"It is no easy thing when one's affections are not returned." I'm aware that something more is happening on the dance floor near to us, but it's rude to stare. "Are you certain that's the whole of it? Is this a thing that needs time and tending?"
E…
A dazzling smile, half for Belka and half for those who watch. I twirl, dip, and start a foot routine slow. I'll let her pick it up before I make it crazy. "'Fancy' is the wrong word. More like the way a predator is compelling." My smile gains a har…
"It's a bit like riding a bike, isn't it? You never forget how to move." I dance better when I'm a little buzzed, or maybe I'm less restrained. "Alcohol is the ultimate social lubricant."
I first think she's talking to me and I nearly ruffle and cuss. Then I realize she's looking at SeaTac. I deliver to Belka smile number four, lightly glazed with fine liquor. I rise and grab her hand first. "I usually do the leading when dancing, Be…
I have to take a half shot of my own drink after I empty one of their cups, like a mouth wash. "A body has very little time to oneself when operating an establishment such as the Yacht Club. Not that I couldn't swing a stick and hit a dozen regulars…
"Furshlugginer dice," I grumble good-naturedly."If only SeaTac would have a deck of cards, we could do some proper gambling." He gets a dazzling smile number two. I never did thank him properly, did I?
I heft the thing in my hand, judging it before…
I catch the tear of August with my thumb and wipe it away. "I hope that's not for me, love."
I steal kisses on both cheeks when she's done with me. I watch her dance for a moment before I approach the table. Bon looks a bit green. "You should reall…
The tune is something with bass and violins, upbeat and bright. August is pure delight on the dance floor. (I'm no slouch, mind you.) It feel good to lead her in some circles and fancy moves, all steps she knows easy as breathing. "Fool be me, I tho…
Anything that the former master of the Harbor would choose to hide in such a manner would scarce be advisable to reveal in a crowd. No; this thing I would open in private. But I laughed and pretended to appreciate the thought of receiving old, prett…
I worry about the spray of water on my face. What an awful way to go. To drown. I force my gaze away from the waves. The sight of the charred harbor, burned teeth from a massive bloody jaw, makes a body feel small and ephemeral.
I discard several t…
With the rush over, I need to see August, make sure she's still in three pieces.
I'm sure I look the rube, agog at being in the belly of the Leviathan. Hard to believe it's still a real thing. I want to know what their kitchen looks like, and why t…
Like a broken glass in the middle of a quiet dinner. I look sharp to see what I can see, tensed to react, with steel, if needed. To stand with Bon and Ace if needed.
One shot, though. "Remind me never to parley."
With another, I might feign modesty. So many people, oneself included, will spin stories of flattery and competence to curry favor or soothe an ego. With Bon, there's no feigning. She's the genuine article, as is my faint flush at the praise. I keep…
"Bon, you are an artist. All I do is serve drinks and smiles and a piece of time to forget; you serve life." My eyes are huge on her. The boaters can go soak themselves.
Ruined? What value is a mere pair of good warm pants that now have the look of…
I'm next to Bon, as a shadow, attentive yet not intrusive. This manner I am well-versed in. Unfortunately, she may ask for a scalpel instead of stew. "What would you have me do?" I murmur, not wanting to discourage her concentration.
Poor Ace. I hi…
I cock an eyebrow at the speaker and pull a face. "Parley? Isn't tonguework August's domain?" I look past these boaters, seeking her face in vain.
I know Dog can lead, but can she parley? I adjust my footing in case a spark flies... or if Bon needs…
I wipe my blade, decisively, one-two, on the fool's jacket. My mouth is set in a line; not pocket of smiles to deal out right now as I watch Bon.
I am not going to sleep well tonight. Too much death abounds, and no time to consider that which is m…
I risk a peek over the h-bike I'm hiding behind. I heed Dog's shout, we can't lose the bikes. August would never forgive me if her bike.. what's the word? No, sink. If her bike sinks under the blood ocean. Ugh, the smell. I scrunch my nose from dist…
I've got to look out for myself right now! Who else will? I keep that mirror handy in case I need to do something clever, but bat-boy has my attention. I make my knife jump into my other hand and grab some soon-to-be-jetsam to better deflect a blow.…
"Shit," I hiss between my teeth.
The barrel-chested man is kind enough to telegraph his attack. He's also mad enough to let loose with a shotgun in such close quarters. I wager the pellets could find many a stray mark.
I make myself small, find co…
Even as I see Bon raising her weapon and Dog pulling off a poorly-trained trapeze maneuver, I look for an opening to sink my blade. It wouldn't do to be surprised, or for one of them to get Bon or Dog. I've got their back.
I keep my ears dry, searc…
Crouched by the bikes, I smell the electric crackle of their cooling engines overlaid with the musty salt of the blood ocean. I'm glad I didn't stop for that meal back in Pike's.
Those are a lot of boots coming our way. I draw a heavy knife, follow…
With August safely away from the blood ocean, I ease back on the thrust two hairs so as to let the great metal wall of the thing slide ahead. Then back up to speed and I lean left to angle the bike behind the others to make it up the ramp, to safety…