DARK HEARTED (The COIL Series)

by Telbat, D. I.

  "Yeah. A long time ago."

  "Exactly. See? We're not that different. We both write our own rules. I'm not mad at you. It's your money. You're among friends. Put my gun down."

  "Australia does have steep gun laws." Nathan turned the gun sideways and acted like he was considering Niles' words. He couldn't seem too anxious to join them. After a moment, he ejected the gun clip. "How do I know you're telling me the truth? How do I know you won't throw me to the sharks as soon as I'm not looking?"

  "Patrick, I don't care what you've done. I'm an adventurer as well. Look, we're on an underwater expedition. Your plane sank. No one knows where you are, and I run this ship. I have nothing to gain by turning you in or…disposing of you. To tell you the truth, I need you."

  "And my money?"

  "That's yours. It's pennies compared to what I spend to keep this ship afloat."

  Nathan seemed to consider the offer a moment longer, then ejected the bullet from the chamber. The round clattered on the metal floor. He tossed the gun and clip back to Niles, but remained ready to move if the man aimed it at him. However, Niles replaced the clip and stuffed his gun in the holster in the small of his back.

  Just then, the inner door opened and the broad-shouldered man entered.

  "Mr. Niles, the information you asked for…"

  "Well?" Niles waved expectantly at the man. "Go ahead, Marlon. You can speak freely in front of Patrick here."

  "Patrick Gibson was in the US Army. He served two tours in Afghanistan, specializing in close combat and tactics. He wears the leg brace from an IED attack."

  "Specialized in close combat, huh?" Niles studied Nathan. "That information is about five minutes too late. Patrick, let me show you to your quarters. You and I have some talking to do."

  ~End Dark Rule Chapter One~