Romans & histoires The Price Of Time

“I didn't really think about that part.” “You surely didn't think about it.” “I thought the gesture was the point.” “The gesture,” I repeat slowly, looking around at what must be at least fifteen separate arrangements, “is overwhelming. They're all going to die, you know that right? I can't keep all of these alive. How much did this even cost you?” He shrugs one shoulder. “A few tens.” I turn to look at him fully. “A few tens?” “It's not a big deal.” “A few tens of thousands is not a big deal to you?”

#ArmyofpatientsforDrBirch This didn't make it to the top of the charts, but the algorithm recommended it to everyone. My finger was shaking with emotion, but I clicked the link anyway. The video started with a dark screen, and then a beam of light shot through the darkness. A moment later, a wrinkled but loving face appeared. The dame started hoarsely, "Dr. Birch, the arguing flew past my head, so I just want to say that you paid for my partner's bypass surgery three years ago when we couldn't afford it.

“But this buys you time. Time to search. Time to sleep without wondering if the next shadow is mine. Time to fuck your pretty girlfriend without checking the windows every five minutes.” My grip on the phone is white-knuckled. “Forty-eight hours?” “Forty-eight hours. After that, the price doubles. Or I stop asking nicely and start taking. Goodbye, son. Give Elara my regards.” The line dies. I sit in the dark office for a long time, staring at nothing. One hundred million is pocket change. I could wire it in minutes and feel no financial sting. But the sting would come later—every day after, knowing I paid for his freedom. Knowing I handed him the power to come back whenever he wanted.

It was clearly priceless. "It was Arthur's father's," Dmitri explained, his eyes fixed on the watch, not me. "A mechanism of perfect precision. It doesn't tell time, Leo. It tells certainty. It never loses a second. We value certainty above all things." He looked up. "You are not a slave, Leo. You are a valued partner. And we compensate our partners well. But you must understand the cost of this certainty." Before I could answer, the door opened and Ivan entered, his face tight and focused, holding his secure phone. He rarely interrupted Dmitri’s conversations unless it was critical business.

"I gave this to Mr. Goldstein! Just name your price! I'll transfer it to you right now!" Callista raised her phone watch, looking like she was about to transfer me the money. I was so shocked that I couldn't even feel the pain. Looking at Callista in front of me, I felt my limbs go numb. "Callista, what did you say?" So she repeated impatiently, "I asked you to name your price! You're willing to sell anything for money, aren't you? So hurry up and name me your price!" I felt as if my heart were being squeezed tight, so tight that I struggled to catch my next breath.