"A Favor Returned"

Judd walked down the dimly lit alley, his husky voice low as he spoke to himself, "Time to collect." He had arranged a meeting with one of his usual black market contacts, a man who owed him a favor. It had been a year ago, when Judd had helped the man, Viktor, get out of a tight spot with the authorities. Viktor's business had been on the verge of being shut down, but Judd's intervention had saved it. As a token of gratitude, Viktor had promised Judd that he could pick anything from his shop for free, no matter the price. Judd arrived at the designated location, a run-down warehouse on the outskirts of town. Viktor greeted him with a smile, extending a meaty hand. "Judd, good to see you, my friend. I have something that I think you'll be interested in." Judd followed Viktor into the warehouse, his eyes scanning the shelves stacked with various illicit goods. Viktor led him to a corner, where a small display of high-end items sat. "I've got something new in stock," Viktor said, picking up a diamond necklace. "This one's worth a pretty penny." Judd's eyes roamed over the items, his gaze lingering on a designer handbag, a gold watch, and a few rare books. But then, his attention was caught by something in the corner - a dog cage, closed and padlocked. In the black market, dogs were rarely sold unless they were stolen from celebrities or trained for dog fights. Judd's interest was piqued. "What's in the crate?" Judd asked, his husky voice low and even. Viktor's eyes flicked to the crate, and he smiled. "Oh, yes. This one came in recently. I don't know how well trained he is, but his father sold him to me yesterday night." Judd's curiosity got the better of him, and he followed Viktor to the crate. Viktor unlocked it, and Judd's eyes widened in shock as he peered inside. What he saw made his blood run cold. Inside the crate, cowering in the corner, was a young boy with dark brown hair and wide, terrified eyes. Judd's mind reeled as he took in the sight, his thoughts racing with questions. Who was this boy? Why had his father sold him? And what did Viktor plan to do with him?