Oliver couldn't help but be amused by the little idiosyncrasies of the system. The term Bounty Board implied hunting for particular people or things, but, after digging in to it deeper, the scope of the 'bounties' was much broader than her originally thought. The variety of listings was impressive: item retrieval, killing or capturing people, bodyguard work... He even saw one requesting help renovating someone's home. It would be more accurate to call it a Mission Board or something like that.
Though, he supposed that was a bit to close to the Commission Board. Maybe the system wanted to clearly delineate the boundary between the two...
He quickly shook off the idle musings to focus on his drive. While he would consider the auction a success, it actually ended up costing him credits. The tax on the two trades he made even made a bit of a dent into his credit reserves, though it was an exchange well worth it in his mind. Even if Polina hadn't been thrilled by his gift- which she certainly was, her safety was more than enough for him
More than three weeks with little progress from his lawyer or from filling commissions- aside from his little adventure almost a week ago- and Oliver was ready to get something done. With his every move around town being watched, he decided a 'work trip' was in order.
Thankfully, his ever present stalkers turned back once he was a couple hours out of town. With no one actually knowing where he was going, he was hopeful about avoiding picking up more along the way. Especially since he detoured several hours in the wrong direction, just to throw off Mr. Hardeman's people.
Three days of driving had nearly take Oliver to the other side of the country, and, despite missing his girlfriend, he relished the experience. Traveling was something he had always wanted to do. And, with the System, he was sure he would get to do a lot more of it in the future. Maybe even to other worlds...
He quickly pushed away the thought before it could suck him into more idle dreams. His future with the system was just starting, but he had to go one step at a time if he ever wanted to get there. And he had a job already lined up in front of him, likely the first of many.
Local Bounty: Safeguarding Sophia
Objective: Protect Sophia Hall for 2 weeks
Details: My daughter, Sophia, has been threatened in an attempt to leverage my position as a lobbyist. Regardless of their motives, I need extra security for her while my people look in to this and find a resolution. Nothing is more important to me than her. This job will, in large part, take place on the campus of Dormer College, so the ability to blend in appropriately would be of benefit as we don't want to alarm anyone.
Compensation: 10,000 credits or Relic(?)
Bounty accepted. Within one week, please report to location...
Oliver closed the system screen, the address he was given already entered into the map app on one of his burner phones. His relaxing drive neared its end, and palatial mansions lined the road he drove along. His old truck stood out a bit among the luxury cars of the rich neighborhood, though he was thankful he maintained it well enough that most would just ignore it rather than take some sort of offense at its presence.
He did get a bit of a chuckle when he realized that the maintenance and lawn care workers drove similar trucks.
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“I'm here to speak with Mr. Hall.”
Oliver sat in front of the large, ornate gate to what he could only describe as an estate. Immaculately cut grass, perfectly sculpted shrubbery, and a long front drive that ended in a circle around an impressive marble fountain in front of a mansion ten times the size of any place he had ever lived in... Estate seemed like the right word for the place, though perhaps a bit of an understatement.
Of course, he didn't miss the tight security around the place.
It was what he had imagined would surround Mr. Hardeman, though perhaps taken up a notch. Security cameras regularly dotted the ten foot brick fence, and even from this distance he could pick out small dots along the walls of the home itself, likely even more cameras covering every approach. Armed men patrolled the grounds, with more than a few focused on his old truck sitting at the gate. And the gate itself, despite being beautifully crafted, was more than just decoration.
Definitely not a place he would want to take a run at.
“My apologies, sir, but anyone that wishes to meet with Mr. Hall needs to make an appointment ahead of time.” The voice, though polite, was stern and deep. Unyielding. Likely someone in charge of security, Oliver figured.
Oliver smiled as he replied tactfully, remembering the extra instructions from the system. “I have a delivery for Mr. Hall, a new dress for his daughter.”
The pause was longer this time. Oliver kept the same relaxed smile on his face until a small buzz sounded and the gates slowly swung open. The security people that had been watching him turned back to their patrols, clearly having been informed of the situation. Once the gate had opened fully, he pulled the truck through without hesitation.
Pulling up near the front steps, a older gentleman in a suit was waiting for him as he climbed out. The man opened the door and gestured inside with a welcoming smile. “Mr. Silk, thank you for coming. My name is Benjamin, I'm Mr. Hall's aide. I hope you don't mind, but security insists on checking you before I can take you to his office.”
Oliver returned the smile before giving the four imposing looking security men a quick nod. “Understandable, and I don't mind.”
The largest, and oldest, of the men stepped forward. With the ease someone who had done it an uncountable number of times, the pat down was quick and professional. A small frown flickered across his features as he stared into Oliver's eyes afterwards. “He's clean. Nothing on him... Not even keys or a wallet.”
Oliver quirked an eyebrow up at the man's aggressive tone, though his smile never changed. “Is that a problem?”
The man scowled at the almost flippant response, his eyes narrowing dangerously before he smirked. “Without an I.D., we can't confirm who you are. So yes, it's a problem. Though we could always search your vehicle, seeing as you left it unlocked with the keys in it. Awfully trusting, just leaving your truck like that.”
Benjamin stepped in before Oliver could respond, a placating smile on his face. “It's fine, Henley. Mr. Hall has already vouched for our visitor. He's here to assist us, after all.”
Henley gave a sharp nod, grudgingly accepting his employers wishes before waving them on.
The walk through the house was an eye opener for Oliver. Judging by the outside appearance, he expected opulent decorations: expensive paintings with gold frames, crystal vases, maybe even something as ridiculous as a hanging tapestry... Instead, it was tastefully understated with the main decorations in sight being family photos.
Especially pictures of Sophia. The hall he was lead down was practically a collage of her life, all the way from birth to her high school graduation. It was clear how much Mr. Hall loved his daughter.
Oliver noted, however, the presence of Mrs. Hall stopped about halfway down the hall where a small table was set against the wall. A single photo of the woman sat on the table, flanked by a pair of old, chipped vases with fresh flowers- almost like a shrine to her.
“Mr. Silk?”
When Oliver stopped at the small shrine, head bowed respectfully, Benjamin paused with a questioning look. After a moment, Oliver started walking again, his face solemn as he answered the unasked question. “Losing a mother is difficult and painful. And it's always best respect the lady of the house, even if she's gone.”
The two walked silently the rest of the way to the office, though a glimmer of respect and understanding lingered in Benjamin's eyes the entire way.
“Mr. Hall, your guest is here.”
Oliver got his first look of Mr. Hall as the man turned from the window he had been staring out off. Tall and fit, with his hair just going gray at the temples, he cut in impressive figure in his tailored suit. Even with the shadow of worry hanging around him, he smiled warmly at Oliver in welcome. “Thank you for coming Mr. Silk. Please, have a seat. We have a lot to talk about.”