Fred Lou was not one for secrets.
His eyes squinted at the figures before him. Darkened silhouettes on the screen. He really did detest these sorts of transactions. There was always something more satisfying about making them in person, considering he was rather gregarious in nature.
But what could he say? Business was business.
"Is there anything of particular interest we should be aware of?" If only he could discern them. He knew there were two of them, but he'd only heard one voice, so far. It didn't have a necessarily deep tone so much as a resonating quality.
"There may be something." Here, he knew he was pressing his luck, but his curiosity was getting the better of him. "Although I'm not sure-"
"Part of the arrangement is that we weren't going to be seen. And stalling won't draw us out any time soon."
"In that case, I suppose I can almost remember." A sacrifice to Fred's ego, but this could be a profitable avenue if he played his cards correctly. "Maybe something could help to persuade me."
"Five thousand Wong, Lou. I've already given more than I should."
"You're kidding." Another voice. Much lighter than the sonorous tones of his companion. "All that money can go toward other, more valuable things."
The new voice was silenced, though Fred couldn't tell how. "Calm down. There's no need to be…hasty." And despite not being in the same room as his clients, Fred could feel a sort of frostiness permeating in the voice.
"That's all right. No need to invoke any sort of animosity." Fred's tone was cheerful, but also had an underlining ting of seriousness. And perhaps even fear. "Have you already transferred the money into my account?"
"You should receive the confirmation, shortly."
Fred looked at his monitor, expectantly. Pleased to see the confirmation note. "You do work quickly." He received payment for the various parts alongside the information he was about to give. "If only my other clientele shared your eagerness."
"You already have the money. Are you going to put your mouth to good use?" Fred could tell it was from the other voice. It was impetuous and laden with tension.
"To my knowledge, it has to do with pirates. Something about a kid with some sort of power they want."
"Is that all we get for five thousand Wong? That's certainly nothing new."
"I'll be able to give you more information if you tell me who you are."
"Agreed." Fred was surprised at the willingness, though he'd question it later. "But first, tell us what we came for."
He was hesitant, as well. Normally he wouldn't divulge anything unless he received what he wanted, first. Especially important in his line of work. You didn't know who you could trust. This not only protected the company's interest, it also made sure you weren't taken advantage of.
But what harm could a little information do?
"Since you're being so patient, I guess I can tell you the rest of the story." More than likely, the information would send the two on a meaningless chase. "You're looking for a kid that should be around fifteen or so."
"Dirty shade of blonde hair. Blue or green eyes. Not really sure." The description stirred memories within in him. But Fred couldn't place why. He hadn't seen him in a long time.
"Of course, I could be wrong." Ignoring the apprehension in the back of his mind, Fred smiled, finger placed languidly on his chin. "There's nothing concrete, but they say he's connected to a high ranking member of the 108 Stars. As of yet, no one knows the member's name. Or if he even has one."
"We're not paying you for faulty leads."
"And you're not. Because I'm telling you exactly what I know." However little it was. "Furthermore, the kid is supposed to be his nephew. That's about all I can say. But believe you me, this information is hard to come by." Which was true. Not that Fred would reveal it, but he had a difficult time gathering the little bit he knew.
"Now, then. All I need is to know is who the two of you are." Fred was startled by the sudden hysterical laughter. It was disturbing to hear such a sound accompanied with no face.
"We are…" Out of the shadows, a head appeared briefly. Removed too quickly for Fred to place any sort recognition.
So determined to place a name with face he glimpsed, Fred almost missed the soft murmur. "Brothers."
He was left to watch the screen flicker momentarily before turning itself off. "Another faceless customer." Even as Fred realised he didn't specify how he wanted them to reveal themselves, to say he was disappointed was an understatement.
"Men can be so inconsiderate these days."
And thanks for pointing out my misunderstanding with the s and z. Appreciate it. Oft does my z change to s and my s change to c. It's a British thing.