Tainted Blood by Martin Sharlow Read Free Book Online Page A

it occurred to him that this man was most likely the owner. After all, who else would hire such a rude and smelly old man? He decided in the end to just ignore the man's outlandishness and instead just get to his questions. However, he was a bit tempted to ask the man if there was anything unusual going on up in his nasal cavity right then. After all, he was sure the clerk had a perfect view of it.
     
    “I'm looking for silver.” He began, before being cut off by the gruff man. Again. That was getting irritating.
     
    “Well, it's all right there,” he waved his hand to encompass a glass case full of rings, necklaces and bracelets. “I'm not sure why you had to bother me just for that.” The man said almost to himself as he began to turn and walk back to his magazine.
     
    “No, um, Sir...” Brian spoke up trying to stop his departure. “I'm looking for something bigger.”
     
    The man paused, then then turned around and eyed him up and down. “Bigger? How so?”
     
    The temptation to just suggest the man was slowly becoming more and more appealing, as Brian was starting to tire of the whole conversation. “Well, I was going to tip that cabby when he took me home, on second thought he doesn't deserve it.” Brian mumbled to himself.
     
    “What's that?” The clerk asked as he moved closer to hear what Brian was saying.
     
    “I need a sword.” Brian spoke up.
     
    “A sword?” The man whistled at that. “What do you need with a sword?”
     
    “Just for display at my home.” Brian answered quickly.
     
    “Well if I had it, I'd sell it to you. A silver sword would be worth a nice bundle.” The old man smiled to himself, evidently thinking on what he could do with that much money.
     
    “Well, anything else that you have that’s pointy?”
     
    The man stopped and stared at him again. It felt like the man was scrutinizing Brian. As if he were trying to see into his soul for a second. It was looking as if he was going to have to push the old man and be forced to suggest him. What was he thinking, shopping for a sword? It was the stupidest idea ever.
     
    “I do have a silver set in the back.” The old man said. “Been sitting back there for years. Haven't had anyone that ever wanted the damn thing. Worst purchase I ever made.”
     
    “A silver set?” Brian perked up. Could it actually be real, or was it one of those fake plated ones? It really didn't matter, probably.
     
    “Well, I suppose there are pointed things in that, if you're looking for forks.” The man laughed like he'd just made the most hilarious joke.
     
    “Sure, bring it out and let me have a look.” Brian said eagerly.
     
    Forks weren’t much of a weapon, but it was better than the miniature little spoon of plated silver he was now carrying in his pocket. The old man told him to stay put and not to touch anything while he was gone, and then disappeared into the back. Several minutes passed before the man returned carrying what looked like an old dirty sheet wrapped into a bundle. The sound of kitchen utensils rang through the room as he dropped it on the counter and then begun to unwrap it.
     
    “What the hell?” The clerk snapped as he looked at the sheets contents. “Damn it. I told that boy to leave this alone!” He started yelling at himself. “I'm going to--”
     
    “Is this it?” Brian asked as he picked up a knife from amongst the various spoons and forks. His quick count as it rolled open was twenty seven. That should make some interesting weapons, and if he were right, as he usually was when it came to counting, there were five knives in the mix.
     
    “No, there was a lot more here before. A whole lot more...” The man's voice drifted off as he sadly shook his head, surveying the pile of silver.
     
    “What do you want for it?” Brian asked as he tried to test the balance of the knife.
     
    “Huh, what?” The man seemed startled that Brian was still here.
     
    “I said, what do you want for it? Brian