Sitting across from Booker, I assessed him. His brown skin was a rich contrast to his grey shirt, black dress pants fitting him well. His hair, an untamed mass of black locks, touched his shoulders. He had a commanding stature, standing around 6ft 3". He fit the image I had of him perfectly. I nodded in satisfaction.
Booker, attempting to regain control of the conversation, said, "Don't worry about my 'dogs', I'll get rid of them." I chuckled. His attempt to distance himself from his crew was amusing, albeit expected.
"You don't have to act like you don't care about your crew," I retorted. "I know about you, which is why I am here. Of course they will be coming with you." His eyes widened, a subtle glimmer of fear crossing his features. A satisfying reaction, but I wasn't finished yet. "They are the first ones who will be taking this drug of ours."
Booker's facade shattered. His horrified expression mirrored the enormity of my words. I didn't falter. "That's why you better make sure that it's perfect." With that, I let silence engulf the room. His shocked silence was testament to my unexpected proclamation, and I relished in it.
Leaving him to his thoughts, I rose and made my way to the exit, the air in the room heavy with the impact of my words. The bar seemed distant as I approached, the patrons paying me no mind. On the bar, I placed a piece of paper. The address for our meeting, three months from now, was written clearly.
"You'll all meet me at this address in three months," I informed the bartender, who glanced at the paper nervously. "Everyone here and anyone you collect along the way must be there on time, any less will demand a 'severe punishment'." Leaning in closer, I lowered my voice for effect. "For reference, what happened here could be called a 'light punishment'." The man swallowed visibly, nodding in understanding. Satisfied, I exited the building, the neon sign casting a glow on the darkening street.
As I approached the car, Sebastian's disobedience was a mild irritation. I thought I'd told him to stay in the car. My relaxed expression shifted to one of annoyance. But seeing him through the rear-view mirror, a familiar twinkle in his eyes, my annoyance gave way to a nostalgic smile. He winked at me, completely unapologetic.
Looking back at the disappearing neon sign, 'Every whole is a goal', a smile pulled at the corners of my mouth. "It's good to see you again, old friend." The reunion marked the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another. The game of possibilities had only just begun.