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

“I am sorry, I am exhausted,” she continued, “Last night was very busy.” To prove her point, Madam Valeria covered a yawn with the back of her hand.

“We won’t keep you long,” Nat said. “We just came to ask if you’ve found out anything that might be helpful.”

“Oh, yes.” Another yawn. “I did request that you to give me two days. Well, I am afraid I have discovered nothing yet.”

“Ah.”

“I am sorry, darling.” Madam Valeria’s expression was mournful. “But, please, tell me what happened to your beautiful face?”

Nat shrugged. “Oh, a few men just thought I was too pretty for their taste.”

“Nat, darling, why do you not tell me what really happened?” Madam Valeria asked, her lips in a pout.

“We walked into a trap set by Stalo.” Nat’s tone was casual, but the muscles in his jaw tightened somewhat.

“But that is awful,” Madam Valeria exclaimed, the pout melting into a theatrical gasp. “Are you sure it was him?”

“Yes.”

“How did you manage to escape?”

“With luck.”

Madam Valeria regarded Nat for a moment with a frown and calculation in her eyes. His neutral expression gave nothing away. The mood in the room took on a sinister edge and Anouk’s skin prickled. What was going on? A thought occurred to her and she tensed. Was Madam Valeria setting a trap for them? To get her? Anouk shot a worried look at the door, but it remained closed. Had they already walked into it?

“Oh.” Madam Valeria breathed after what seemed like an eternity. She started to inspect her manicured nails.

“Thank you for seeing us.” Nat stood up. He walked to her and gave another kiss on her hand.

“Yes, I do need some more sleep. I will send you a message if I hear anything that might be of relevance.”

Nat bowed. “Thank you. You’re very kind, Madam Valeria.”

Anouk’s knees went soft in relief. At least they were being allowed to leave.

“Miss Herring, have you given any further thought to my offer?” Madam Valeria asked, looking her up and down. “Come work for me; it is far safer than chasing criminals. It would be a shame for your lovely face to end up like Nat’s.”

She stiffened, gritting her teeth. “Thank you for your concern, but no, my situation hasn’t changed.”

“What a pity.” Madam sighed. “May I ask where exactly are you from?”

A cold wave washed over Anouk, and she flicked her eyes at Nat. He stared at the madam, his face hard. Anouk turned her attention back to Madam Valeria. Why was she asking that again? Had she learned Anouk wasn’t from this planet? If she knew that, they had to get the hell out of there. Now.

Anouk glanced towards the door, moisture vanishing out of her mouth. “I’m from the south.” Her voice came out raspy.

“Interesting.” Madam Valeria stretched the word. “Yes, your accent sounds a little like theirs, but they do not have eyes like yours, and you do not have a single drop of Ulda-blood in you, I can tell that.”

Nat grabbed Anouk by her arm. “I’m sorry, Madam Valeria, but we must be going.”

Madam Valeria sprang up to block their way with surprising speed and agility. No lazy stroll or gliding—she darted like a hyena preventing her prey from escaping. She fixed her eyes on Anouk. “Name what you want and you shall have it, if you join my service.”

Anouk took a step back, clenching her fists. Anger and fear bubbled inside her. How dare she?

Nat moved between her and the madam, dropping his hand on his revolver. “Miss Herring works for me, and I’m not releasing her from our contract.”

Madam Valeria scowled at Nat. “It is her decision, not yours.”

“Nat is right,” Anouk said through her teeth. “Besides, there is nothing you can offer me that would make me change my mind.”

The door opened. Jasper set his bulky form in the doorway, holding a gun in his hand. A shiver ran down Anouk’s spine. Was he defending his boss? Or… were they trying to force her to stay? Was the madam willing to resort to kidnapping after all?

The silence in the room was oppressive. Nat had pulled his revolver and was pointing it at Madam Valeria’s employee. A small pistol had appeared in the madam’s hand and she was aiming at Nat. Where the hell did she pull the gun from? Her arse? How were they going to get out of this situation? If she tried to reach for her sword, either the butler or the madam would pull the trigger. She opened her mouth to say something when quick footfall came from the hall behind Mr Sunshine. A young woman peered over his shoulder. Her eyes widened, and she hesitated.

“Yes?”

“Madam Valeria is wanted on the telephone. It’s the call she’s been waiting for,” the woman blurted.

Madam Valeria lowered the pistol. “Thank you, Shannah. Tell the gentleman I will be right there.”

Shannah vanished behind the door in a split second.

“Our cooperation, Nat, is over.” Madam Valeria levelled her eyes on Nat, giving him a look as warm as a Siberian winter. “I will let you leave my premises, but you are no longer welcome here.”

Nat gave a stiff bow, saying nothing. No emotion showed on his face. Anouk let out a slow sigh of relief—the madam was letting them leave.

Madam Valeria strode towards the door. Before she left the room, she said over her shoulder, “Miss Herring, my offer is still in place. Please, consider it.”

Chapter 15

Anouk rubbed her face. Why did Madam Valeria want her so much that she would even break her long-term friendship with Nat when he stepped to her defence? Surely, she had enough pretty-eyed girls. It must be something else. Yes, Anouk was relieved the madam had let them go, and they… No, she wouldn’t have to deal with the woman again. Nevertheless, a question nagged in the back of her mind. What would be the price? How would this affect their hunt for Stalo? If Madam Valeria truly was as important