by C B Williams
Chapter 8
They left The City the same way they entered, much to Max’s dismay. He’d hoped to give his humble-traveler disguise to Ingot and wear his messenger uniform, but Mouse shared hers and used the coat she acquired the day before.
“No messenger would walk through a city gate, Max,” she explained.
Manabu met them in the shuttle according to Mouse’s instructions. When Mouse introduced Ingot to Manabu, she saw they already knew each other, which surprised her.
“I’ve brought you and others to Max’s enough times to get to know some of his staff,” Manabu explained. “Why don’t you get yourselves strapped in? There’s an unhappy sniffer back at Rubble.”
They settled in their seats, belted themselves in, and Manabu took off.
“How did you find my place? Needs met?” Manabu asked Mouse, who sat in the shuttle’s copilot’s chair.
“Just as comfortable as always,” she answered.
“I’m afraid we will need to restock your spirits,” Max said, “I must compliment you on your fine selection.”
Manabu glanced back at Max. “One of those trips, then?” he asked soberly.
Max nodded. “One of those trips.”
Manabu cocked his head at Mouse. “Well, cheer up. Flick is waiting for you.”
Knowing both Little Brother and Flick were waiting helped lift her mood, and she settled into her seat to enjoy the flight home.
Manabu flew low, playing with the updrafts while they flew over the mountains. Ingot groaned, and she glanced back at his green face. “I think you’d better fly a little higher,” she told the pilot.
“I concur,” Max said.
Max looked a little unsettled himself, Mouse noted.
Manabu flashed her a grin and glanced at the two in the back, “Sorry. Doing battle with air currents keeps me sharp. I should have considered my passengers.”
Ingot let out a soft sound of relief when the small craft soared higher and the ride smoothed out.
The look of relief Max gave her made her burst out laughing. “Just be glad it wasn’t me flying. That’s how I fly in still air.”
Manabu snorted. “Not true. That’s like saying I’m a bad teacher.”
Max straightened. “You can fly?”
“Not well,” she answered, feeling suddenly shy. She looked at Manabu, “Manabu has been teaching me.”
“She flies better than she thinks.” Manabu stated.
“But I haven’t got the knack for it,” Mouse said.
“I dunno about that,” Manabu countered. “Ever been tested for knack?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“Maybe you should be tested. You might be surprised.” Manabu said.
“Maybe someday,” she said. When had she begun to feel trapped by her obligations, she wondered.
They found Flick eating alone in the cavernous dining room, its five chandeliers glinting off his spoon, his staff leaning against the wall nearby.
Little Brother, lying near Flick’s chair, sprang to his feet when he saw Mouse. With a chuff, he bounded over to her, slipping his head under her hand so she would fondle his ears.
Flick smiled and waved the trio to seats. “Spur said there was trouble in The City.”
“You might say that,” Max said. “My trade networks have been compromised, and my house invaded with vermin. The human kind.”
Flick nodded, pushing his plate to the side. “I can take care of that for you.”
“Would be obliged if you did. There’s one in particular, goes by Frasier. I’d like to have a little chat with him.”
“I can take care of that too. Why doesn’t someone fill me in?” His eyes wandered over to Mouse. “You okay?”
She nodded. “I’m managing. I think Max knows what’s happening better than any of the rest of us. He can fill you in and we’ll just listen.” She stroked Little Brother’s sleek neck.
The sniffer began to rumble deep in his chest, eyes half closed with pleasure. The sound brought her some peace.
It didn’t take long for Max to explain the recent events.
After Max finished, Flick sat quietly for a few moments before he spoke. “Spur would never behave in such a manner, Ingot,” he said quietly. “And She would never allow anyone to speak for Her save me. Not even Eloch. I’m sorry that was unclear to you.”
“But the messages named dates and times. It appeared to be very damning information, and I was frightened. I know, now, I should have gone directly to Max,” he added.
“I think we can agree that what’s done is done and move on,” Flick said, and turned to Max. “Spur understands how you would want to preserve and defend what is yours, and releases you from your responsibilities so you can. She is aware the business practices you put in place have helped with the recovery of Her people, those not yet ready to cross the mountains. She is further aware there are those who will always want to travel between Her Sisters and conduct business with those belonging to Her Sisters. She encourages it.”
Max straightened in his seat. “And so She would not take offense if I were to travel to Talamh to preserve what I have built, live there for a span if necessary?”
Flick smiled. “No, Max, She would not. In fact, it may do Her a service if you do. Her Sisters, those who are speaking with Her again, tell Her that even though the Ring has been destroyed, there are those on Talamh who would like to rebuild it.”
Max tapped his lip. “That somehow does not surprise me. It is unfortunate, but greed can be a great motivator to some.”
Flick nodded. “Spur holds Herself responsible. Had She been aware, there would have been no need to colonize. When you have resolved your current problem, She hopes you can help resolve the colonization problem.” He rose and reached for his staff. “I’m going now to bring back Frasier,” he said just before he vanished.
Max blinked and sat back, looking at Mouse.
She smirked. “Apparently you’ve never witnessed Flick’s method of travel.” She glanced at Ingot, whose mouth was still agape. “Nor you. How do you think he gets to where he needs to get when he needs to get there?”
Max shook his head. “I never really thought about it. I don’t remember his speaking so formally, either.”
“Only when he’s speaking for Spur. Otherwise, he’s as SubCity as you can get,” Mouse said. After a few moments she asked, “Is that what you’re planning to do? Travel to Talamh?”
She sounded sad. Resigned. Max wondered why.
“It depends on what I learn from Frasier,” Max told her. “However, there’s the small problem of The City. Someone needs to continue to manage it. I’ve put most of the components in place so it will be able to be self-governing, but not all. I will need to think about this.”
Ingot cleared his throat. “What will happen to me, sir?”
“What of you, Ingot? I need you to remain in The City no matter what. Look after my affairs for me, report to me, same as always.”
“But what if it happens again? What if someone else infiltrates your home?”
“We’ll set up tighter parameters. Don’t worry. It won’t happen again. And if you receive any other messages, you tell me.”
“I’ll leave Little Brother with you while I’m gone. To guard you,” Mouse said.
Max jerked his head around to look at her.
“What?” she said, “You didn’t think I’d let you go without your bodyguard?”
“But I thought you never wanted to leave Spur.”
“I don’t. But I will.”
“No, Mouse. I can’t ask you to do that. I can hire another bodyguard.”
“But can you find one you can trust like you can trust me?”
He looked at her for several moments, then shook his head. “No. There’s nobody else, other than Ingot, whom I can trust the way I trust you.”
Ingot gasped. “Sir!” he exclaimed, his eyes welling with tears.
“Yes, Ingot, even after what’s happened, I trust you. Maybe even
more now, since I’ve discovered your weaknesses. And, I have to say,” he added to Mouse, “I’m relieved you will be coming with me, even if I go to Talamh.”
She folded her arms, “Well that’s settled then. I go with you, and Little Brother goes with Ingot.”
Max glanced at Ingot. “He likes large, juicy, meaty bones, Ingot.”
Frasier was still dressed in Max’s livery, Max noted, only the uniform was rumpled and the sleeve was torn. He felt a flicker of annoyance seeing the traitor wearing his very own household livery, and he took pleasure in the man’s obvious discomfort.
Flick held him up by the shirt collar with one hand, holding his staff in the other. “This the one you wanted?” Flick asked.
Max nodded, “The very one.” He smiled, showing a lot of teeth.
Frasier watched him warily while the smell of fear polluted the air around him.
Flick gave a brief nod and unceremoniously deposited Frasier in a chair. “You know what can happen if you don’t tell Max what he wants to know.”
At Frasier’s sudden pallor, Max had trouble stifling the smile that tugged at his mouth. He did so prefer to be on the controlling side of things. He clasped his hands together and took a step forward. “Thank you for taking the time to address us, Frasier,” he said jovially. “As Flick said, if you don’t give us any reason to hold you, you can go merrily on your way.”
Frasier glowered. “I’d rather be dead.”
“I’m sure that can be arranged,” Max squeezed his fists behind his back. “I do believe Flick could help you pass on to the other side in painful increments. Would you like that?”
Frasier glanced up at Flick. Max watched Frasier’s bravado dissipate like a fog. Whatever Frasier read in Flick’s expression made him turn even more pale. His shoulders hunched. “Yeah, okay. Whatever you want to know.”
“A much better beginning,” Max said. “Let us not beat around the bush, agreed? Ingot tells me you are the one who sent him disturbing information. Who told you what to write?”
Frasier swallowed. “What if I told you there was only me?”
“I’m afraid I would not believe you,” Max answered.
“And if there was someone else…?”
“A mastermind,” Max said.
“Yes, a mastermind. And if I tell you who that person is, I would be a dead man.”
“And you don’t believe you’re a dead man now?” Max laughed, “Frasier, have you not heard what my friend Flick, here, is capable of?”
Frasier darted a glance at Flick.
“I can also protect you, should you give us the mastermind’s name,” Flick pointed out.
Frasier’s eyes widened. “You would?”
“He would,” Max said. “Maybe even put you to work for us.”
Mouse glanced at Max. “What are you thinking, Max?”
Max put a finger up, “The possibilities are endless once we’ve all agreed to cooperate.” His voice hardened, “But we’ve not yet agreed to cooperate, have we, Frasier?”
“If I gave you a name, I’ll never be able to go home.”
“To Talamh.”
Frasier sighed. “Yes, to Talamh.”
Max cocked his head. “Be reasonable, Frasier. Think it through. If you don’t give us a name, you won’t be able to return home to Talamh anyway.” He softened his voice, “Give us a name, Frasier, and you’ll live, perhaps even a long, wealthy, and rewarding life.”
Frasier looked up at Flick. “I have your word you will protect me?”
“As long as you cooperate, and harm none of my friends nor Spur, you will be protected.”
“A name, Frasier,” Max said.
Frasier wiped a hand over his face before looking at Max. “Eaton Currington.”
Max was silent for a few moments. Then he nodded. “Eaton Currington,” he repeated. “That puts the puzzle together quite nicely.” He looked at Flick. “Tell Spur that with a little planning, I will be able to simultaneously protect my assets and put an end to the resurrection of the Ring.”
Chapter 9
Max returned to The City along with Ingot, Mouse, and Little Brother. If he had had his way, Max would have chosen to go alone without Mouse, so she could give last-minute instructions and say good-bye. But when he made known his plans, Mouse was very annoyed with him, to say the least.
“I won’t have it,” she scowled. “You will do no such thing.”
“But we caught Frasier,” Max argued, annoyed she’d argue with him. “Carrington thinks I’m deceased, so we’ve nothing to fear. You stay and help Skip. Pack your things, say good-bye.”
“That’s not how it’s going to be,” Mouse responded, her voice rising. “You’re taking Frasier back with you, too. It’s not too late for him to try to kill you and escape. You may think he’s become trustworthy, but I sure don’t. Wouldn’t be doing my job if I did. No, both Little Brother and I are going with you. We’ll leave together. Surely you can wait a day.”
“She’s right,” Flick said, coming into the office while they were feuding.
They both whirled around.
Flick chuckled. “Mouse never raises her voice. I had to come see why.”
“She wants to come with me when I’m perfectly safe. The danger has passed for the moment. I thought she’d like to have some time to wrap things up,” Max explained.
Flick looked at Mouse’s sullen expression and shook his head, “No, she’s right. I don’t trust that Frasier won’t try something. Who can protect you if he does?”
“Exactly!” Mouse snarled at Max.
Max glowered back at her.
“I’ll stay here and make sure Skip’s got everything he needs to manage,” Flick continued as if he hadn’t been interrupted. “Thank you, Max, for helping Mouse. Now it’s her turn to help you.” He turned to Mouse and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I’m sorry I haven’t been more sensitive. You were trying to do it all on your own, Mouse, and the job has gotten too big. Spur wishes you to keep Max safe. She is grateful you’re traveling with him.”
“Then I’m not abandoning you here?”
“Neither Spur nor I see this as abandoning us, Mouse. Again, she’s very grateful for your loyalty to us both.”
He looked at Max. “The Ring Expansion must be stopped once and for all.”
Max nodded. “I am well aware of that.”
Flick pulled Mouse into a rough embrace, “And take care of this one. She’s good at what she does, but it’s hard on her.”
A strange feeling surged through Max. He found he needed to clear his throat before he could speak. “I’m well aware of that as well,” he said quietly.
As they lifted off, Mouse looked out the window while the new town of Rubble filled her vision, then diminished. She put a hand to her stomach as she tried to name what she was feeling.
Her time in Rubble had ended. Very soon she would take an interstellar journey and face a fear she’d never thought to face. And she was returning to a trade she never wanted in the first place. An ending, a beginning, and a returning. Was she doing the right thing? She shot a glance at Max. His smile and the flutter in her belly assured her she was. She reminded herself she wasn’t abandoning anyone, and felt better.
“I have some thinking and planning to do, Mouse,” Max told her. “I’m afraid I will be an absent host.”
She studied him for a moment. “That why you wanted to go alone?”
“And I did want you to have the time to say your goodbyes. Needed to make some of my own.”
“Why? You think we won’t be coming back?”
He was quiet before he spoke. “Let’s just say it may be a little dangerous.”
Mouse sighed and nodded, thinking she must be feeling what Wren felt every day. She owed her friend a vidcall. Fill her in, let her know she would actually be in Talamh and they could meet.
“By the way, I assume you will wish to communicate with our Wren.”
Mouse blinked. “I was just thinking t
hat.”
Max grinned. “It’s been on my mind to ask that you not tell her of our intentions. The fewer people know, the better.”
She nodded. “Understood,” she said and turned back to the window. A few moments later she turned back to him. “How did you know I was thinking about contacting Wren? Are you a mind reader? Is that your knack?”
He laughed. “No, only a reader of people.”
“I’m not sure if that makes me feel any better,” she mumbled under her breath. “But what of Spur and Flick? Won’t they tell Eloch?”
Max shook his head. “I spoke to Flick about it, and he has agreed to be silent until it becomes necessary.”
“What did you tell him?”
“That the fewer people who know, the better.”
“I’ve promised Wren to stay in touch. I’m going to have to tell her something.”
“May I suggest you tell her we are sorting out the issue on Spur and you are remaining with me in The City until the problem is solved?”
Mouse crossed her arms. “Okay,” she huffed, “But for the record, I don’t like lying to friends.”
Max was absolutely right. Mouse did not see or hear from him for a week. Only Ingot, who assured her the pieces were coming together nicely.
She didn’t mind. It gave her space to adjust and prepare herself for what was coming. She selected her weapons and sharpened her knives, went through different scenarios, and worked out how to defend Max in each scenario. After all, there was a difference between killing someone and keeping someone alive.
Then one rainy morning, shortly after she returned from the kitchen with breakfast, there was a tap on her door. “Mind if I come in?” Max asked, entering and swiping the door panel shut.
She smiled, surprised at how glad she was to see him.
His dark eyes twinkled at her from beneath thick brows.
“And what if I did mind?” she asked and nibbled on a slice of breakfast meat.
He chose a chair by the window and sat. “It was a rhetorical question, Mouse. You had no choice.”
