The Opium Smuggler: Sword and Steampunk (The Viper and the Urchin Book 7) by Celine Jeanjean

Author:Celine Jeanjean [Jeanjean, Celine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lotus Press
Published: 2020-07-24T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

The first thing Adelma did upon reaching Damsport was go to the Old Girl’s Arms. The journey had given her plenty of time to think, and the idea of simply asking Radish to go into business together and of bringing Two Planks and Dina back to Damsport without requiring work from them wouldn’t leave her alone. It made her stomach churn, and she felt light-headed, like she might throw up any moment. In short, she needed some ale.

“Kriss,” she all but gasped on entering. It was so early in the day, Kriss hadn’t even finished setting up yet. “I need a drink. A proper drink.”

Kriss frowned. “What’s wrong?”

Adelma didn’t reply right away, taking several deep gulps of the mug of ale Kriss had handed her without fussing over Adelma borrowing the tankard.

“You heard about Radish.” Kriss sighed. “Dammit, I been puzzling about how to break it to you right. Who told you?”

Adelma put down the mug and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “What’s that about Radish?”

“Oh. You didn’t hear?”

Adelma shook her head, frowning.

Kriss grimaced. “Well, I guess this is as good a way as any.”

“Spit it out, woman. What is it?” Adelma had gone quite still.

“I saw him out the other day, with this woman…”

“Hold on.” Adelma raised a hand. This was a blow that wanted to land, but she wasn’t just going to sit there and take it. “I ain’t gonna go twisting myself into knots over something like that. Could be a business contact, a relative, a friend—could be all sorts of things. His aunt, maybe.”

“Well, given that they were kissing, I really hope it weren’t his aunt,” Kriss said cautiously. “And, um, not like a quick peck or nothing. Proper kissing. For quite some time.”

This time, the blow landed square in her stomach. Adelma felt more winded than if she’d received a kick to the guts.

“Adelma? You alright?”

She nodded mutely, not trusting that she would be able to speak.

“I figured you should know,” Kriss said. “It happened the day after you left. You two been spending so much time together before you left, and it didn’t feel right not to say anything, and…”

“Yep, yep. Good thinking.” Adelma’s voice sounded hoarse to her own ears. “Good thinking. I’m feeling like a rum all of a sudden. Be a treasure and pour me one, would you?”

The world ain’t a nice place, my girl. You can’t trust nobody but yourself and your old Da. You gotta be on your toes, or someone will try to take advantage of you.

Kriss returned with a bottle and a small metal goblet. Adelma snatched the bottle and proceeded to drink straight from it. She paused for breath and belched. “I’ll owe you for this. Don’t worry.”

She’d have plenty of money once the Widow took her on as a smuggler. Adelma was a good negotiator, and she was going to be using that to her advantage when she approached the Widow. The thought was calming, as if she’d been drowning

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