Part 23 (1/2)
Jack looked for the k.n.o.b on the door and found instead a st.u.r.dy padlock. Odd. Every other piece in the store, no matter how small, had to be more valuable than all of these put together. Why the lock?
”We're getting ready to close now,” said a voice behind him.
Jack turned to face the proprietor himself. The older man's expression was neutral.
”So soon?”
”Six o'clock is closing time today,” Bellitto said. ”Is there anything I can help you with before we lock the door?”
”Yes,” Jack said, turning back to the display case. ”I'm interested in one of these doo-dads.”
”I can't imagine why. They are beyond question the least interesting items in the shop. Remnants of recent fads. Detritus of pop culture.”
”Exactly why I want one.”
”Which, may I ask?”
”The Roger Rabbit key ring.”
”Oh, yes.” His thin lips curved into a small, tight smile. ”That one's special. Very special.”
”Not so special. I'm sure half a zillion were sold, but no one's making them any more, and I know someone who'd really-”
”I'm so very sorry. It's not for sale.”
”You're kidding.”
”I a.s.sure you that I do not... kid.”
”Then why put them on display?”
The anemic smile returned. ”Because it pleases me.”
”Oh, I get it. Kind of like a joke. Lock up the junk and leave the valuables lying around. You didn't strike me a postmodern dude.”
”I should hope not. Let's just say that these tiny treasures carry a certain sentimental value for me and I like to leave them out where people can see them.”
”Does the sentimental value of that Roger Rabbit Key ring exceed ten bucks?”
”I'm afraid it does.”
”How about fifteen?”
He shook his head. ”No.”
”Twenty-five, then?”
”No.”
”Fifty?”
”Sorry.”
”A hundred?”
A head shake. Bellitto's smile had broadened. He was enjoying himself.
This was crazy. The guy couldn't mean it. Turn down a hundred bucks for that little piece of junk?
Jack took a quick look at Bellitto's ears. Nope, no hearing aids.
Okay, time to call his bluff.
”How about five hundred?”
Another head shake.
Smug son of a b.i.t.c.h, Jack thought. How can he say no? All right, one more try. This one has has to get him. to get him.
”Mister, I will give you one thousand dollars-are you listening?-one thousand US dollars for that key ring. And that's my final offer. Take it or leave it.” US dollars for that key ring. And that's my final offer. Take it or leave it.”
”I prefer to leave it, thank you.”
Jack's shock was tinged with relief. He'd allowed himself to get carried away here. A thousand bucks for a worthless little, tchotchke like that? Who was crazier here?
He looked back at Roger Rabbit, whose eyes still held that imploring look.
”Sorry, guy. Maybe next time.”
”No next time,” Bellitto said. ”When I said, 'Not for sale,' it was not a sales ploy. I meant it.”
”I guess you did. Still, can't blame a guy for trying.”
He glanced at his watch. ”Past closing time, I'm afraid.”
Jack said, ”Yeah,” and started for the door.
”Tell me, Mr...?”
”Butler,” Jack said.
”Tell me, Mr. Butler. Would you really have paid me a thousand dollars for that key ring?”