Once outside Deccanus looked ready to leave but Adam stopped him.
"Hey, don't go yet." Adam chuckled as he began to root around for a minute through his caps. Once he had gathered enough he handed over 1554 caps to Deccanus, half of the total profit from today, his purchase of the holster came from his pocket not the profit. Deccanus looked at the money, still in Adams hands and shook his head.
"No, I do not want your money. I did not follow you to steal your income, only to learn a new way of life." It was Adam's turn to shake his head and push his hand with the caps closer.
"I could list out the practical reasons you are wrong, such as you putting your life in danger, carrying things, or just accompanying me. But I'll make this simple." Adam said, staring into his eyes. "If you are to live the way I do, you always make sure everyone is fairly compensated. We did this mission together and I plan to ensure you get your payment for your work." Adam insisted. Deccanus stared at the caps for a moment and then sighed and took them.
"I did not do this for money."
"Perhaps. But you did do this and jobs pay. You aren't a slave." Adam said, slightly coy with a raised eyebrow. Deccanus didn't respond to his choice of words, just took the money and stowed it away.
"Find me when you wish to leave on another mission, I shall reside in the same place you last found me." He said stoically as he began to walk away. Adam called out to him before he was gone.
"And I'll give you your share of the reward money too!" He said before Deccanus was completely gone. Adam rechecked his finances when he put his own caps away. He now was back above 3000 caps, specifically at 3180. He was feeling rich again, though he had no intention of drinking and gambling it all away again, this time he would be more careful.
However he was broken out of his thoughts when a black suited man walked up to him.
"Adam Baxter." He said with a firm but non threatening tone as he stopped nxt to him. It was a statement, not a question but it was clear he expected a response.
"Yes?" Adam said as he turned to look at him.
"Are you done with the Boss' request?" He asked, calmly and firmly.
"Yes I just got back."
"Then if you would please accompany me, I shall bring you to speak with the Boss."
"Wouldn't it be better for me to return to my room and clean up a bit? I don't think your boss wants me to show up covered in unknown gore and in combat armor." Adam offered as he looked down at himself and noted the patches of blood from the aberrations he killed or the feral ghouls that almost got him.
"The Boss would rather hear the outcome of his request sooner rather than later. He will not mind your attire. Please, follow me." He said, again, firmly. Leaving no room for 'no'.
"Well… lead the way then." Adam said with a soft gesture for him to lead the way, not really seeing another option than to comply. It was his client after all, he had a right to know but he had hoped to get a shower in before he spoke to him.
Actually, now that he thinks about it, this timing was a bit too perfect, he had just finished all of his selling and Deccanus had just split off from him. The men in black suits were everywhere and it's quite likely they knew the moment he returned, which means they waited for him to offload his goods and split ways with Deccanus before approaching him. The Guild, really doesn't mess around huh?
He once more followed the black suited man to the 'employees only' section of Midway. He had to stop for a while at the checkpoint though, he was packing a lot of heat, guns, ammo, tools; anything that could even be a potential weapon was left at the door. Another reason he wished he had time to stop at his hotel first, but it was a small price to pay for the payment he hoped he was about to get. Even at only 250 caps it was well worth the inconvenience.
He walked into the office and saw the boss waiting for him in his chair. The same large black suited man stood next to him as last time.
"Please, take a seat, Mr. Baxter." The boss said with a pleasant and yet still somehow threatening smile. Adam had no reason to refuse so he did as he was asked, taking a seat in the same chair as last time.
"I'm quite fond of conversation, Mr. Baxter." He said as he leaned back in his chair, speaking once Adam had sat down. "I may not be a ghoul who has seen the bombs drop, but I've lived far longer than most, seen my fair share of ups and downs. At my age you learn that the most valuable commodity we have is people." He grinned. "People have interesting stories, interesting ideas, interesting thoughts. I like People." He said before he grabbed the cigar off his desk and lit it up.
"When I meet someone new, I like to chat with them, get to know them. Some might call me long winded, but I find that life can be so droll if you don't have time to socialize." He took a long drag of the cigar and breathed out the smoke slowly, savoring the flavor. "Young people like to cut to the chase. The old saying 'time is money' is only true for those who don't understand longevity. Wouldn't you agree?" He said as he gestured with his Cigar.
"I wouldn't know, sir." Adam returned, not having a single clue where this conversation was going.
"Indeed you don't." he smiled. "You are too young to know the truths of this world. How dangerous it can be, and how much a good talent is worth." He took one more hit of his cigar and then snuffed it out. "You are one such talent, Mr. Baxter."
"I'm… flattered, sir." Adam said unsure if he should feel intimidated or feel honored… or both.
"Cantelli." The boss corrected Adam calmly. "You may call me Mr. Cantelli."
"Understood, Mr. Cantelli."
"Now, seeing as you have made it back to my city intact covered in what I can assume is the fruits of your labor." He said, gesturing to the blood on Adam's clothes. "You made it to the Vault."
"Indeed I did." Adam confirmed.
"And?" He said with a raised eyebrow. This was the big moment, Adam had to lie to this man's face. His life could be in danger if he slipped up, he needed to play this carefully.
"I have information for you, Mr. Cantelli." Adam said back, calm, and unshaken, doing his best to hide the full truth.
"And the item?" Mr. Cantelli said, leaning in a bit.
"There was none sir." Adam continued. Cantelli tapped his finger on the desk three times before leaning back in the chair, looking a bit annoyed, but not angry.
"Tell me everything that happened."