Space & Time

Chapter 17- A Kind Old Man

The boys and I rounded the last corner of our route, according to Katerina's instructions

we should be a few doors down from Popov's storefront. This was the place, a faded old sign

hung over the doorway, it read Treasures and Trinkets the windows had bars on them and

stenciled to the glass beside the door were the posted hours and the proprietors name Gregor X.

Popov. "It appears we have just under an hour until close." Tannin states acutely. Josef takes

the lead through the old narrow door and we all follow him.

Unsurprisingly the inside is dark with an even darker décor. The items in the room

however look to be of high quality. A glass case at the rear of the shop draws my attention while

the others take their time looking at the wares. As I get to the case, an old man steps forward

through the door behind it. "Hello" he addresses me, "Can I show you something from the case,

these are some of my finest items"

I shrug, really wanting to get to business but I manage to slow myself down a little.

"This is a nice shop you have here sir, I was in another shop on the other side of town this

morning owned by a nice lady. She had some beautiful clothes. Do you know what shop I am

speaking of?" I asked. The boys are all standing behind me now.

The man observes us for a moment and then walks out from behind his display case. He

pauses and looks at us again through his spectacles, and then he continues to the front door

stopping to twists the three locks to secure it closed. Next, he flips his Open sign around and

walks back to our group. "Let us all go into the back, I have some chairs we can use to sit and

talk. Katerina messaged me that she was sending a few lost lambs my way and hoped I could

help. Now that I have seen you, I‟m not sure you understand how lost you really are" he

concluded.

This sure wasn't starting the way I had imagined.

After we each introduced ourselves, Gregor continued to lead the conversation "I will try

to be brief on my part because you seem to have much to tell, first when you leave try to wear

jackets or long sleeves. You are the only four teenagers within a hundred miles without any

tattoos on your bodies, which is highly irregular in this town. Second, show me these Rubles and

let me see if I can help. Kate is a dear friend who spent many years caring for my ill wife. I owe

her a large debt so I will see what I can do for you.

Fredrik gently pulled several of the Russian Notes out of his bag and handed them to

Popov. Gregor pulled some magnifying spectacles out of his shirt pocket and put them on. He

held the currency close to his face, and then up to the light. "How did these come into your

possession?" He asked us rather bluntly.

Josef gave a quick retort "Tell us if they are worth anything to you, and then we will fill