Magnolia (2)

The atmosphere around Betty—her tone, her manner of speaking—immediately made Jody feel like this woman was shrewd, slick, and utterly untrustworthy.

"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am. You're much more beautiful than Palmer ever described," Syd said with a charming grin.

Betty smirked but said nothing, motioning with her hand toward the seat across from her, inviting them to sit.

"Didn't think that sleazeball hung out with kids half his age."

She exhaled a puff of vapor from her e-cigarette.

"Everyone says that. They even carded me at the door. People keep saying I look younger than I am… Want to see my ID?"

"No need."

"I go by Dave," Syd said, gesturing toward Jody. "And this is Annie—my girlfriend."

Betty took a sip from her glass and gave Jody a nod.

"So, what do you want?"

"Palmer told me you had… something good. I got curious."

"Palmer said that?" Betty eyed Jody, then looked back at Syd. With a flick of her hand, she signaled her bodyguard to step outside. She wanted this to be a private talk.

"Yeah. Said it was some kind of pill that gave you powers or something."

At that, Betty's expression hardened. She stared Syd down like she was ready to chew him out.

"Listen, kid. I don't care who you and your junkie girlfriend are connected to. What you're talking about isn't some street corner crap or corporate knock-off bullshit."

She pointed her vape stick at Syd's face—emphasizing that this pill was in a whole different league.

"Palmer told you? That guy?"

"Come on, ma'am. I'm really interested. I'll pay you more than he ever did."

"I don't care how rich you are, kid. You look like the type who spends your days snorting blow and banging escorts on a yacht."

"You don't trust me?"

"That pill's not the same as your cheap highs, kid. It can kill you—dead—if you're not ready. So go back to your little coke stash and don't try to play grown-up. Get lost."

She started waving him off—until Syd dropped the bomb.

"Or are you afraid the Thrak might track you down, ma'am?"

?!

Betty's demeanor changed instantly.

But her eyes remained wary as they fixed on Syd.

"Palmer told me everything. He even tried to recruit me into whatever 'organization' he's in. Said he brought Collins in too… Not that I know the guy, but Palmer went on about it."

"Palmer told you that?"

"Yup. So now… do you trust me?"

"..."

"I've got connections to up-and-coming investors all over the world. Way more than Palmer. I could bring in people with serious money."

"You trying to negotiate with me now?"

"Well, if you're willing to sell me… just one pill…"

Betty stared at them, clearly conflicted. But in the end, she made a decision.

Snap!

She snapped her fingers. One of her men brought out a silver briefcase and set it on the table.

Click.

The case opened to reveal dozens of golden-yellow capsules, arranged neatly against a black velvet lining—premium presentation.

"..."

"One pill per person only," Betty said, then shut the case and stared at them.

"Before I sell to you—tell me who you know. Hmm?"

"My family's connected all over Asia. We know billionaires across the region. Jack Ma… Robin Li… Look, I could rattle off names all day, but instead…"

Syd pulled out his phone and showed her the balance in his bank account.

Jody didn't know the number, but judging from Betty's reaction, it was convincing.

"Damn…"

Betty let out a sharp whistle.

"So how about it, ma'am?"

"…Heh."

Click.

Betty opened the case again.

"One million dollars per pill. If you want one for your girlfriend too, that's two million."

"One mil? Really?"

"What's the problem?"

"Nothing. Just… a drug that grants powers seems like it should be more expensive, don't you think? I was ready to drop ten mil."

"Don't get cocky, kid."

Betty leaned in.

"These pills can give someone powers—but there are side effects. If you or your girl are weak…"

"…What happens?"

"They'll kill you. Horribly. Some die slow… some drop dead the moment they swallow it. But judging by your looks… you two might survive. Might."

"…What kind of power would I get? Laser eyes?"

"Depends. It's random. I can't tell you. But if you want to escape that powerless little life of yours… then be ready to take a risk."

"..."

"And your organization… what was it called again?"

"I can only give you the name."

"Go on."

"Enlightened."

Enlightened?

"If you want to join, you'll have to solve a puzzle first."

Betty reached into her dress and pulled out a folded paper. It was a map of the UK, marked with strange symbols—just like the one Collins had.

"..."

She handed it to Syd.

"What's this?"

"You figure it out. The worthy will be chosen. And rewarded."

Suddenly, a voice came through the hidden earpieces Syd and Jody wore.

{Ready.}

Betty took out two pills and placed them in a small case, handing them over.

"Two million. Cash only."

She crossed her legs.

"Don't worry, ma'am…"

Syd turned toward the door and clapped once.

"Bring it in."

Jody looked toward the entrance—and in walked the Mexican bodyguard… or rather, Toshi, in disguise, carrying a sleek black case.

Click.

Toshi opened the case, revealing stacks of cash.

"Deal?" Syd asked.

"…Yeah. We've got a deal."

Toshi closed the case—and in that same second, Betty saw the boy she had just spoken to lunge forward, fist flying from just two inches away.

"–?!"

WHAM!

WHAM! THUD!

In one smooth combo, Syd knocked Betty unconscious while Toshi took out her assistant.

Betty Moretz went flying backward, her head snapping up before crashing to the floor.

CRASH!

Her body slammed into the carpet.

"Next time, just use PayPal UNC."

Syd grinned in triumph.