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| Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan |
“What’s with the shades?” queried Videl.
“Like ’em?”
“Not particularly.”
“I don’t want anyone reaching into my inner spirit. Who’s he?” Barney nodded at the briefcase bearer.
“That’s Raz. He’s my legal counsel.” Videl smirked.
Barney chuckled. “Legal counsel? What do you need a lawyer for?”
“To be sure everything conforms to convention. It’s not as if there aren’t an abundance of barristers where I come from. Do you have it?”
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| Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan |
“Well,” he demanded. Raz uttered a sound that was barely audible. Videl’s eyes widened, “Really?” he said to which Raz blinked once.
“Impressive,” stated Videl. “Raz says it’s the best EEA he’s ever seen.”
“You got all that from a grunt and a wink?” Barney raised an eyebrow.
“It was a very meaningful grunt. He wants me to offer you a job.”
“Think I’ll pass,” said Barney. “Do we have a deal or not?”
“I prefer to look my clients in the eye when I consummate a deal.”
“Do we have a deal or do I walk?” countered Barney.
“Not much for small talk. Fine, we have a deal.” Videl pressed his thumb against the tablet’s screen and handed it to Barney. Before he signed, Barney scanned the document to ensure Videl had not made any alterations. Satisfied, he applied his thumbprint to the appropriate spot and handed the tablet to Videl who handed it back to Raz.
“We’re done?” queried Barney.
“We’re done,” replied Videl. “See you in 80 or 90 years.”
Barney turned for the door. “Not if I see you first,” he quipped. He didn’t expect a reply; he knew Videl had already vanished.
It was an unseasonably warm February morning. New England had been in the grasp of a Nor ’Easter that was predicted to last a few more days. However, Boston had been spared. While the majority of New Englanders were cursing their decision to live in the North East, Beantown was enjoying seventy-plus-degree weather. Forecasters were at a loss to explain the phenomenon.
Attired in baggy cargo shorts, a tee and sandals, Barney lagged behind a pack of students making their way to morning classes. He was lost in thought as he strolled along the path. Edward Witten’s most recent revelation regarding String Theory swirled through his mind. Barney had been on the M.I.T. campus for a little more than a year. On a daily basis, he interfaced with people of equal intellect and no one made fun of him or bullied him; he was living his dream. In all his nearly twelve years, he had never felt so stimulated.
From behind he heard, “Pretty proud of yourself?”
Barney thought he was rid of Videl. Come back and find out what Videl is angling for.
“Think I’ll pass,” said Barney. “Do we have a deal or not?”
“I prefer to look my clients in the eye when I consummate a deal.”
“Do we have a deal or do I walk?” countered Barney.
“Not much for small talk. Fine, we have a deal.” Videl pressed his thumb against the tablet’s screen and handed it to Barney. Before he signed, Barney scanned the document to ensure Videl had not made any alterations. Satisfied, he applied his thumbprint to the appropriate spot and handed the tablet to Videl who handed it back to Raz.
“We’re done?” queried Barney.
“We’re done,” replied Videl. “See you in 80 or 90 years.”
Barney turned for the door. “Not if I see you first,” he quipped. He didn’t expect a reply; he knew Videl had already vanished.
***
It was an unseasonably warm February morning. New England had been in the grasp of a Nor ’Easter that was predicted to last a few more days. However, Boston had been spared. While the majority of New Englanders were cursing their decision to live in the North East, Beantown was enjoying seventy-plus-degree weather. Forecasters were at a loss to explain the phenomenon.
Attired in baggy cargo shorts, a tee and sandals, Barney lagged behind a pack of students making their way to morning classes. He was lost in thought as he strolled along the path. Edward Witten’s most recent revelation regarding String Theory swirled through his mind. Barney had been on the M.I.T. campus for a little more than a year. On a daily basis, he interfaced with people of equal intellect and no one made fun of him or bullied him; he was living his dream. In all his nearly twelve years, he had never felt so stimulated.
From behind he heard, “Pretty proud of yourself?”
END – EPISODE VIII
Barney thought he was rid of Videl. Come back and find out what Videl is angling for.
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