After the ambush at Glun’s bar, Hok had to lay low.  The discovery of the three bodies led to an investigation by local law enforcement, of course, and Hok wanted nothing to do with that.  If he was identified as the person that survived and got away, he could be accused of being behind it.  His best hope was for those responsible to be quickly identified.  Until then, maybe he could conduct his own investigation.  Hiding in the late night shadows, Hok waited until the confection shop was about to close.

“I’m sorry, but we’re…  Hok!

“You seem surprised to see me, Drak.”  Something wasn’t right.  Hok knew Drak for years and he never reacted suspiciously upon seeing Hok walk into his shop.  

“No, no, it’s not that at all.”  Drak, the shop owner, was fidgeting his hands and shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

“I came here because you’re the one that has his lobes on the pulse of the action.  I was prepared to pay you for what you could tell me, but your reaction and demeanor make me wonder…”  Hok’s voice trailed off.  Not expecting things to escalate so quickly, he stepped closer to Drak.

“You need to leave.”

“What’s going on, Drak?”  Hok was bigger than the average Ferengi, so he pushed closer, Drak stumbling back to move away.

“Please, Hok, you have no idea.”

Hok felt like he was gut-punched.  “So tell me.”

“I can’t.”

Hok grabbed Drak by his collar.  “If you don’t tell me, I’ll tear off your lobes.”  He meant it.

Clearly afraid, Drak whimpered a weak response.  “I can’t.”

Hok was a mixed bag of emotions.  He was getting angry over Drak’s responses, but he was also getting a sick feeling that he was in the middle of something very bad.  “Tell me.  No one will know I was here.”

Drak was shaking, but he didn’t say anything.

“Is it the Orion Syndicate?” said Hok.

“Worse.”  Drak’s voice was barely a whisper.

It was Hok’s turn to quiver.  Only those with the strongest and deepest connections in government and business could be more dangerous than the Syndicate.  “Just tell me what your part in this was and I’ll leave.  I promise I won’t implicate you.”

“You won’t tear off my lobes?”

Hok almost chuckled.  “No.”

“I was paid to find out when and where Lorx was selling some important item.  I didn’t know you would be there.”

“Who paid you and how did you know I was there?”

Drak’s eyes widened.  “You said all I had to do was tell you what I did.”

Hok sighed and let go of Drak’s collar.  “Fine.”  He turned and started walking away.

“You’ll keep me out of this?  You promised.”

Hok stopped.  “I’ll keep you out of it,” he said not looking back.  As he exited the shop, he heard more whimpers.  Looking around to make sure he wasn’t being followed, Hok disappeared into the night.