***
Our entourage sped at such a rate through the burgeoning city there was but little time to appreciate the local color. Neighborhood shops and outdoor markets, spread out beneath brightly color canvasses, filled the thoroughfares and side streets. The bustle of life under the morning sun gave our journey a sense of purpose and hope of promising results. Left to my own devices, I would have ended up aimlessly bewildered in the lively and colorful byzantine metropolis.
"We've had some peaks and troughs, Pat, but maybe we're reaching the end of the trail."
"In a round of golf?"
"I'm disquieted by it, too. I trust my short game will be up to standard today." I rolled the window down completely. "Tell me of your black eye."
"The conductor, poor bugger. His stay in hospital includes the fond memory of getting the first shot in." A grin of satisfaction formed on Pat's face. "After that minor setback, I gave him a good waxing. Floated like a butterfly, I did."
"And Angel?" I gulped involuntarily. "Did you see her?"
"I did now. She and Stinky were kept penned in by the Holsteins. They were traveling together until Chip/Silly took over," Pat said, giving me a grave look. "I have to say, Baron, that the boy is calling the shots here. His control over Bridgework is like that of a pusher over a user."
"Interesting observation."
"Bridgework is teetering on the edge of desperation, lashing out at everyone except his son in law."
"Angel, too?"
"Deeds in place of words, he despises the girl. It's out in the open now, at least in front of the hired help and involuntary captives."
"Of which she is one. They're together, anyway. I'll take comfort in the fact that Stinky, being a stout Trotters boy, will do his all to protect her." I paused to consider my position. "I'm not so sure that will be enough."
"Their situation is dismal, Baron. Chip/Silly's decision to split the group apart allowed the opportunity for my escape."
"And before your departure, he made sure you knew he could reprogram the Paris flash drive."
"True."
"And he would supposedly trade flash drives for hostages."
"True again."
"We shall see what develops, then." At that moment it occurred to me how much, to the peril of all involved, I had massively underestimated Angel's malevolent husband.
Baril de Singes [Barrel of Monkeys] Page 49
