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

She stood in front of the door, shifting from foot to foot and tapping now and then the gun and the prod under her coat. The minutes stretched and so did her patience. She jumped at every clang and shout coming from the street, expecting to see Stalo’s men at the top of the stairs.

Hollow gongs from the bell tower drifted over the noise of the traffic. It was ten. She must have been waiting at least fifteen minutes. Shit! They didn’t buy her story. What now? Nat would be in soon if he wasn’t already. Should she go tell Vari and Fitzwil?

Anouk had just taken a step towards the stairs when the door opened and the doorman appeared. He cocked his head to the side. “Follow me.”

Anouk swallowed hard and stepped over the threshold—there was no turning back now. The gambling room was packed. Men played cards and women circulated the tables like the first night she had visited the brothel. The air was thick with a mixture of tobacco smoke and heavy perfume. Frequent yells, curses and laughter pierced the noisy conversation around the tables.

She kept close to the doorman’s back, shooting wary glances around trying to spot Stalo’s men. She ran the plan through her mind—soppy story about falling out with Nat, needing money, pleading for Madam Valeria to take her. Buying time until the fire alarm would go off—Nat’s sign. Knock out Madam Valeria, tie her up and go look for Nat. Should be straightforward. Still, everything could go horribly wrong…

A few men turned and leered at her. Anouk’s skin started to prickle in fear. She gritted her teeth in defiance. She won’t fail, goddammit.

They walked up the stairs to the hall of the first floor. Only the erotic paintings broke the monotonous colouring. Red was the hue of love, but also the tone of spilt blood. Anouk shuddered.

Her eyes caught sight of Lila. She was walking down the stairs from the second floor, wearing a red corset and a black lacy miniskirt, a tall feather swayed on her head as she descended. She spotted Anouk and her eyes widened in recognition. Fear clutched Anouk’s throat. Would Lila guess why Anouk was there? Would she warn Mr Sunshine?

Anouk shook her head once at her and Lila’s expression changed from surprised to blank, and she inclined her head an inch.

“What are you standing there for? If your headache has gone, get back to work.”

Lila turned her gaze towards the doorman. “Just looking, Jasper. Is this a new girl? Shannah’s replacement?”

A chill ran down Anouk’s spine—Lila’s tone had been cold and indifferent.

“Madam Valeria decides that. Now, to the gambling room with you.”

Lila shrugged and resumed walking down the steps. “Maybe we’ll see each other later,” she said to Anouk.

“Maybe,” Anouk muttered. Lila vanished behind the curtains. Hopefully, she would help them when the shit hit the fan.

Mr Sunshine—Jasper—lead Anouk to the same salon as on her two previous visits. Jasper opened the door and waved her to go in. She hesitated for a moment. Her hand moved towards the prod under her jacket, but she resisted the urge to touch it. Jasper was watching her through his once again narrowed eyes. She took a deep breath and walked past him into the room.

“Do come in.” Madam Valeria was lying on a divan, dressed in a corset and translucent dressing gown. “It is so good of you to come. Please, be seated.” Her voice was her signature low and husky.

“Thank you for seeing me.” Anouk was gracious in her response but made no move to sit on the offered sofa. She clasped her hands in front of her and studied the madam’s face. There was no sign of suspicion. Instead, Madam Valeria was offering her a serene smile. A tiny flutter of hope tickled Anouk’s chest—maybe the madam believed her intention. After all, she had tried to hire Anouk several times. Maybe that clouded her judgement. Did she dare to hope they would pull this off against all the odds?

“Let me introduce you to someone before we start talking business.” Madam Valeria looked past Anouk. “Please, meet my business associate, Mr London.”

Anouk froze on her spot and the spark of hope crushed under an icy grip. The same primal terror threatened to overtake her as on that Wednesday morning when he had barged into her flat on her home planet. Slowly, she turned to face the man.

Stalo stepped forward, a wolfish smile on his scarred face. He wore a purple satin smoking jacket while his right arm rested in a black satin sling.

“Good to see you again, Miss Herring.” Stalo bowed, keeping his cold brown eyes fixed on Anouk. His raspy voice grated her soul, sending a tsunami of panic over her whole being. She took an involuntary step back. Her heart raced fast, pumping blood and adrenaline into her muscles. She tasted metal.

“Oh yes, you two have met before,” Madam Valeria purred.

“We certainly have. I had the pleasure of visiting her fascinating home on that lovely world of hers.”

Anouk opened her mouth to protest, but no sound came.

“Unfortunately, that pestering bounty hunter interrupted us, when we were just about to get properly acquainted,” Stalo continued, his voice low and sweet.

“You broke into my home,” Anouk croaked.

“But that is not true, is it?” Stalo took another step closer. “I had a key, remember?”

Anouk staggered back, struggling to keep her wits. “You stole it from Owen. I didn’t invite you.”

“That is not true either, you little liar.” Stalo crept closer. “He gave it to me.”

Madam Valeria appeared at Anouk’s side and put a hand on her shoulder. The touch startled her.

“But Mr London, you are scaring Miss Herring.” Madam Valeria gave a playful frown at Stalo. “Come, my dear.” She guided Anouk to sit on the divan. Anouk wanted to pull away from the madam. The last thing she wanted was to talk with them, but her body didn’t receive the memo. She sank into the sofa. The madam