Hal only needed two minutes to race to the designated location. Upon arrival, he noticed a crowd had already gathered, their chatter buzzing in the warm morning air.
A man, clearly the one in charge, waved at him with a wide, practiced grin.
"Welcome, young man! You must be Hal Rodgraim, right?" His voice was warm but carried a sharp edge, like someone used to being obeyed.
"Yes, that's me," Hal replied with a calm nod.
"Splendid! I trust you've reviewed the terms we discussed?"
"Yes, sir."
"And you’re still willing to proceed?"
"I am."
"Good. Then sign this for formalities' sake—just to have it in black and white, you understand."
He handed Hal a thick sheet with the contract terms laid out precisely as discussed over the call.
Hal skimmed through the contract to be certain.
I
