A Favor Redeemed

Judd's gaze lingered on the young boy cowering in the crate, his mind racing with the implications of what he was seeing. The boy's dark brown hair and wide, terrified eyes seemed to stir something within him, a sense of familiarity that he couldn't shake off. As he looked closer, memories began to flood back - Jay, his younger brother Nick's friend, the one who had spent countless nights at their house, sharing laughter and stories. Judd's thoughts snapped back into focus, and he felt a pang of responsibility wash over him. Viktor, seemingly oblivious to Judd's internal turmoil, smiled expectantly, waiting for him to make a decision. Judd's eyes locked onto Jay, and he knew he had to act. He couldn't just leave the boy here, not when he knew his younger brother and parents would be frantic with worry. With a sigh, Judd looked up at Viktor and pointed to Jay. "I'll take him," he said, his husky voice firm. Viktor's expression changed from one of expectation to shock. "You want to buy... him?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion. Judd nodded, his eyes never leaving Jay's. "I'm cashing in my favor. I want him." Viktor's face twisted into a mixture of surprise and curiosity. It wasn't often that Judd came to him for anything other than high-end weapons or rare collectibles. But he quickly regained his composure and pushed Jay back into the crate. "Well, I suppose I have no choice but to honor our agreement," Viktor said, handing Judd the crate. "But I have to warn you, Judd, I don't know much about him. His father just dropped him off yesterday night, and I haven't had a chance to... process him yet." Judd's expression remained impassive as he took the crate from Viktor. He could feel Jay's eyes on him, filled with fear and uncertainty. Judd's gut told him that this was going to be a complicated situation, one that would require careful navigation. As he turned to leave, Viktor called out to him. "Judd, you know you can always come back if you need to... resell him, right?" Judd's response was a curt nod, his eyes fixed on the crate. He knew what he had to do now - get Jay to safety and figure out what to do next. The favor he had been planning to redeem had just taken on a whole new meaning. With the crate securely in hand, Judd made his way back through the warehouse, his mind racing with the implications of his decision. He had a feeling that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult road ahead.