Money

Write on Edge had an interesting prompt this week: 

Money. We count it and trade it for the things we need, the things we want, and sometimes even the things we can’t really afford.

This week you have 450 words; the first and last lines will be provided, but the middle is up to you!

Beginning line: “Not everyone can be bought,” she said.
Ending line: He let the money fall onto the table and walked out.

“Not everyone can be bought,” she said.

“Sure they can.  You just have to find the right price.  And I have your price,” he gestured with the money in his hand.

“Bullshit.”

“If I recall correctly, your sister is sick.  The only place that has the treatments she needs is two protectorates over and in the control of a rather greedy magnate.  And you don’t have the money for it.”

She hesitated.  He was right about all of it.  She’d been trying to find a way to get the medicine but hadn’t found one.  She’d also promised their mother before her death that she’d protect her sister, take care of her.

“What is it you want me to do?” she cringed as she saw the triumph light up his eyes.  He really did have her price and they both knew it.

“Just one thing.  Pretty small, actually, and it won’t even be out of your way.  The Eastern Great Lakes Protectorate has something I want.  Retrieve it while you’re there and we’re even.”

“And if I don’t?” she knew she didn’t want to hear his answer but had no real choice.

“Then you and your dear sister belong to me,” he said a Cheshire Cat grin on his face.

“What about your wife?” she struggled to find an alternative to his penalty.

“What about her?” the nonchalance told her he’d done this several times before.

“How many others are there?” her voice was just a whisper.

“I don’t know why that makes a difference.”

“Because it will,” she snapped.

“Fourteen,” he replied without blinking.

“What?  You’ve got fourteen other women in your compound?  You’re holding them as slaves?”

“Now, now.  That’s a bit harsh.  They’re indentured servants.  They entered into their contracts willingly.  They knew the consequences for failure.”

“And I bet they had about as much of a choice as you’re giving me.”

“Yes, they had the choice just like you do now.  You don’t have to take the money.  But consider the consequences if you don’t,” he moved to look out the window at the ice encrusted world that used to be the city of Duluth, “Just how long does she have?  Two months the doctors figured?”

She nodded her head, too busy trying not to cry to answer aloud.

“I don’t know what else you’ll do to get the money, and more importantly, the treatments in that time.  Have you got another plan?”

She shook her head as he dug at her secret.

“Do we have a deal then?”

“Yes,” she couldn’t look at him, feeling dirty and sick at the devil’s deal she just made.

He let the money fall onto the table and walked out.

This is an idea I'm playing around with as I contemplate NaNoWriMo next month.  Let me know what you think.