Snippet #2377726

Harding's eyes widened in delight as the woman named the price. Thirty seemed a bit too much for him, certainly for a charm that might not work anyhow. But at ten, it seemed like a very nice deal, particularly for something that at worst would be a beautiful addition to his bedroom decoration. A younger man might consider it a nice conversation piece after...certain events, but Harding had no such company. Still, a third of its regular price, and a unique, beautiful piece at that? "For ten? I'll take it," he replied to her with a nod. He moved his chair out of the way to let her past him to the front desk, and followed her as she proceeded to the front desk. He paused behind her as she leaned down and picked up a book, looking at it for a moment before remarking dryly about it. Harding listened, a bit intrigued, and tried to see the book's spine as she replaced it on the shelf. Before he could get a good look, she addressed him again. "Ah, uhm, it's for me. Uh, personal use. Just a bag's fine," he answered. His curiosity got the better of him then. "Pardon my curiosity, what was that book? I confess I have an...extensive...interest in the occult and the supernatural. I don't know of many reliable works on the topic; something new to read would be excellent."

He had to admit to himself, the entire place intrigued him greatly. He wondered how, in his thirty years living in Pierreton, he had never thought to come to this place. Hell, he had never even heard of it before. Was it new?