DT Serum, Primary Testing In Progress

"I'm Rhys, not that that'll make any difference to you blokes," Lex said with an easy smile that hid the predatorial gleam in his eyes.  "More importantly, I'm a new customer on your streets.  I'm sure you know what that means, eh?"

The guys looked at each other a moment. One finally spoke up. "What d'ya want, tourist?"

"What do you have that I might be interested in buying?" Lex replied cooly.  "I don't go for fillers, only the premium, and when I find what I like, I tend to... stock up."

The guys exchanged another round of looks before beckoning Lex to follow them into the allies. They took Lex through a maze of paths before they finally stopped.

Lex looked around.  "It's going to be a peach trying to get back out.  Now, have you indulged yourselves enough with the theatrics?  Can we get down to business?"

"Show us the money first." One demanded. "How much your willing to pay will be how good a sh- we can give ya..."

Lex raised a prim eyebrow.  "You really think I'm such a bloody idiot as to walk around with that kind of cash in my pockets in hopes I just might run into some gentlemen such as yourselves?  Not hardly.  Show me proof you have goods to sell and we can set up a time and place to exchange.  If it is good product, I intend to buy quite a bit, more than I'd expect you lot to be carrying around in your pockets."

"We operate on a cash policy. Show us you can buy one, and we will show you what that one can be." They negotiated. One who hadn't talked the whole time finally spoke up. "We just want to know what you are willing to pay for a smaller amount before we figure out what product we will have to move, and how much. We have samples on us, but we simply wish to know your budget first, sir."

"If you have the truly high grade, then I will pay what it is worth," Lex said.  "For one ounce of the crystal, I'll gladly pay-" he named a price that was on the higher end of reasonable but not too outlandish.  Enough to bait, not enough to drown their interest.  Streeties knew when an offer was too good to be true, it was.

The one who was the politer out of the trio smacked one of the others, who pulled out a sample of pretty good grade crystal.

"Thank you, sir."  Lex eyed the crystal then held out a hand.  "Might I test it, please?  And please don't insult me by suggesting I'll run with it.  I haven't the faintest idea where I am in this maze and there are three of you."

The polite one, who seemed to be the leader of this trio, nodded to his comrade, who handed the drug to Lex.

Lex tested the drug and closed his eyes, smiling briefly.  Personally, he Hated crystal - everything from the taste to what it did - but he knew how to play the role.  "Now that is truly high grade.  Very well.  How soon can you have two kilos ready for me?"

The leader did some mental calculations. "Sometime tomorrow. We need to talk with our supervisor first, but we can tell you when we know for sure, so long as you stay nearby."

"You have half an hour.  I have an appointment I simply cannot miss," Lex said calmly, leaning against the wall.

The trio nodded and disappeared down the allies.

Once they were gone, Ashton dropped down from the roofs. "Any luck?" He asked. "And what's your plan here?"

"I'm working on it," Lex said calmly.  "Where's Lays?"

"Home." Ashton said. "Took her there after we split from you, and made her stay there with the promise that I'd shadow you, even though I planned on doing that anyway."

"Good," Lex approved.  "Now vanish.  They can't be far.  So far so good, I don't want to lose them now."

Ashton nodded. "Oh, and for the record, this place is crawling with them, so be on your toes." He warmed before he climbed back up to the rooftop.

"Figured as much," Lex mumbled.  He pulled out an ordinary cigarette and lit up, puffing away languidly.  This was reminding him of years ago when he had just barely begun making a name for himself.  Strong enough to be confident, not strong enough for anyone to know who he was.

Sure enough, with a little waiting, the trio returned with a case. It looked to be about the right size for two kilos as requested.

"I believe we already established I don't carry that kind of money on me," Lex pointed out languidly, "but thank you for showing me you have it."

"When will you have the money?" The trio leader said suspiciously. He pulled out a cigarette and lighter, hovering the flame near the end of it while he waited for Lex to answer.

"Tomorrow.  Three in the afternoon," Lex said calmly.  "Meet me right here at exactly three with the crystal, and I'll give you the money.  Cash."