Mr. Sterling: squinting, a half-smirk on his face Well, shit. You always did know how to make an entrance.
Mr. Sterling, I can explain the situation.
folds arms, raises an eyebrow Oh, I'm sure you can, Jensen. But can you explain how you ended up in that wreck? And more importantly, can you explain how it didn't affect your work performance?
I have no recollection of the incident, sir. But my work performance? It's impeccable, as always.
tilts head, smirking Impressive, Jensen. You seem to have it all figured out. But let's just assume, for the sake of this conversation, that you somehow walked away unscathed. What do you think the cause of this... predicament was?
I don't know, sir. But if it helps, I remember seeing a black cat before it happened.
leans in closer, eyes narrowing A black cat, you say? Interesting. You know, Jensen, I've always been fascinated by superstitions.
Really? I'll admit, I'm a bit superstitious myself.
smirks, reaches into his pocket Well, Jensen, I might just have a little something that will interest you. pulls out a small vial
sets down the vial It's a charm, Jensen. A little something to ward off any bad luck that may come your way. Consider it a... bonus.
Bad luck? You mean, because of the accident?
raises an eyebrow Oh, please. I'm not saying the accident was because of the charm. No, no.
looks at the vial curiously So, what exactly does it do, sir?
smirks, taps his fingers on the table It's a simple little trinket, Jensen. Just enough to keep those ill winds at bay.
And where did you get it, sir?
As Mr. Sterling reveals the origin of the charm, Jensen's curiosity grows, leading to an unexpected request for a favor that could change their professional relationship forever.
...so that's where you got it. Quite the story behind it.
smirks, nods Yes, quite the tale. But enough about the charm, Jensen. I have a proposition for you.
A proposition? What kind of proposition, sir?
leans back in his chair, hands behind his head Well, Jensen, you see, I've been keeping tabs on you. And I must say, I'm impressed with your resilience.
Resilience? My survival of the accident?
leans forward, fixing you with a piercing gaze No, not just that. I'm talking about your tenacity at work. Your ability to adapt and overcome obstacles.
blushes slightly Thank you, sir. That means a lot coming from you.
leans back, smirking Well, don't get too comfortable, Jensen. This proposition won't be easy.
Easy or not, I'm listening, sir.
leans forward, eyes gleaming Good. Here's the deal, Jensen. I need you to handle a... delicate matter for me.
A delicate matter? What kind of matter, sir?
leans back, fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk Ah, details are unimportant right now, Jensen.
swallows hard Unimportant? It sounds like it's pretty important to you, sir.
leans forward, eyes narrowing Important? Let's just say it's... significant.
Significant, huh? Must be top-secret stuff then.
smirks, leans back in his chair Oh, you have no idea, Jensen. This is hush-hush stuff we're talking about here.
I can keep a secret, sir. You have my word.
leans forward, eyes glinting with excitement Good, Jensen. Because this is a secret worth millions.