by V. J. Timlin
Amanda waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “Don’t you worry about it, love. We’ll sort it out later. Nat is a good friend of mine and his friends are my friends.”
“Have you known him long?”
“Oh, several years now. He once took care of an issue for me.” Amanda grinned and winked.
Anouk frowned. Did bounty hunters in this world work for whoever offered a sufficiently big reward and not just for the authorities? Had Amanda used Nat as a debt collector? Even broken a few kneecaps?
“Was it serious? This issue, I mean.”
“Well, you could say that.” Amanda turned her back and scanned the shelves stacked with neatly folded clothes. “Let’s see… oh yes, this looks nice.”
A question died on Anouk’s lips, her look less than favourable as Amanda held aloft a pink shirt with abundant frills.
“No?” Amanda asked.
“Sorry, no. It isn’t really my style or colour.”
“Alright. How about this?” Amanda pulled out a canary-yellow shirt. Anouk winced again. “We’ll keep looking.” Amanda gave a warm smile and folded the shirts back.
Anouk sighed in relief. “Yes. I like more subtle colours.”
“Subtle colours, you said?” Amanda moved down the shelves where there were clothes of a more earthy tone.
The selection had been a positive surprise after all, and after trying on a few sets of clothes, Anouk found some she liked—a brown shirt, black waistcoat, black trousers and lace-up boots. Anouk slipped her katana over her shoulder and fastened it with a strap on her back. She tested withdrawing the sword—it glided from the scabbard with no difficulty. Anouk stepped in front of the large mirror and examined herself from head to toe.
“Wow, I look like a real badass,” she said, satisfied.
Amanda’s eyebrows shot up, and she glanced at Anouk’s behind. “Excuse me, Miss Herring, but your bottom looks just fine.”
Anouk blinked first, but then burst out laughing. “No, I didn’t mean my bum. It’s an expression where I come from, and it means a tough person in a good way. And, please, call me Anouk.”
“Well, Anouk, you certainly do look tough in a good way, but for your outfit to be complete, it needs something more.” Amanda vanished behind another shelf for a moment and came back carrying a black cap and a pair of brown gloves. “Try these on.”
Anouk took the cap and turned it in her hand. The style was the same as newsboy caps from the early twentieth century—round, eight-panelled with a button on top and stiff peak. She put it on.
“It looks good on you.” Amanda nodded. “And you can hide your hair under it.”
“True.” Anouk took the cap off, tied her hair in a quick bun and slipped it back on. “Brilliant.”
“And any true lady needs a good pair of gloves.” Amanda handed the pair over.
Anouk rubbed the leather between her fingers. “These are so soft and lovely.”
She turned to check her reflection once more. If nothing else, at least now she wouldn’t stand out. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. So, you and Nat are on a mission?” Amanda asked in a casual tone as they walked back to the front room. Her lifted eyebrows spoke with curiosity.
“Yes, we have a man to capture.” Her gut twisted and she swallowed. Just this morning she had been an accountant in London. In a matter of hours, her boring, but peaceful life had turned topsy-turvy, and now she was allied with a bounty hunter on another planet trying to hunt down the most wanted criminal before he hunted her down.
“Oh, you’re a bounty hunter as well?” Amanda asked.
Anouk took a deep breath and shot a sideways glance at Amanda. She was pulling aside the curtain separating the backroom from the shop, unconcerned. “Not exactly. I’m an accountant.”
“Ah.”
Nat leaned against the shop counter. He straightened and looked Anouk over from head to toe.
Anouk gave him a twirl. “What do you think?”
“Very good,” Nat said, admiration shining on his face. “Can you draw your sword when it’s on your back like that?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Then there is room for a couple of guns.”
“No, no guns,” Anouk blurted. Both Nat and Amanda looked bemused. “I don’t like guns,” Anouk continued. “I don’t even know how to shoot.”
“I can teach you.”
“Thank you, but no. I’ll stick with my sword. You do the shooting, I’ll do the ‘looking-menacing-with-a-giant-toothpick’.” Anouk pulled the katana and took an attack pose, twisting her face into a scowl.
Nat gave her a flat look.
“Not menacing enough?”
“No. I thought you said you could use it.”
“No. I said I have some skills.” Anouk straightened her posture and glided the sword back into the scabbard. “Guess, I have to practice that ‘looking menacing’ a bit more.”
Nat gave another nondescript expression before turning his attention to Amanda, who was hiding her mouth behind her palm. She was trying hard not to laugh, Anouk guessed.
Amanda cleared her throat and pulled her face neutral. “I’ve never seen a sword like yours, Anouk.”
Anouk blushed. “It’s… er…” Nat had said she could trust Amanda, and she seemed very nice. They seemed to be… very close friends. Not that the nature of their relationship was any of her business. Still, she was reluctant to say where her sword was from. Or indeed, where she was originated. Amanda had fingered her clothes and shoes inquisitively, nevertheless, she had said nothing, she just smiled and turned her attention to Nat.
“Anouk said you’re after a man.”
“Yes, Stalo.”
Amanda’s eyes widened. “I didn’t know he was loose.” Her voice shook.
“He escaped two days ago. It should be in the Rondon Gazette, and enforcers are spreading the wanted posters.”
“It must have been in yesterday’s paper then.” Amanda veered behind the shop counter. She took a newspaper from under it and spread it out in front of her.
Anouk craned her neck to read the small print. There it was, a big article on the front page.
Dangerous criminal and brutal former warlord Stalo De Meriweth has escaped Rondon Prison under the cover of night. Citizens of Anglea are urged to exercise caution. Anyone who knows anything or sees Mr De Meriweth, please contact the Royal Enforcers immediately. There is a 500,000 ugion reward for a tip that leads to the arrest or killing of Mr De Meriweth. Assisting or hiding the dangerous criminal is a crime against the king, and will be punished severely.
Amanda lifted her eyes from the paper and directed them to Nat. “How did he get out?”
“He tricked a night guard, killed him then took his keys and guns. He killed several other prison guards before escaping. Chief Constable Loka contacted me and requested help.”
“So they want bounty hunters to do the dirty work for them, as usual.” Amanda snorted.
“But of course. Besides, the reward is hefty.” Nat winked with a grin.
Amanda’s expression of disgust melted into a wry smile. “Quite. The competition will be fierce, but Stalo is not an easy catch. He is sadistic and deadly.” Amanda’s gaze drifted towards the window, her eyes reflecting some distant painful memory. What had Stalo done to her? Amanda sighed and turned her attention back to Nat. “You be careful.”
“Naturally.” Nat smiled at Amanda. “I wounded Stalo when he escaped Anouk’s world, and…”
Anouk’s eyes widened and she looked horrified at Nat. Why did he tell Amanda she was not from here? A short while ago he had said they should keep her origin secret. Yes, Nat had also said Amanda was trustworthy, but still, she would have rather kept it just between them. Anouk glanced at Amanda not knowing what to expect. Amanda was staring at Nat with a similar horrified expression on her face.
“Has he purloined one of those?” Amanda pointed at the Gadget on Nat’s glove.
Anouk blinked. Was Amanda famil
iar with the Gadget? Had she travelled to other worlds as well? Amanda’s face showed no fear, suspicion, nor wariness, only shock at the news Stalo possibly had one.
“Unfortunately, yes.”
Amanda’s eyes flickered towards Anouk. “And you, poor lass, happened to come across him?”
“Yes. He tried to kill me, but luckily Nat arrived just in time,” Anouk shuddered at the recollection. It had happened only a couple of hours earlier. Yet it felt as though it was ages ago and on a different planet. Technically, it had been… God, this was confusing.
“Well, that explains many things.”
Anouk shifted her weight. “What do you mean?”
“Your clothes—they looked strange and the fabric feels so different. And the shoes. Never seen those either. Of course, it explains why you are with Nat.”
“Anouk is with me until Stalo is caught or killed. Will you let me know if you hear anything?”
“You know I will.” Amanda patted Nat on his shoulder. “And, if you two need more gear, equipment or ammunition, I have new stock arriving later today.”
Ammunition… Anouk’s jaw snapped open. Exactly what kind of shop was Amanda’s Emporium?
“Excellent, thank you.” Nat grinned and winked at Anouk. “Let’s get started.”
She hesitated. “How about paying for these clothes?”
“No, you don’t have to pay. Think of them as gifts, love.” Amanda smiled.
“Oh, thank you,” Anouk said, uneasiness setting in her gut. How would she be able to return the favour? Why was she so generous? Did she want something from Anouk in return? Something from her world? After all she had examined her clothes closely, not to mention she had noticed Anouk’s katana.
As if reading Anouk’s thoughts, Amanda waved her hand in a flippant motion. “Please, don’t worry about it. You just get that man.”
Anouk wanted to ask what Stalo was to Amanda, but Nat looked impatient, throwing frequent glances at the door and shifting his weight from foot to foot. He wanted to get on with hunting Stalo. Yes, it was better to get down to business as soon as possible. She would ask Nat about Amanda’s connection to Stalo later.
“Could I ask you to keep my clothes and the shoes safe for the time being?”
Amanda nodded. “When you want them, they’ll be right here.”
“Thank you.”
“Ready?” Nat asked Anouk, who bobbed her head in acknowledgement.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Amanda.” Anouk trotted after Nat who was already at the door.
“It was a pleasure to meet you too,” Amanda said. “Keep an eye on him.”
Anouk forced a smile on her face. “Oh, yes—he’s my ticket home.”
Whenever that would happen! It didn’t sound like the mission was going to be a walk in the park, even with Nat to protect her. And, would she even be in one piece after this all was over? She might end up being returned in a body bag. Well, that was a happy thought.
Chapter 5
On the street, no one paid any attention to Anouk now that she blended in. What would they do or say if they knew she wasn’t from this planet? What would she do if she met one of them in her home city? No, wait. She did. Two, in fact. And look what happened.
She took a deep breath and turned her attention to Nat, walking beside her.
“Where are we going?”
“Visiting three unlicensed doctors who operate close to Stalo’s landing spot. I want to check if Stalo has seen any of them yet.”
“Alright, makes sense.”
Nat patted Anouk on her shoulder with a grin. “Don’t be discouraged. We’ll catch him. I have connections and I’ll be putting the word out. Eventually, someone will know something.”
Anouk gave him a sideways glance. “What kind of connections?”
“Some owe me a favour, others are well informed, or just so happen to like me.”
“Sounds…” Anouk waved her hands. “And I don’t mean to offend you or, er, your ‘friends’, but your description made them sound a bit… iffy.”
Nat shrugged. “Some do have a questionable reputation and some would kill you without batting their eyes.”
“What charming friends you have.”
“They won’t pose a threat to you, I can guarantee you that.”
They turned a corner and headed down another street, walking past a bakery. In the window, crusted loafs rested side by side. The smell of fresh-baked bread caught Anouk’s nose and her stomach came alive, sending a loud growl.
“Could we have a bite before we go and see any of those doctors?”
“The sooner we crack on with the search the better.”
“I appreciate that, but I’ve eaten nothing this morning. I’d kill for a cup of coffee and some food.”
Nat cast a dark look at her. “Very well, but it will have to be quick then. There is a nice cafe just around the corner.”
They had cafes? What did that mean here? Food, obviously, but was it anything like her favourite cafe on Uxbridge Road? Well, that would be a bit of a stretch.
“Thanks. You have an admirable instinct for self-preservation.”
Nat looked at her, his eyebrows arched. “We can’t have you murdering people to get food.”
Anouk smirked. “Well, you said you wanted to see my sword fighting skills.”
“You’ll get to show me those soon enough.”
Her smirk faltered. “What?”
“Ah, here we are.” Nat opened the cafe door.
The bell chimed when they stepped in. A few heads turned towards them, but chatter continued unabated. The cafe was large and full of tables and only a couple were vacant. Four big chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the tables and cake-themed paintings on the purple walls.
Anouk stood still, blinking. The coffeehouse reminded her of the coffee shops back home—not that she had expected to walk into Mos Eisley Cantina, but something more alien at the very least. Would she ever get her head around the strange familiarity of Nat’s world?
Nat touched her shoulder and studied her with a concerned expression. “Is everything alright?”
Anouk forced a smile. “Yeah. I’m fine.”
Nat nodded, although his anxious countenance remained. “Please, order what you want.”
Aromas of coffee and cakes wafted to Anouk’s nostrils, pushing all her other thoughts aside for a moment. She studied the selection at the counter, her stomach rumbling. Pastries, cakes and sandwiches were arranged on large plates with wonderful artistry. None of them appeared familiar enough that she could have named them, but they all looked delicious—the ‘House Special’, a cake with purple icing and orange marzipan roses in particular. She suppressed her impulse, thinking it better to eat something light and savoury. Her gut was still a bit tender, but the nausea had subsided.
Nat gave her a quick tour of what was on display, and she ordered coffee, cheese and pickle sandwich and gazpacho-esque tomato soup. He took tea and a pastry.
Anouk dipped her spoon as soon as they sat, slurping the soup down, partly because she was famished and part because Nat was checking his pocket watch frequently to her annoyance. She studied him and the room while demolishing the sandwich and washing it down with coffee, which to her pleasant surprise tasted like proper Arabica. A question nagged at the back of her mind. What if they didn’t catch Stalo before he was fit enough to use his Gadget again? He must have seen quite a lot in his short visit to her world. How would he exploit that knowledge?
“Nat, do your people take inventions from the other worlds they visit?”
“Our scientists have brought samples to study further.”
“How many worlds have you discovered?”
Nat was silent for a while staring somewhere in the distance and drumming his fingers on the tabletop.
Debating how much to reveal to her?
“I’ve only been to one other in addition to yours, but I know scientists have explored more. There are, though, str
ict rules for who gets to use the Gadgets, and there is a code of conduct on non-intervention. We are simply to observe, and not, under any circumstances, let the instrument fall into the hands of the natives.”
“I’m glad it’s regulated,” Anouk said. Thank goodness the scientists in this world had the sense not to let any nut jobs get their hands on the machine. Although the system wasn’t foolproof, or Stalo-proof. “What kind of place was the other world? Were you hunting an outlaw?”
“I worked as a bodyguard for a scientist, but the planet was uninhabited.”
“Is that how you got your Gadget?”
“Yes.”
“And they let you keep it?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Nat looked at her, his face expressionless. He didn’t reply.
Anouk frowned. If the devices were so strictly regulated, why did Nat have one? Why the secrecy? If he was allowed to keep it, what else did he do other than chase criminals? Nat’s unwillingness to talk about the subject made her insides churn uneasily. She wanted to know if it was something that might cause her more trouble. It was time to be cunning and try another approach…
“How does it work? You said something about crystals. What kind are they?”
Nat narrowed his eyes, but again remained silent.
“I’m curious.” Anouk shrugged. Damn right she was. These people, who lived in a world that reminded Anouk of late nineteenth century England, had somehow invented a machine that opened gates to other parts of the universe. What would scientists in her world be ready to pay to get their hands on the Gadget? A lot, Anouk was sure, if they believed one existed that was. She sighed and continued, “Well, don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. No one would believe me, anyway.” She paused to take a sip from her coffee. “What is its official name?” She nodded towards the box on Nat’s left glove.
“The Gadget.”
“Just the Gadget?”
“Yes.”
“Your scientists did all the research, modelling, building, testing and finally perfecting the instrument and they name it…” Anouk tilted her head. “…the Gadget?”
