Sid motioned for the goons to disappear and they did, almost like magic, thought Lexi, staring at Neo’s fingers which housed fire. It was real because in just seconds the cigarette glowed red on the end. He gave Sid more explanation than he deserved and Sid pulled up a chair to the table.<br/>“You have proven when I thought I was seeing when I detected your aura. Now why are you in Seattle? Did you come to my shop with a purpose or were you only sight seeing?”<br/><br/>Lexi held her breath. Sid was still in his no nonsense tone of voice but slightly less hostile.<br/><br/>“Depending on your answers, I might have a deal for you.”<br/><br/>The bald man turned to Lexi,<br/><br/>“As for you. You took the book and you need to keep that in the store. Never is it to leave the store again! Am I clear?”<br/><br/>Lexi shrank back in her chair. God, she hoped he didn’t toss her over the rail. That Sound was over 200 feet deep and is fed through an underwater canyon. Add to the fact that she couldn’t swim, she would be fish food if he decided to off her.<br/><br/>“As for your job. Depends on the answers these gentlemen and lady,” Sid made a seated bow toward the kind Asian woman. “ give me. So, Lexi, darling, this could go one of two ways, you could be back with a raise and a signed contract or you are out but won’t be needing anything ever again.”<br/><br/>Lexi broke out in a cold sweat and blinked away tears.<br/><br/>“I have, we have some problems call for a very specialized set of skills, and gentlemen, you especially, sir, could be the solution. So I will ask again,  did you come to my shop for a purpose or were you merely sightseeing?”<br/><br/>Lexi looked at each face in turn. Mr. von Engels could play poker with professionals, his face revealed nothing. His female companion was searching his face as if it held the answers of the universe and Neo only examined his cigarette as if he were casually relaxing after a bout of good sex.