"Magic...Beans?" Mr. Tooth could see the confusion on Jack's face.
What is this senile old man talking about? Jack thought as he rested his fingers on his chin. His eyes squinted as his left eyebrow shifted up.
"Yes My boy, magic beans." Mr. Tooth replied with a grin. A gnarl escaped from his throat before he managed to let out a laugh. That creeped Jack out even more. Was he doing the right thing?
"Tell me more about these beans if you don't mind." Jack asked intently. His hands in his pockets. Jack gave Mr. Tooth his full attention.
"There's an auction and the magic beans apparently can be planted in the ground and when grown; lead to a land full of riches. Gold, Silver, diamonds, pearls! A cavern of luxurious items that anyone would kill for." Jack could see Mr. Tooth salivating as he rambled on. Jack was a bit skeptical, but he decided to trust him. After all, did he really have a choice?
"And the Auction?" Jack asked. Mr. Tooth's smile became even larger, if possible.
"Well, you see Jack. There's been talk around town that the auction is happening soon. There'll be riches from all across the world. From talking dolls, to real life gingerbread man, heck...even a talking snowman." Mr. Tooth went from an excited voice to a quiet whisper. He moved towards Jack and Jack bent down just a little. Jack could smell the tabacco leaving his lips. Jack wanted to puke.
"The magic beans are a rare item. Apparently they fell from the sky, not so long ago. There's been talk that they lead to the clouds. A stairway to the stars themselves, riches, and the unknown. Maybe the land to the giants."
What a bunch of baloney. Riches Maybe, But giants? Jack thought as he raised his head up, clearing his lungs of any left over smoke.
"What's in it for me?" Jack asked as he looked sternly at Mr. Tooth. Mr. Tooth smiled a shark tooth grin and looked Jack into his eyes with a charasmatic look.
"How about…..your month''s salary; and heck...I'll even throw in some gold as extra." Jack felt his heart stop and immediately beat up again. Faster than he ever thought it could. It felt like it was going to spring from his chest. Like a wind-up toy.
"A month's salary?" Jack yelled as his jaw dropped to the floor.
"Yes Jack. These magic beans are priceless. An extremely rare item. If you get these for me, I'll make sure you and your mother are taken care of." Mr. Tooth said these words with the utmost care and persuasion.
"Ok." Jack said as he took in a deep breath to asses the situation, "When is the auction?"
"Tommorow" Mr. Tooth replied as he attempted to light another cigar, but decided against it. He flickered the lighter. Jack saw sparks ignite before dying out like a campfire.
"Tommorow?!" Jack was bewildered once again, Mom's going to be worried sick. Jack frowned as Mr. Tooth smiled as him again and laughed a haughty laugh.
"Come on Jack, Show me those thief skills of yours. Tell me why they call you 'Nimble Jack'"
