"You're promising us free food?"
The question hung in the air for a moment, before the short bulldog nodded his head.
Avedano eyed him down. He was talking to a short bulldog, who was barely up to his front legs. One of his eyes was gray and there was scarring around it, pointing to an attack which had caused probable damage. Maybe that was why he wanted this 'Stormé' person found, for revenge. Whatever the reason, it didn't matter to either Avedano, or his two loyal followers. They were well-known for being the dogs to go to, when you had an issue on the streets. He would refer to the three of them as 'problem solvers. Three dogs who'd help you out for a price. Their price? Anything that could be considered even remotely useful. Normally, though, food was the top currency. The 'free food' part that this bulldog had fed them, certainly sounded pleasing.
"So let me get this straight." He looked him dead in the eyes. "We get this French Spaniel of yours', Stormé, right? And then in exchange you give us enough food for all three of us?"
The bulldog nodded his head. "Exactly."
He laughed softly, not entirely convinced, although havig taken note that the bulldog seemed to be a pet. "Well, Mr. Farace, I hope you don't mind me asking where exactly this 'free food' of yours is."
"That's not important. What is important is that I have the food, you three get the job done and I'll hand it right over."
Avedano pursed his lips, not wanting to lose out on such an offer, but also feeling the need for further negotiation.
"How about this- you show us the food and we get the job done. It'd be a real pity if you're trying to rip us off."
The bulldog groaned. "You see this collar?" He flashed it out. "This right here means that unlike you three, I have a home and two owners who actually care about me. I got a warm place to sleep and most of all I get food, lot's of it. What more convincing do any of you need?"
Avedano started to giggle, then it turned into a laugh and eventually he was cackling. The twins weren't far behind him. The laughter from all three of them echoed and bounced off the walls of the alley.
"What's so funny?"
His question calmed them down somewhat.
"Alright, fair enough." Avedano eventually announced.
"You'll do it?"
The three of them nodded in unison.