Although she did not plan to stay the night, Dorothy still decided to leave after having dinner with Shade.
So, during the evening transaction, Dorothy remained at 6 Saint Derain Square, helping Shade observe the entire square through the living room window.
Having timed the meeting precisely, Shade carried the suitcase full of money outside. The sun was setting, pigeons waited in the square to be fed, and the vendors who had not yet left waited for the day's last customers.
As Shade passed through the flock of pigeons, they suddenly took flight. By the time he reached the fountain, they flew overhead.
He did not wait long before Mr. Randall approached from the western entrance of the square, carrying a document bag.
"I will not reveal your organization's secrets, but I also hope that, aside from the person meeting with me, no one else in the Hermit Order will know my identity."
This was Shade's condition before the transaction. The two men shook hands beneath the statue of the girl holding a water bottle in the sunset. Half of each man's face was illuminated by the setting sun, while the other half was hidden in darkness.
"Of course. Please do not mention the Hermit Order to anyone. We have not shown ourselves for a long time. But if you wish to trade again in the future, you may come directly to the address on my business card. We welcome any fair transaction. If you cannot find me, you can seek out this person instead, but be careful—this old gentleman has a much worse temper than I do."
Mr. Randall handed Shade a business card: the card of Old John Pawnshop.
Shade's lips twitched. Somehow, he was not surprised at all.
"Does Mr. John know my identity?"
"He does. He