The Finder's Compass by Gareth Lewis

Author:Gareth Lewis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: speculative action science fiction urban fantasy, pulp crime thriller, secret society sects hidden world history, secret war mystery political intrigue suspense, zombies ghosts technologized magic artifacts, corporate policing mundane wonder, police procedural detective taskforce
Publisher: Gareth Lewis

Chapter 17

Karla followed Penny’s instructions, the directions leading her to an open café in the exposed central square of the city. Lots of pedestrians, even with the skies overcast, most people passing through on the way to elsewhere, so anyone loitering was more obvious. And it offered a decent view of the surroundings, with a few more avenues to leave by than could reasonably be covered without being blatant. The café itself had glass walls, also enabling patrons to scan the insides for trouble.

It was a good place to set it up. Of course, if Karla had planned a double-cross, she’d simply have Nugent come and arrest Penny. But for now, it’d be more use to play straight with her. Gain her cooperation.

She had a team parked just out of sight, ready to respond in case anyone else decided to interrupt the negotiations. And the van with the Finder was further out, just in case. Karla had recalled the unit from following the train. That’d been pointless, and would leave the Finder out of position when the Gun returned. They had someone ready to intercept the train further out, but chances were that the Gun would return before they could recover it.

The Finder would alert her when the Gun returned to the city, and to Penny, so she knew the woman didn’t have it on her at the moment. She hoped it stayed away until after the meeting. Not that it mattered. If someone took Penny alive, they’d eventually have the Gun.

Having to wait was inevitable. Penny would want to check out who she’d brought with her, and assure herself there were no obvious traps.

It was unlikely Penny would try anything herself. She had no support system, for one thing, and it was in her interests to make a deal both sides were happy with. She wanted Euclidean to stop coming after her.

It was only five minutes after Karla sat at the table when Penny walked up from behind her and sat opposite. Her eyes settled on Karla, though she wanted to look around.

‘Hey,’ said Penny. ‘Not going to attack me this time, are you?’

‘You made the first move last time.’

‘Woman stares at me weirdly in the restrooms, how do you think I’ll respond?’ She considered it a moment, then amended her statement. ‘Woman stares at me in a non-checking-me-out way. Which was kind of disappointing.’

‘I was working,’ said Karla.

Penny smirked. ‘I’m Penny.’

‘I know. Karla.’

‘So, is this a trap?’

‘Not on our part. Resolving this peaceably, and without further public disturbance, is in our interests.’

The calculating stare said Penny wanted to believe her, but was naturally sceptical of anything that seemed too easy. As was Karla, but this made sense, which Penny seemed to accept.

‘I assume there’ll be terms,’ said Penny. ‘Mainly I want to know what your intentions are for me.’

‘Purely honourable, I assure you.’

Penny grinned. ‘I mean Euclidean’s intentions. If the Gun always returns to me, I assume that makes me a liability. What can they do to stop it doing that?’

‘We have a container prepared to seal it inside.

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