Arny lifted his beer glass and tipped it toward Clarke before taking a long swallow. The two men sat at the bar in the noisy side of the restaurant, watching several TV screens with various sports news and events. Clarke acknowledged the salute and drank some of his own. He glanced at Arny in the mirror behind the bar and gauged his timing and approach. Allen had made it perfectly clear that failure was not an option. This was suicide but so was the alternative. He took another gulp of beer, wiped his mouth and leaned slightly toward Arny.

"I need a bit of a favour."

"I thought a beer and a sandwich was a culinary massage." Arny chuckled and looked at his friend. "We've worked together a long time, Clarke, you could have just asked."

Clarke shrugged and made a face. "I know, but since you're one of the upstairs gang now; it felt awkward."

"Upstairs gang? Is that how we're referred to?" Arny couldn't help grinning. He had heard and used worse before his advancement.

"You know what I mean."

"Okay. What's the favour?"

Clarke felt his tongue thicken and he had trouble forming words. Arny was staring at him and he started to blush.

"Hey, we're guys here if it's something−"

"No, no nothing like that." Clarke drained his beer glass and licked his lips. "I uh- I have a nephew who's a martial arts fan and he has an article he picked up on a special pen, a rollerball, that was created to celebrate Bruce Lee's birthday. He uhm, he looked it up and asked me if the price quoted on the site was authentic. I said... I said I'd ask you 'cause I know that your- that Gretta knows a lot about that stuff and maybe..." His voice cracked and he stared down at the bar.

"You're asking about the pen Cutter gave Glimb on behalf of the company."

"I am? I mean, he did? I wasn't paying attention; I thought it was just a fountain pen like- like a gold watch type of gift." He twisted his glass on the bar top. "No this is my nephew... I'm a bit of a big brother to the kid and since his dad died I- he and I- well, you get it. I just want to do things for him if I can."

"He could get that from the internet."

"He isn't on line... and I know, I am but honestly when I tried for him there doesn't seem to be a source that doesn't reflect the retail marketplace version." Clarke was beginning to regret his action and didn't know how to get out of it.

Arny set his glass down and turned on the stool. "What the hell is this Clarke. What are you up to with this phony request from your nephew bit?"

Clarke turned ashen and dropped his head. "I knew this was a mistake."

"What? What mistake?"

The next fifteen minutes was spent on Clarke's confession about Allen's scheme and why he was taking part. Silence hung between them and broke only when Arny lifted his glass and asked for another beer. He pointed to Clarke as well and then he ran the information through his mind until the drinks came. He had no idea Allen resented his promotion so rabidly. The drinks arrived and Clarke drained half his glass before setting it down and groaning into his hands.

"Sonjia Parks in accounting, eh?"

"Oh, Jesus, don't- you won't do anything−"

"It's a very stupid move but it's none of my business. If you're smart you'll realize just how stupid. As far as Allen goes... you think he actually intends to try and steal this pen?"

"I don't know but why else go through all this- this..." He waved a disconsolate hand.

"Tell you what, Clarke. I'll ask Gretta to see what she can learn and you don't say a word to Allen. Let's see if there's any merit in his curiosity. If he really has plans like that he's not going to be with this company very long or maybe any other."

"Oh Christ, don't say anything about me telling you!" His eyes filled with tears and his head shook pleadingly.

"Let's just see what I can find out. Maybe the whole thing is a useless exercise; I would think the market price would reflect the item's true value. Whoever Allen's so called contact is can't be too swift if he doesn't realize that."

"Unless he knows something we don't."

Arny stared at him. "Let's wait and see.

************

"Are you giving out my services for free now, lover? Or are you operating some research scam for money and using my connections? Gretta finished drying the plate and placed it in the cupboard. Arny smiled in silent appreciation of the way her clothes moved with the action.

"Caught me. What can I say; I have to get some use out of you." The dish towel sailed past his ear and he ducked, laughing.

"Maybe I should find somebody to represent me then; get a commission." She teased, moving to the living room.

"Gretta, nobody could represent you. You are a unique piece of work that is almost totally insulated from outside assistance."

"So why are you here?" The smile said, 'gotcha' and she slid over the arm of the sofa and lay back on the cushions bouncing one leg over the other.

"I said almost." He dove onto the sofa and wrestled her down in the cushions, knowing full well that if she objected he would be on the floor, crippled.

"I have to finish getting dinner."

He rolled away and sighed. "What are we having?"

"I haven't decided yet." She sprang up and dashed laughing into the kitchen.

"I'll give you a hand. I want to ask you about that pen."

They sat with the music turned down and sipped an after dinner glass of wine. Gretta was punching keys on her laptop and Arny just stared, admiring the woman with whom he had joined his life.

"The pen the company gave to Jeffrey is one of a limited edition of eight pens commemorating the 70th anniversary of Bruce Lee's birthday; it's called The Dragon because he was as well, and his birthday was the day and hour of the Dragon in the Chinese horoscope. It's a reissue of the original from 1995 with some modifications."

"I got that from Clarke, what's it say about the value?"

"The latest record I can find is between $100,000and $150,000. That's for this issue which was 2010."

"Really? I had no idea we were spending that much from company coffers. Nice gift."

"It was, judging from the description, price aside. It says, 'The Dragon 2010 Bruce Lee 18k Gold Rollerball Pen with Emeralds limited edition features a body and cap made of red celluloid with black veining, referred to as "cinnamon. Topping the cap is the immortal yin-yang symbol, representing balance. The cap and the barrel are both embraced by exquisitely carved dragons, their eyes highlighted by matching precious stones'. I'd like one of those."

"You mentioned modifications."

"Yeah. They redesigned the pocket clip, changed the colour and the detail of the dragon's tail on the barrel and the top of the cap." She shut the lid and picked up her wine glass. "Apparently they have an 'icon' series that recognize cultural giants whose achievements have thrust them onto the worldwide stage."

"Okay, but I asked you to find out if that price represented an authentic value. I mean, I could have looked that up and so could Clarke."

"I'll see what I can find out tomorrow; that info won't be online. Meanwhile we should discuss the usefulness of my live in."

"Your live in! This was my place, remember?" He set down his glass and reached for her.