Chapitre 3: Dirty Deed in Progress
The van door slid open, and a pair of legs swung out. The driver was short with black hair and dark complexion. He raised both hands and showed them his palms. His blue coveralls were too big for him, bunched up on his wrist and ankles. His unshaved face looked haggard. His bloodshot eyes shifted between them.
Kerr frowned. At first glance, this man didn't look like a proper candidate for the Gift. Kerr's ideal candidate for the Gift was a white-bearded scientist or a crisp politician—maybe a man dressed in an expensive suit. This man looked like a delivery person from the slums.
Satisfied, Murphy and Johansson lowered their guns. Their eyes continued to scan the forest of concrete around them.
Major Blanc raised a hand and called out to the man, "Ramzi! Good to see you again, my friend!"
Ramzi gave a tired smile, nodding, "And you, my friend." He lowered his hands. Kerr noticed beads of sweat on the man's forehead. What was wrong?
Braun smiled, "How's your uncle?" His booming voice echoed.
Ramzi played with the clasp of his coveralls, "He is good. We're looking forward to the operation today."
Kerr cocked his head. Huh?
Colonel Braun nodded. "Don't keep the man waiting, Major."
Ramzi twitched as Blanc approached. Major Blanc presenting her briefcase with a quick flourish.
Kerr raised a hand, "Shouldn't I be the one to give the Gift?"
Colonel Braun's hard eyes silenced him. He chewed the wad in his mouth and considered Kerr for a moment, looking him up and down. He looked first to Johansson and then to Murphy, eyebrows raised. Johansson nodded. Murphy shrugged. He looked back at Kerr, chewing and staring.
Finally, he nodded.
"Here's the deal, Poindexter. We aren't giving him the Gift."
Kerr's mouth moved like a gasping fish. "W-what do you mean?"
Braun eyed Major Blanc as she pressed her fingers against both latches on the silver case. The latch sprung open with a click. She displayed the contents of the briefcase to Ramzi. Ramzi raised his eyebrows. He nodded.
He turned spun back to the van. Murphy and Johannson raised their weapons again. Ramzi held up both hands and slowed. He kept one hand up as he retrieved a briefcase.
Both soldiers lowered their guns.
Ramzi presented and opened the briefcase. Kerr saw stacks of green and the glitter of metal and gems before the case was closed again and handed to Major Blanc.
The cases switched hands.
Ramzi placed the briefcase back on the driver's seat, careful not to jostle it. "The briefcase also contains a USB drive with coordinates to the other items you ordered."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone