CHAPTER 4-REWARD

"I've been expecting you, Mr. Frederick Saunders," Brooke said and his eyes narrowed slightly as he sensed the man's aura.

"You know my name?" Frederick's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Brooke smiled with a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes, "I know many things, Mr. Saunders. Please have a seat."

Fred sat down his eyes scanning the fortune teller's face. "I must say, I'm intrigued by your abilities. I've heard rumors, of course, but I had to see it for myself."

Brooke leaned forward, and locked his eyes on him, "And what do you hope to gain from this reading, Mr. Saunders?"

The old man snorted, "Well, I want to know if you're legit. If you're just some charlatan preying on the gullible, or if you truly possess some kind of gift."

Brooke chuckled, a low, throaty sound, "Oh, Mr. Saunder, you want to test me? Very well. I shall indulge you."

With a snap of his finger, Brooke conjured up a vision of Frederick's past. The old man's eyes widened as Brooke began to speak.

"You grew up in poverty, Mr. Saunders. You had to fight tooth and nail for every scrap of food, every penny. But you were driven, and ambitious. You work hard. And eventually. You built an empire from scratch."

Frederick was amazed, his eyes darted back and forth as if searching for an escape route. "How did you know that? "

Brooke leaned back in his chair, a sly smile spreading across his face. "I know many things, Mr. Saunders. But I sense that you're hiding something, something you're afraid I'll uncover."

Frederick's eyes flashed with annoyance, but Brooke pressed on, his fingers drumming a staccato rhythm on the armrest.

"Let me see, hmm. You've changed since you acquired wealth. You've become.., jaded, cynical. You've lost touch with the man you used to be, the man who fought for every scrap of food."

The old's man face reddened, his jaw clenched in anger, "That's enough," he growled.

But Brooke wasn't finished, he delved deeper sensing the dark undercurrent in Frederick's life. And then he saw it, the mistress, the secret trysts, the lies and deceit.

Brooke's eyes snapped back to the present, his face a mask of neutrality. He knew he had to tread carefully, for Frederick's wife was behind him, her eyes fixed on Brooke with suspicions.

"I think that's enough for today, Mr. Saunders," Brooke smiled bitterly.

But then Frederick's wife, a petite woman with a strict face, chimed in, "Can I ask you something Mr?" she asked politely.

Brooke senses a storm brewing, "Of course, Mrs. Saunders."

"Is my husband cheating on me?"

Brooke's eyes darted to Frederick, who was watching him with a calculating gaze. Brooke didn't want to ruin their marriage, but he also knew she didn't deserve to be lied to, to be cheated on.

"I sensed that there are secrets in your marriage, Mrs. Saunders. But I'm not sure if it's what you think it is." Brooke chose his words carefully.

A spark of anger ignited within the old man and reached out for his wife's arm, trying to control her, to make her doubt her perceptions. "Don't listen to him, honey. He's just trying to manipulate us, to get inside our heads."

Brooke knew Frederick Saunders was a powerful man and Brooke had just poked a stick into a hornet's nest.

"But I'm not a liar, Mr. Saunders. I've seen secrets you keep hidden behind those cold calculating eyes of yours. Secrets that could ruin your reputation, your business, and your relationships."

Fred's anger seemed to falter for a moment, and Brooke sensed his afraid, "What do you want crippled guy?" he growled.

"I want to make peace, Mr. Saunders. I'm not going to reveal your secrets but I want to help and guide you through the treacherous waters of fate. But first, you need to take a step back and reflect on your actions." Brooke cleared.

"You're just trying to get money out of me, and I'm not buying it. I'm not some foolishly old man who'll fall for your tricks."

Brooke smirked, "You wound me, Mr. Saunders. I'm not a swindler, I'm trying to help you but if you're not interested, then perhaps you should leave."

The old man was about to go but Brooke's next words stopped him in his tracks. "Although, I must say, Mr. Saunders. A talisman would help to calm your nerves, to guide you through the turbulent times ahead?"

Frederick's eyes locked onto Brooke's, and Brooke saw a glimmer of desperation in him.

"What kind of talisman?" he asked.

Brooke smiled, "Oh, it's a small trinket, really. A charm that will bring you peace of mind, and perhaps, just perhaps, a little bit of good fortune." he pulled out a small, intricately carved stone in his pocket, "This is a rare precious item, Mr. Fred. One that will bring you great benefit, and for 3,000 dollars. I'll let you have it."

The old man's eyes narrowed but Brooke could see the desire in them. He knew Fred wanted that talisman, wanted the peace of mind it promised. Fred then pulled out a wad of cash and handed it over to Brooke and gave him a look that said, 'Keep my secrets safe.'

The old man simply turned and stormed out of the tent and Brooke let out a sigh of relief. He had played his cards perfectly and sold the talisman. He had a little bit of leverage over the rich man.

Hours passed, and Brooke rubbed his tired eyes. It had been a long day but a successful one. The fortune system, which he now named Fate, chimed in his mind.

"Congratulations, Brooke! You've received a reward for selling amulets and talismans so easily. You've also gained a lot of new clients for your second day as a fortune-teller. Your reputation is growing!"

Brooke's eyes lit up. "Oh? I guess I deserve a reward?"

"Of course, you will receive a cookie with a healing factor. It should help improve your physical fitness."

Brooke then felt something crinkling in his pocket, he reached in and pulled out a small, wrapped cookie.

"Perfect timing," Brooke unwrapped the cookie and took a bite. The sweet buttery flavor melted in his mouth and he could feel a strange energy coursing through his body.

"The cookie effects will be gradual. But you should see significant improvement in your physical fitness over the next few days." Brooke's eyes shone with hope, he wished he would finally be able to walk again without being stuck in a wheelchair.

He took another bite of the cookie, savoring the sweet taste of recovery.