Excerpt: Diminishing Hope

Amanda, Anne and Scott entered the estate of O'Flynn, knocking at the door.

It was opened by a man who looked rather unkempt--judging by the smell emanating he had not bathed in several days--and who was rather overweight. He was also balding.

"Good afternoon," Scott said, thinking it would indeed be a good afternoon if he did not have to spend longer than necessary with this man. "I am Lord Scott."

"Lor' Kurt," the man slurred. "What do you want?"

"May we come in?"

Kurt stood aside, taking another swig of his beer as they entered. Inside, they could see evidence of the man's disgusting habits--the house was in parts filled with discarded beer bottles, half eaten food on plates in various locations.

I pity this man's slaves; he is incapable of doing anything for himself, Anne thought as she found a place to stand, pulling Amanda against her, pulling out her phone and sending a message off.

"Lord Kurt," Scott said. "You have in your employ a slave called Hope?"

"Hope... is Hope the one with big tits?"

"Blonde hair," Scott said, trying to remain patient.

"Oh, her. Wha' of her?" Kurt said.

"I would like to purchase her from you."

"Do you have fifty dollars? Only I have no more beer after I finish this one... and then the six in the fridge."

"You want fifty dollars?" Scott said, unable to believe what he was hearing. At minimum, before you factored in things to increase or decrease the price, a slave was six thousand dollars.

Anne read her incoming message and caught Scott's eye, mouthing, "go ahead".

"Fifty dollars," Kurt said. "I tell you, I have no beer!"

"Done," said Scott.

Kurt and he locked eyes.

When Scott broke eye contact, he looked thoughtful, but took out his wallet. "Here you are, Lord Kurt. Two hundred dollars. Keep the change."

"Two hundred? How'm I supposed to drink all that beer?"

"I'm sure you'll find a way," Scott said. "Have a good day."

The three left Kurt still wondering at the prospect of two hundred dollars worth of beer.