"Gold coin works," he said.
Ameth's fingers moved toward him, the single gold coin still held between them.
Lor did not take it yet.
"I need one more thing," he said. His voice stayed even.
"You're trying to come out ahead. I know what the stall is pulling right now. A gold coin covers maybe four or five days of my cut, not two weeks."
Ameth neither agreed nor denied. She kept the coin between her fingers and waited.
"So," Lor continued, "I want your bra and panties. Freshly worn. Every two days. You take them off and hand them to me whenever I ask."
The words landed cleanly in the cold air.
Out on the street, Kuri went very still.
Her arms stayed crossed, but her eyes locked on the two of them.
Her face held the tight look of someone who wanted to make sure she had heard the words correctly before reacting.
Ameth looked at Lor.
The coin remained between her fingers.
He stood with his hands in his pockets, relaxed, watching her.
