Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“You need to have standards, even in our line of work. A line that you absolutely won’t cross.”</span>
Araña waved a hand impassively. <span class="mu-r">“Relax. It’s not like we’re actually hurting anyone.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Do you actually know what this stuff does to people? It could have long-term side-effects, or cause allergic reactions, or something.”</span> you pressed, growing more insistent this time.
Araña shrugged. <span class="mu-r">“That’s why everyone only gets one. One won’t kill you or change your life forever. If they go out looking for more after one dose, then that’s on them.”</span> she replied. <span class="mu-r">“People aren’t gonna stop taking drugs if I don’t sell them some. Why not make some money out of it?”</span>
You glanced at Benga, who was studiously staring at whatever was on TV, pretending not to listen to your conversation.
<span class="mu-r">“And how does your partner feel about all this? She doesn’t seem too excited to be selling designer drugs.”</span> you argued.
Araña’s face took on a slightly guilty look, and she turned from both you and her friend. <span class="mu-r">“It’s not a thing that we do often. And we could use the money.”</span> she said, still not willing to shift her stance entirely.
<span class="mu-g">“We can make money in other ways. You know that.”</span> Benga told her, her expression softening just a bit.
<span class="mu-r">“Yeah, but this is so much easier than risking our necks day in and day out. You may not like it, but I’d rather you be pissed at me than have you take on a dangerous job just to make ends meet.”</span>
The look that Benga gave her was equal parts considerate, thankful and reproachful.
You gave her a stern, but imploring look. <span class="mu-r">“Do yourself a favor and ditch your stash. There are better ways to make money out here.”</span>
Benga nodded her agreement.
Araña groaned. <span class="mu-r">“Fine! I’ll get rid of it, geez! This stuff is seriously gonna go to waste.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“It was already a waste.”</span> Benga said, eliciting a snicker from Araña.
<span class="mu-r">“If <span class="mu-i">you’re</span> making jokes, then I know something’s wrong.”</span> she said with a good-natured smile. <span class="mu-r">“I’ll ask Gloria to get rid of it later. She’ll either burn it to ash or sell it herself. We’ll see.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Have you ever thought about branching out with your employers? I know some people who could use your skills for something more decent than selling drugs.”</span> you offered.
Araña raised an eyebrow. <span class="mu-r">“And when one door closes…”</span>
Benga narrowed her eyes slightly. <span class="mu-g">“What kind of work?”</span>
The wariness in her voice was clear as day, and you couldn’t exactly fault her for that. If these guys have been rubbing elbows with members of the criminal underworld, then they must’ve come across some real creeps in their time.
<span class="mu-r">“I was thinking about recon and investigative work, but that’s just off the top of my head. We can discuss more after this operation.”</span>
