Kashme Kartel FBI - Ch2

A Meeting in the Mushroom Sanctum

Kash Kartel stepped into Donold Grump’s private quarters, pausing to take in the vibrant chaos of the room. The walls were painted in streaks of multicolor, each hue blending seamlessly into the next, as if the space itself were breathing. In the center of the room stood a massive mushroom-shaped sculpture, its cap glowing faintly with pulsating light.

“Mr. Grump,” Kash said with a grin, spinning slowly to take it all in, “this is something else. I didn’t think you could outdo yourself, but here we are.”

Grump, seated in his oversized crystal throne that seemed to float above the floor, gestured broadly. “Kash, when you operate on my level, ordinary surroundings don’t suffice. This isn’t just an office—it’s a sanctuary.”

Kash stepped closer to the mushroom, running his hand along its textured stem. “Sanctuary’s the right word. This place feels alive.”

Grump chuckled. “It is alive. Everything here vibrates with energy—if you’re attuned to it.”

Kash shot him a curious look. “Attuned, huh? Guess I’ll have to work on that.”

Grump’s eyes shifted toward a seemingly empty corner of the room, his expression softening. “Dracophyre likes it here too.”

“Dracophyre?” Kash repeated, glancing toward the corner but seeing nothing. “I’m guessing that’s not the name of the mushroom.”

Grump smirked, leaning back in his throne. “No, Kash. He’s my dragon. My guide. He’s watching you right now.”

Kash frowned, scanning the room again. “Right. Of course. Watching me. Should I wave or...?”

Grump laughed, a deep, rolling sound that filled the room. “He doesn’t trust easily. When you walked in, he flew around you, testing your intentions. That’s why you’re still standing. A lesser man might have been incinerated.”

Kash forced a laugh, brushing a hand over his tie. “Well, glad I passed the test.”

Grump nodded, his golden aura gleaming faintly, though only he could see it. “You did. And now, to business. The names.”

Kash leaned forward, his tone shifting to match Grump’s seriousness. “Who’s on the list, boss?”

Grump’s fingers drummed on the armrest of his throne. “Hollins. Kurkowski. Tomney. Same ones I gave Blondi. I want to see who’s faster, who’s sharper.”

“Blondi, huh?” Kash said with a smirk. “No offense to her, but she’s not built like me. You’ll have dirt on all three before she finishes her first call.”

Grump’s gaze flickered back to the corner where he saw the dragon coiled, smoke curling lazily from its nostrils. “Dracophyre believes in you, Kash. So do I. But remember, I don’t want just dirt—I want ruin.”

Kash’s grin widened. “Consider it done. By the time I’m finished, they’ll wish they’d never crossed you.”

Grump nodded, his focus still on the invisible dragon. “Good. Go now. Dracophyre and I have other matters to discuss.”

As Kash left, the multicolor streaks on the walls seemed to ripple in his wake, the faint hum of the glowing mushroom filling the silence. Grump’s eyes lingered on the corner where Dracophyre reclined, invisible to all but him.

“Another pawn on the board,” Grump murmured, his gaze distant. “Let’s see how this one plays.”