Chapter 13 - THE DESPERATE PAWN SHOP VISIT
Back in the gritty commercial district, Mark and Elena sought refuge inside a dingy pawn shop to survive the afternoon.
The fluorescent lights flickered overhead, casting a harsh yellow glow across glass display cases filled with pawned jewelry.
Mark slammed his expensive stainless-steel luxury watch down onto the wooden counter with an aggressive thud.
"I need five thousand dollars cash for this timepiece right now. Look at it, it's authentic Swiss steel!" Mark demanded.
The weary pawn shop owner picked up the watch, squinting through his magnifying loupe before tossing it back dismissively.
"This serial number was flagged as part of an active corporate asset freeze three minutes ago," the owner stated flatly.
"What are you talking about? It's my personal property!" Mark shouted, leaning over the counter in a rage.
"It's corporate property tied to a federal lien, buddy. Get out of my shop before I call the cops," the owner warned.
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Elena pulled her son back by his torn polo shirt, tears streaming freely down her powdered cheeks.
"Mark, stop... shouting won't fix this. We need to find a cheap motel before nightfall," Elena whispered hopelessly.
