Chapter 10.
A Deal is Done
“Nothing so far, m’lord,” murmured Balderthump as he re-joined Lord Wrinklebottom at their table in the Café Badis.
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“They will come, Balderthump. They will come.” Lord Wrinklebottom took another delicate sip from his teacup. Balderthump nodded and topped up Lord Wrinklebottom’s cup from the ornate silver teapot at the centre of the table.
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Balderthump saw the robed man first as he stepped quietly up into the café from the side alley. His eyes scanned the café and immediately came to rest on Lord Wrinklebottom and Balderthump.
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Balderthump rose and stood behind and to the side of Lord Wrinklebottom. The robed man came slowly across the room and seated himself next to Lord Wrinklebottom. Balderthump poured him a cup of tea.
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“I see you are still enjoying the delights of our beautiful city,” the robed man began after tasting the tea.
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Lord Wrinklebottom took his time before responding. “It is indeed a beautiful city, sidi.”
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Nothing more was said for several minutes. Both Lord Wrinklebottom and the robed man sipped from their teacups. Balderthump topped up both cups from the silver teapot. The robed man finally broke the silence.
“I am informed your merchandise is ready.”
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“Most excellent news,” replied Lord Wrinklebottom quietly. “I trust it has been handled carefully and will be in perfect condition on arrival.”
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“Of course,” confirmed the robed man with just a note of sarcasm. Then, leaning closer and looking darkly at Lord Wrinklebottom from under brooding brows he whispered, “Perhaps I should send you along with the merchandise to ensure it travels safely?”
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Lord Wrinklebottom ignored the threat. “Have you made any progress on my most recent order?” he continued coolly.
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The robed man paused and took a sip from his cup before answering. “Your order has been noted at the highest level,” he finally replied in a tone deep with meaning.
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“Good, good,” approved Lord Wrinklebottom, unperturbed. “I am a man of business. Big business.” He looked pointedly at the robed man who met his gaze for a moment before turning away. “How may I be certain the merchandise will arrive in the best condition?” continued Lord Wrinklebottom after another tense silence.
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“It will be moved by night to ensure the highest quality is maintained.”
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“Hmmm,” was all Lord Wrinklebottom replied. “And by what method will the merchandise be shipped to my plantation?”
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“We will ensure safe delivery on payment of an appropriate fee. You have yet to specify the destination of your merchandise.”
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Lord Wrinklebottom turned to Balderthump and nodded. Balderthump retrieved an envelope from his jacket pocket and passed it silently to the robed man who opened it and nodded before putting it inside his own robe. “There remains only the matter of payment.”
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“Indeed.” Lord Wrinklebottom nodded again at Balderthump, who retrieved a small silk bag from his jacket pocket and placed it discreetly into the robed man’s hand. The robed man placed it inside his robe without looking at the contents.
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“And the small matter of shipment,” he purred.
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“And what is your fee for shipment?” responded Lord Wrinklebottom without batting an eyelid.
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“Another twenty.”
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“Robbery! Absolute robbery!” exclaimed Lord Wrinklebottom.
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The robed man simply smiled and said nothing. Eventually Lord Wrinklebottom nodded again at Balderthump who produced another small silk bag from his jacket. It too disappeared inside the man’s robe.
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The robed man finished his tea and rose to leave.
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“My regards to Ibn Katjun-Em,” murmured Lord Wrinklebottom.
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The robed man froze and turned slowly towards Lord Wrinklebottom with eyes blazing. “Never mention that name in public!” he hissed, and turning, left the café and disappeared into the milling crowds of the Jema el Fna.
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“Well, Balderthump, I think our little transaction went very well this morning eh?” Lord Wrinklebottom was relaxing with a cup of tea on a couch under the colonnade of their riad after they had returned from Café Badis.
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“If m’lord counts success in terms of monies disbursed,” replied Balderthump, “then I think we can count the outing a success.” He picked up the empty teapot. “A refill, m’lord?”
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“Of course, Balderthump, of course.” Balderthump topped up the teacup. “Though you seem to hold some reservations, I’m quite pleased myself,” continued Lord Wrinklebottom. “We know Ibn Katjun-Em is at the head of their little game and that the slaves are marched across the desert at night to Casablanca.”
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“They would both seem to be reasonable deductions from our conversation, m’lord,” agreed Balderthump.
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“Perhaps you could have a word with Izem about seeing when our merchandise leaves, Balderthump?”
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“An excellent idea, m’lord, and one which I have already taken the liberty of arranging. I trust my arrangements will meet with your approval.”
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“I have complete confidence, Balderthump.”
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“Thank you, m’lord.”
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“Good then. As soon as they leave, we will arrange to have a closer look ourselves.”
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“As you wish, m’lord.”
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