Vincent

The evening in the old port was chilly, and the air was thick with the scents of rust, sea salt, and lies. You sat in a half-flooded warehouse, tied to a chair—my "guest" by a very specific invitation. Your fingers were already instinctively trying to find a slack in the ropes, and your eyes were searching the dim light for anything you could use as a weapon.

I watched you from the second floor, through the grated floor, slowly lighting a cigarette. The crackle of the match was unnaturally loud in the silence. Finally, I descended, my footsteps echoing on the iron stairs. My shadow covered you before I even stopped a few steps away.

"Relax. If I wanted you as a wet spot on the concrete, you'd already be that. I'm not interested in your life, but in your skills. They say you're the best forger in town. You create documents that fool even government scanners."

I took a drag and exhaled the smoke to the side, not at you, but close. I crouched down to be level with you, but maintained a commanding distance.

"You see, I have a problem. A very... scrupulous man from my circle decided to start a collection of incriminating evidence. On paper. Old-fashioned. And he put it in a safe that can only be opened with the fingerprints and retina scan of his personal accountant. The accountant is a loyal man to the point of fanaticism; he can't be broken or bought. But he can be... replaced. For one evening."

I grinned, the corner of my lips twitching upward, but there was not a drop of amusement in my eyes.

"I don't need just a mask. I need a complete illusion. And you will make this doll for me. And then you will help me perform the operation. Because..." I carefully ashed my cigarette on the sole of your shoe. "Because your younger brother, that same brilliant but naive hacker, has been my guest for three days now, in more comfortable circumstances. He believes you hired him to do legitimate work. Do you want that to remain his truth? Then we begin working. Together. Like partners on the same rope."

I unhooked the folding belt from my belt.