The Coconut Swindle (Black Cape Case Files Book 2) by Abraham Matt

Author:Abraham, Matt [Abraham, Matt]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Matt Abraham
Published: 2016-02-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 30

“Maybe,” I said, “but not today. Quick, what’s the difference between that vial and the grade nine type?”

Pete searched his memory. “The metal, the casing, the gas intake-”

“That last one,” I said. “Explain.”

“Grade nine pushes the chemical out with internal pressure. This vial, when it sprays, exchanges gas with the atmosphere as it clicks off. And since ni-tri ignites in oxygen…”

“So if I cover the nozzle after I spray it?”

“Impossible,” Pete said. “It’ll take a couple hundred pounds of force to-”

“Got it.” I snatched the vial, aimed it at the lock, and sprayed a stream of ni-tri on it.

“No!” Pete ducked down and covered his head.

I capped the tip with my thumb, then clicked it off. And the vial stayed whole. But the lock burst into orange and blue flames. Along with my thumb.

It was like someone drilling through the bone. There was no time to cry about it though, because the lock melted and fell to the ground. I kicked the door open and ran into the next room. Sirens were screaming all around as red lights flashed. The guard was gone. But he left the exit open. I charged through it. Drew the vial way back. And with my thumb still smoldering I threw the ni-tri as hard as I could.

The metal tube sailed through the air.

And it exploded.

A wall of fire came rushing at me. Orange, red, and roiling, it hit like a wave. Everything on my body turned hot as I flew through the air. And back into the building. Monday slammed the door. The flames hit it hard, and shook the walls. While all three of us froze, waiting for the second explosion that would end our lives.

But it never came.

Pete opened the door and walked outside. “How did you… That was amazing.”

I joined him. “Thanks.”

Then Monday came out. “Great toss, Dane. Sorry about that. It was-”

“If you say force of habit,” I said, “I’m going to slug you.”

The cop nodded. “Anyway, sorry Pete.”

I threw my arm around our host’s shoulder and pulled him to me. “It’s no biggie. After all, it’s not like we were bored.”

#

Pete led us to our car without another word, and we headed back to the city. It took about forty minutes to hit the Welcome To Gold Coast City sign that’s painted with twenty-four carat dust, and fifteen minutes after that we were in front of the giant silver donut that housed Panier Solutions.

Its lobby was as wide as an airplane hanger, and smelled clean like mountain air. It was also empty, save for some leather sofas, and the reception desk, which was a large semi-circle built into the far wall. Inside it were three smartly dressed kids, and a thirty-foot statue of twin winged women.

As we neared it, one of the receptionists, a blond girl in a black suit, smiled at us like she was hawking toothpaste. “Good afternoon, gentlemen.”

Monday pulled his badge. “I’m here to speak wi-”

“Oh yes, I know. Vice President Spinner. We were informed you’d be coming.

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