The store was closed for a private affair, which meant -- for once -- that Earnest John wasn't in the cage at the back of the pawn shop and was, instead, settled at an antique table in the middle of the place with a black tablecloth spread out in front of him. For the time being, he'd allowed Horus inside, with the grumbled [and entirely false] threat that he'd sell the guardian for glue if he smashed anything worthwhile.
They waited for Jan, Earnest John pouring over his books at the table, ignoring the bundled-up assortment of gems waiting for the jeweler's judgement. His hair was rumpled, his coat dropped over the back of his chair, and this was as relaxed and quiet as he ever got.
It would, of course, change the moment the man arrived and the haggling began...
