The Gadget: The Rondon Chronicles Book One by V. Timlin (speed reading book .TXT) 📕

dark corner. A kitchen range dominated in the opposite corner, taking a quarter of the space of the whole one-room flat. Pans hung on hooks above the cooker, and pots and buckets were scattered on its clean hobs.

The only other light source in addition to the small window facing the street was a kerosene lamp hanging from a low ceiling. Regardless of the cramped space and obvious poverty of the family, the room was tidy.

“Please.” The woman waved her hand towards the two chairs close to the window. She propped the shotgun against the bench before sitting at the table— still, in easy reach, Anouk decided, in case things went bad. Danja and Valintina were sitting at the table, opposite their mother, staring at the visitors. The resemblance between the mother and daughters was striking; they all shared the similar heart-shaped face, grey eyes and small pointy nose. There was no doubt who the girls would look like when they grew up.

“Thank you.” Nat sat on the chair near the window, Anouk sat next to him.

“Girls, you can go out and play, but talk to no one and come right back in if someone approaches you. Mind what I say, or next time I’ll spank you.”

Valintina and Danja bobbed their heads, their plaits swinging back and forth. “Yes, Ma,” they said before running out.

Anouk’s stomach twisted, she had inadvertently caused trouble for the girls.

“Can’t be too careful in a neighbourhood like this,” the woman said.

Anouk suppressed a sigh. It was the closest thing she would get to an apology, but that was fine. There were people who kidnapped children for whatever reason—to sell for labour, prostitution, illegal adoption, organs. No one cared for the destitute. The pecking order seemed the same here as it had been and still was in some places in Anouk’s world.

“That is understandable,” Nat said. “Pray, how do you know my name? I don’t recall seeing you before.”

“Yes, you don’t know me, but you knew Alarik Tarandus. I’m his wife, Rose.”

Nat bowed his head, placing his hand on his chest. “I’m sorry for your loss, he was a good man.”

“Thank you.” A shadow of pain and sorrow passed over Rose’s eyes before vanishing behind the mask of sobriety. “He talked quite often about you.”

“Good, I hope.” Nat flashed a smile. “He did mention once he had a wife and a child, but names were never mentioned nor photographs shown.”

“Alarik wanted to keep us safe and unknown. As you well understand.”

“Aye,” Nat grunted, half turning to Anouk while keeping his eyes on Rose. “Please, let me introduce my friend, Miss Anouk Herring.”

“Just call me Anouk.” She smiled.

“Pleased to meet you, Anouk.” Rose glanced at Nat, her eyebrows arched.

“I inadvertently involved Anouk in my latest case,” Nat said. Was he embarrassed? He certainly sounded like he was. Anouk turned to Nat, a frown on her face.

A crooked smile split Rose’s lips. “Alarik said you preferred working alone.”

“Really?” Anouk asked, directing the question more to Nat than to Rose. Not that she wanted the reward if they killed… no, when they captured Stalo. What would she do with money from his world anyway? She would be going back to London. Still, the thought stung. He had said he would welcome her help, but she didn’t know what her role was or what he expected from her. Was he really that concerned about the money or was there something else behind his solitary tendencies?

Nat met her eyes. “Normally, yes.” He turned his attention back to Rose. “We are looking for the former warlord Stalo De Meriweth who escaped prison three days ago. I tracked him down and wounded him. Unfortunately, he managed to escape. He sought medical help from Dr Arnar down the street who admitted treating him. Now, it seems, Stalo has gone into hiding.”

“Yes, I heard about the prison break, and I thought you might be on the case.” Rose glanced out the window before continuing, “It’s not safe to talk outside. Someone might overhear us.”

Anouk’s heart missed a beat, and she clenched her hands together in her lap.

Nat leaned forward, a keen expression on his face like a hound on a scent. “Yes?”

“My girls said they saw a man covered with blood going to Dr Arnar’s practice. You see so many people with bloodied wounds around here, so I didn’t think much of it.”

Chills ran down Anouk’s spine—life along this street must be awful if they were used to seeing bloodied people roaming about and thought of it as just another day.

Rose continued, “But an hour later when I was heading to market, I saw Stalo leaving, and heading north. I recognised him immediately, of course. Alarik used to have his old wanted poster, you see.”

“Was he still wearing the prisoner’s overall?” Nat asked.

“Yes, and his arm was in a sling.”

“Alright.” Nat rubbed his chin whilst staring at the floor.

“What’s north of here?” Anouk asked.

“City centre and Flower Estate,” Nat replied and turned back to Rose. “Did you notice anything else?”

Rose shook her head. “Nothing I can think of. Although…” she paused, “it’s quite possible he turned to Flower Estate rather than straight towards the city centre. I mean, for the short while he walked in front of me, but then a wagon pushed past between us and I lost sight of him.”

“It’s more likely he headed there rather than to city centre.” Nat rose from the chair. “Thank you, Rose, for the information, and again, my sincerest condolences.”

Rose gave a nod and stood as well. “Yes, it’s usually here or Flower Estate where people like him hide. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open if I hear anything else that might be connected to your mission. You saved my husband’s life once, so I owe you.”

“You owe me nothing.” Nat smiled.

“Maybe not, but I’ll do it anyway. Here in The Pits, it helps to be a local. You hear and see things no one would confine to outsiders.” Rose gave Nat a pointed look. “Especially not