Asher; you look like hell. Good work! I'll see you guys tomorrow; no need to show up early. I'll send Jack to do some groundwork on Winchester Solutions, as well as the identity of the boy who led Melody to the market."

"Captain, did I tell you that you look especially handsome today?" Asher was already up and on his way out the door.

No need to tell me twice!!

Captain Bolard chuckled. "Be careful on your way home; it's possible you two were followed to the office. You knocked on some tall trees today, even if indirectly."