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

“No. Let’s get a taxi and pay a visit to Madam Valeria.” Nat waved at a steam-powered carriage that was just dropping off its passenger. The driver waved his hand in an acknowledgement and held the door open for them.

“Come on.” Nat patted Anouk’s arm and strode to the vehicle.

Anouk’s gut clenched. She didn’t want to see the madam but neither did she want to leave Nat. The last time he was on his own he got into trouble… and Madam Valeria was trouble with capital letters. She was sure of it, Nat just didn’t see it. She wasn’t going to bring up her reservation for the second time; he might interpret it as jealousy again. Typical man. She followed Nat, mentally preparing herself for the meeting. If the madam made her repulsive offer again, and Nat smirked, she would show them some of her katana skills. Then her step faltered for a second. Wait… getting a rise out of her was exactly what the madam would want. She gritted her teeth. Whatever happened in the brothel, one thing was sure—she couldn’t lose her cool.

“15 Roister street,” Nat said and climbed in.

The eyebrows of the driver twitched. A burning sensation spread to Anouk’s neck and she boarded, avoiding the driver’s eyes.

The taxi jolted into motion. The familiar soft chuff chuff quickened when the vehicle accelerated to join the stream of traffic.

“I hope it won’t be a waste of time.” A hint of grumpiness crept into Anouk’s voice.

“I’m sure Madam Valeria has something for us,” Nat said with such conviction Anouk decided to suppress voicing her further doubts. She only hoped he was right and she wrong.

Since Madam Valeria wasn’t a safe topic, Anouk opted for another. “Do you really think Stalo would move against the king? I mean, I don’t have much clue about the politics here, but isn’t that a bit too ambitious even for Stalo? He’d need more than one wealthy ally, two of his lieutenants and bunch of crooks from The Pits.”

“The king’s not that popular in some circles. A couple of years ago, he raised taxes on the nobles and many resent him for it. Stalo could be getting help from some of them.”

“Still it would take a long time to build such an army. Besides, doesn’t Stalo have a habit of killing those who betray him?”

“Aye. But Stalo is also a very patient man.”

“Of course.” Anouk shuddered. “The more dastardly a villain you are, the more patient you’ll be.”

The carriage slowed and stopped.

“We are here,” Nat said and stepped out.

Anouk took a deep breath. “Pull yourself together, girl. You can do this,” she muttered and followed after Nat.

“Would you have preferred to go back to the camp?” Nat asked when the taxi sped away.

Anouk turned to look at him. “What?”

“I can get you another carriage to take you to the camp if you’d rather go there than meet with Madam Valeria. I’d come straight back after finishing my business.” Nat inclined his head towards the brothel.

Anouk waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “No, no. I’ve got to deal with that woman at some point.”

He gave a single nod, a grave expression on his face, and headed to the side stairs. He ran down the steps with Anouk in his wake and banged on the door. No answer. He banged again.

“The gambling room will open at six o’clock in evening,” said a voice above their heads. A young woman leaned out of a window, looking down at them, a wide smile on her face. She was wearing a translucent nightgown with a low neckline. One strap had fallen off, exposing her round, milky white shoulder. Her big breasts rested on the windowsill. She brushed back a strand of her blonde hair and one of her breasts fell out over the neckline. The woman acted as if she hadn’t noticed and giggled at Nat. Anouk rolled her eyes.

Nat smiled up at the woman. “We are here to see Madam Valeria on a business matter. She should be expecting us. Could you let her know Nat Walla and Miss Herring are here?”

The woman blew a kiss to him and vanished from the window.

“Do you know that woman?” Anouk kept her tone neutral.

Nat shook his head. “No, I think she’s new.”

“So do you come here on matters other than business?” Anouk winced, kicking herself. Why did she have to ask? Her and her blabber mouth. “I mean, you’re a man and men have their needs.”

Nat lifted an eyebrow.

Anouk blushed. “I…” She shifted from foot to foot. “Sorry, it’s none of my business. Forget it. Umm, sorry I asked.” For crying out loud, shut up!

“I never mix business and pleasure.” Nat delivered his response in deadpan fashion.

Anouk stared at the ground, willing it to open up and swallow her. It didn’t. Instead, Mr Sunshine appeared at the door, looking as mellow as a man who had just eaten a large crate of lemons.

“Follow me,” he growled.

“And good morning to you too, sir. It’s nice to see you again. Yes, it’s a lovely day,” Anouk grumbled. “Some customer service!”

Nat gave her a crooked smile and strode after the doorman.

He guided them to the same room where they had met the madam two days earlier. Madam Valeria was lying on a divan, wearing nothing but a gauzy nightgown. Anouk didn’t have to strain her eyes to see the madam wasn’t wearing any underwear.

“Nat, my darling,” she uttered huskily and lifted her hand to him for a kiss.

“Madam Valeria.” Nat bowed and kissed her offered hand.

Anouk suppressed a shiver of revulsion. How could Nat touch that woman?

“And Miss Herring, so lovely to see you again.” Madam Valeria turned her cheek towards her.

Anouk struggled to disguise the grimace she felt, but walked over and bent to kiss her cheek. “Lovely to see you too, Madam Valeria.” The cloud of perfume enveloping the madam was as overpowering as at their first meeting. Was she bathing in it?

“Please, be seated.”

Anouk and Nat moved