Chương 48: Perspective Shift IV: Investment

Saint frowned at the ledger in front of him. He wasn't angry, just unhappy with the situation. The numbers were correct. That wasn't the problem. The outcome was. He tapped the page once with his finger, then closed the book and set it aside. This sort of result had been occurring more often than he liked. Not frequently enough to panic. Often enough to notice, and he likely had Breakwater Holdings to thank for it. While not directly involved, he found their optimism infectious. A knock came at the door.

Saint looked up.

"Enter." The man who stepped inside moved without sound. He did not hurry. He did not linger. His presence changed the room anyway, like a blade laid gently on a table. Saint waved him forward and gestured to the chair opposite.

"You called?" the man asked. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Yes," Saint said.

"Thank you for coming on short notice. I know how valuable your time is." He slid a small pouch across the table. The motion was practiced. The amount already agreed upon. This was not their first transaction. The man took the pouch, weighed it once in his hand, then set it aside.

"What is it?" he asked. Saint folded his hands.

"The leader of the Serpent's Skull has become a problem," he said.

"One I need removed." The man's expression did not change.

"Last I heard, they worked for you."

"They failed me," Saint replied.

"And Carlisle has decided that my restraint is weakness. He has made it his mission to create complications."

"Why now?" the man asked. Saint leaned back slightly.

"I've made a new investment," he said.

"One with significant potential. Carlisle refuses to let the matter go. He's reckless and loud. He will draw attention where I don't want it. And worst of all, he has pissed me off." The man nodded once.

"When?" he asked.

"Immediately," Saint said. The man stood, collected the pouch, and turned for the door. No confirmation was given. None was needed. When the door closed, Saint returned to his ledger. He opened it again, scanning the entries with renewed focus. This time, he pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes closing briefly. Something was bothering him. And it was not the man he had just sent to die. That problem had already been solved. Saint exhaled slowly and turned the page.

Whatever this was, he intended to understand it before it cost him more than coin.