Halfblood's Hex (Urban Arcanology Book 1) by S.C. Stokes

Author:S.C. Stokes [Stokes, S.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Prescient Publishing
Published: 2021-06-03T22:00:00+00:00

11

Red flashed me a smile that showed the top row of his teeth. “An arms deal of course. Come along.”

I sat still, not convinced. Something felt wrong. I felt like a death row inmate being walked to my execution.

Red beckoned with one hand. “Come now, Seth. There is nothing to be concerned about. I'll just collect my fee, make the introductions, and we can be on our way. I'll have you back to the hall in time for this evening's performance.”

An arms deal? In North London. Red wasn’t even sweating. Clearly, he had ice water flowing through his veins. I’d only been looking for information but now I found myself accessory to who knew how many crimes.

Red put his hand on the door and leaned down. “Now, Seth. You might make them nervous if you stay in the car. Two minutes, in and out. We’ll be fine.”

I let out a deep breath and opened the door.

I followed Red who strode boldly between the two groups. Both parties regarded each other with equal parts skepticism and greed. It was the kind of gathering only absurd economic gain could make you foolish enough to attend.

“Greetings, everyone,” Red began. “I’m glad you could make it. I thought it prudent we should meet to discuss this lucrative new opportunity. If we’re going into business together, you both need to know who you're dealing with. I always find such things encourage a modicum of restraint and self-control. Always easier to keep trust with those you've met face-to-face. Those you have had the opportunity to look in the eye and get the measure of.”

“Who’s the kid, Red?” one of the open collared thugs called. The bottom half of his face was completely obscured by three inches of scraggly sandy beard.

“How rude of me,” he replied, placing a hand on his vest. “Allow me to make some introductions.”

“I'd rather you didn't,” I muttered through clenched teeth, quietly enough that only Red could hear me.

If Red heard me, he certainly didn't pay me any heed. “This is Seth Caldwell, heir to the Caldwell mining concern. A new friend and somewhat reluctant venturer into this world of ours.”

“What's he doing here?” the thug asked, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

Red licked his lips. “It's bring your apprentice to work day, and I could hardly leave him sitting at home. What would his mother think? I need to set an example. Come now, Victor, you of all men should know the importance of doing one's part.”

Victor bristled, his hands forming into fists at his side. “If you aren't going to give me a straight answer, simply say so. Don't waste my time with your endless gas bagging.”

Red fixed Victor with a stare that silenced the thug. “While we’re making our introductions, Seth, this is Victor Stedding of the scandal embroiled establishment known as the Churchmen. These are his crew, including his brother, Tony, that particularly enchanting gentleman in the blue shirt. Tony, have you been working out? You look… larger than I remember.

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