Wicker City by Justin Sloan & PT Hylton

Author:Justin Sloan & PT Hylton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Elder Tree Press

Episode 5

21

Elena

Elena rubbed her eyes with one hand, her other steering the bike. She had spent more of her reserves on a dark-purple, wide-brimmed hat and matching coat, figuring she would need them with the cold wind that had picked up. Now she was driving on her way to a south side neighborhood, one that was in Peter’s territory and therefore best avoided, but she had a job to do. The order from Sabin to check into Peter’s books was one she almost wanted to push back on. It was bullshit, and she knew it. She was supposed to find out if anyone was documented as being a mole within Sabin’s ranks. No way was this guy stupid enough to leave information like that lying around. Not after surviving in Wicker City this long.

Still, she had her orders and was going to see what she could find. Maybe there would be some other form of related evidence. A yawn told her all this moving around at night was getting to her. Too many sleepless nights, too many questions, and too much stress weighing her down.

Often when going from north to south, following the streets along the old metro line was the safest. But to go unnoticed, two blocks east made more sense. The wind was picking up, and she cursed as a gust caused her to swerve, nearly going into a pothole. The streets had gone to hell long ago, and a glance to her right showed one of the metro cars hanging from the metro line above. That specific car meant she was close—it had earned a reputation after becoming a middle ground for gang wars years back. Fighters would meet at it, and often the losing side’s leader’s body would be stripped and hung on display inside the car. Hence, the red stain on the street below, and the name, the Red Circle. “Meet at the Red Circle,” people would say.

Nowadays, it was where a lot of the city’s lower class gathered, sleeping in abandoned buildings and hanging out on the streets. Many of them shouted obscenities while petting their dogs—minds long gone.

She went another two blocks, then veered over to the main crossing point that led into Peter’s territory. A figure appeared, rifle in hand, and two more stepped out from a makeshift wall topped with concertina wire.

Rodin was among them, waving her down. With a frown, she pulled over next to him, dismounted, and stared, waiting. He didn’t have the authority to stop her, and they both knew it.

“What’s the deal?” he asked. “You know where you’re headed, I suppose?”

“Above your paygrade,” Elena replied.

He eyed the bike. His bike, which she had borrowed. “She treating you well?”

“Anytime you want to come for a ride, let me know.”

The words sort of slipped out, and she couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes widened, then the half-smile that formed on his lips. She hadn’t meant to flirt with the guy, and now that she was thinking about it, wondered how he saw it.

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