his clients weren’t usually as reputable as the man he’d been scheduled to meet [ MORIARTY ] he’d heard it once or twice, it would’ve taken burying his head in the sand to avoid it, and even then he was certain a detail or two might’ve weaseled it’s way in. it had brought him to a line, one where someone wiser might have avoided crossing it altogether [ bigger clients meant bigger risk ] and he’d survived all these years on anonymity [ but then ] such an opportunity rarely surfaced, and everything in his nature begged a need to be CHALLENGED.
besides, he hadn’t said yes.
YET.
curling his hands into his pockets, still cool from the sharp wind outside, q steeled his attention on a portrait in front of him, instead of the cameras inside the museum [ cameras he’d set to loop before he’d even entered the building ] it always paid to be careful, and he’d made sure the risk was minimal, he’d checked the security rosters and provided an apt time [ in a place just public enough to keep him safe from people he dealt with ] he’d had a few arrangements turn foul, and he liked to know he still had a chance to run when OR if it happened.
crisp steps stirred his attention, and q hummed a soft kind of acknowledgement, his shoulders stiffening [ a response anyone would’ve earnt from the recluse ] even if they offered far less TROUBLE than the man beside him.
❝ i didn’t think you’d come in person. ❞