Vagabonds Read online

  “Answer,” she said to no one in particular. The car, listening for nothing in particular, connected the call.

  A familiar voice to go along with the number sounded from the speakers, “That was your doing, wasn’t it?”

  “Well, hello to you, too! Daontys, I’m hurt. We don’t speak in months, then you hurl accusations at me.”

  “You cannot fool me. I know you, what you’re capable of. Two shots that close together when security had been quite thorough about covering all the approaches? Not many mortals possess that sort of skill.”

  “You flatter me! But as you say, some humans do possess the skill.”

  “Add in the involvement with Ifon and, by extension, Sejit, and the answer becomes clear.”

  “Gakakaka,” Tess laughed—her particular brand of laughter always put people on edge, “Oh fine, yes, you got me. Did you really call me just to bitch about a few deaths?”

  “You continue to meddle in mortal affairs. This is unacceptable!”

  “But it’s acceptable for Ifon to be dictator of Coanphany? Or Sejit’s ploy to get herself elected as Marshal?”

  “They do not stoop to assassination,” Daontys said, contempt miring his words.

  “Just plain old murder, huh? I know you’re not stupid. Killing Yole means we deny Ifon the war he’s been hungering for. That’ll save countless lives.”

  “…We, is it? I would say I expect her to be above such vulgarity, but then she has been acquainted with you for some time. Hmph. On top of it, you both presume to know Ifon’s thoughts, that he hungers war? His nation has been quiet for close to a decade.”

  “Hah! I know you’re not that stupid. He antagonizes everyone around him in the hopes they’ll attack, beats the drums of war, paints them as the enemy. That shit doesn’t happen overnight. He’s sneaky like that.”

  Tess slowed to a stop for a red light. Just a half-mile further down the road and she’d hit the on-ramp for the freeway and escape.

  Two police cars pulled up along either side of her. One of the officers looked at her, she smiled politely.

  “You have spent far too much time among the mortals, you see plots where there are none.”

  “And you spend too much time with your head in the clouds surrounded by your sycophants to think us blind.”

  The light turned green and the police cars sped away.

  “How dare you,” Daontys squawked, “Have you forgotten our vow?”

  “Forget? No,” Tess shook her head, even though no one was around to see her, and let loose another one of her unnerving laughs, “We just agreed to that so you’d stop bitching at us all the time.”

  A long pause filled the call. Tess could just imagine him puffing out like an angry owl on his perch somewhere.

  “You think yourself safe? Sejit cannot—”

  “No. I think myself safe because all you do is threaten from your hideaway in the hills. Hey, if all I did was sit on my ass all day for a thousand years I’d be reluctant to actually get up and do anything, too.”

  “So be it. I have tried to reason with you. Maybe I will have to associate more closely with Ifon?”

  “Yeah, you do that,” Tess scoffed, “Let me know how it works out for you.”

  “Your arrogance will be your undoing.”

  Tess’ nostrils flared. “My—”

  She was cut off by the tone of a disconnected call. “Asshole.”

  Her mood had been like a bobber on the water throughout the day. From breakfast to shitty music on the drive in, to the assassination to the missed shots, Daontys’ bitching and now the latest—Police had already barricaded the on-ramp.

  Just once, she’d like a day where she didn’t have to deal with bullshit. She slowed to a stop at the roadblock and rolled down her window for the approaching officer.

  “Good afternoon ma’am,” said the officer, a young man, the sort with the rosy cheeks of someone who walked into his precinct that morning with a spring in his step, ready to make a difference in the world.

  “What’s with the cars?” Tess said, tilting her head and switching up her rich, smoky voice with something more… perky.

  “You didn’t hear? Someone assassinated Manick during the rally, not more than 20 minutes ago.”

  “What?” Tess placed a hand against her chest and put on a mask of surprise, “Why would anyone do such a thing? Everyone loved him!”

  “Don’t know,” said the officer, his face darkening, “He would’ve turned this country around. I hope whoever did it is tortured before they kill him.”

  “How terrible,” said Tess, shaking her head. She noted the name Caplan was sown over his breast, opposite the badge.

  “Anyways, we’re searching all vehicles leaving the city. Sorry for the inconvenience,” he said, putting on a polite smile over his bitterness, “If you could please step out of the vehicle…”

  “Even me?” She asked, making a sweet face at the officer. To add to the effect, Tess pulled her arms together, pushing her ample cleavage together and up, straining her already filled-out shirt. Officer Caplan caught himself staring and looked away, his rosy cheeks gaining a little extra rose.

  “Yes, even you,” he said, unable to look her in the eye.

  Tess sighed and opened the door, “Very well.”

  She hadn’t really expected it to work, but maybe once something would go her way.

  “If you’d please…” Officer Caplan paused. He wasn’t the tallest man around, but whenever he’d stop at the local pub for a round after work, it was a safe bet you could find him by looking for his shaggy brown hair above everyone else’s. A woman meeting him eye-to-eye was a new experience, and as far as new experiences went, it wasn’t an unpleasant one. Especially when he stole a look down and up; even without heels her legs didn’t quit and she possessed just the right amount of softness throughout, plus her caramel complexion added just the right sort of exotic touch.

  Then, there were her eyes—a fiery ruby-red, unlike anything he’d seen before. Contacts, perhaps?

  “Yes, officer?” Tess said with a wry smirk, even going so far as to place a hand on an ample hip for show. Maybe things could go her way after all.

  “Sorry,” he said, momentarily looking away, “Please step over here. In addition to your vehicle…” he trailed off, shifting in place with embarrassment, “I must also search you.”

  “Certainly, officer,” Tess said smokily, tossing her cigarette on the ground. She walked some distance away from her car with the officer in tow, then turned with her back facing him. “So, shall I… Spread ‘em?”

  “Ma’am, please!”

  “Just a little joke.” She winked for good measure.

  Glancing past the officer, she noted the team of people rummaging through her vehicle. The dog that was with them kept staring at her, rather than sniffing where his handler directed. He even barked and whined, which led to that dog being hauled off by a confused handler and another coming over. This one, Tess determined, was a female given its lack of interest outside her role.

  “Again, I apologize…” He said, blushing furiously as he frisked her, starting at the top and working his way down—moving quickly when he reached her chest and again at her hips. When he was done he took several steps away. “You’re good, ma’am.”

  “Mmm. You don’t know the half of it.”

  While the chance for an easy ride had gone, teasing the lad was its own reward.

  Officer Caplan took several moments to recompose himself. “Once they’re done searching your vehicle, you’ll be able to return, but, unfortunately, we cannot let you onto the freeway until we receive the all-clear from HQ. The parking lot over there—”

  Tess’ face soured. She was confident she wouldn’t be found out, but being forced to sit in place for what could be hours, if not all day, was not something she could tolerate. “What? I have important business. You must let me through,” she firmly, dropping the tone of smoldering seductress for one of a scolding mother
.

  “I’m sorry, ma’am…” said Officer Caplan, holding his hands up in some vague attempt to placate the woman.

  “But nothing!”

  An older officer who had been hanging back near the barricades and listening came forward. Farro, by the name sewn on his uniform. “Is there an issue here?” He said, appraising Tess.

  “Yes, there is. Officer Caplan found nothing on me and they’ve been around my car for however long and still haven’t found anything. I’ve passed your inspection, so I request you let me go. An important business dealing in Klammen rides on my timeliness.”

  The senior officer took it in stride, listening while examining. “Don’t I know you?”

  “Can’t say I’ve had the pleasure.”

  With the addition of a few chin strokes to get his memory going, he found the missing piece. “Wait, aren’t you Seraphina Isolde?”

  “I am, yes,” Tess said, brightening to the prospect of where things were heading.

  “Who’s that?” asked Officer Caplan.

  Officer Farro didn’t say anything for a few seconds as he leveled a grizzled policeman’s look at Tess from underneath gray, bushy eyebrows. It was the sort of look one could manage only after they’d spent years giving hundreds, thousands of people similar looks, the kind of look that’d force anyone with a shred of guilt in their heart to spill their secrets because it was obvious he already knew everything.

  Tess tapped her foot impatiently.

  “She’s the owner of Krutt Steel,” said Farro, “My younger brother and sister’s husband work there.” He was still giving her The Look. She was still tapping her foot. “She’s the reason they still have jobs.”

  Officer Caplan was star-struck; not only had he met his equal, which did funny things to him, but she was filthy rich. The kind of rich that meant the numbers didn’t matter when it came to something she wanted. Well, the car had hinted to her wealth, but things escalated to an entirely new level. And he’d touched her…

  “Easiest purchase I’ve ever made. The previous board was running the company into the ground so they could collect their bonuses. So many companies full of good people going to shit because of greedy, short-sighted management these days.”

  Farro took a long breath, “What’s this business you’ve got?”

  Tess returned his Look with one of her own, a certain facial composition which could inject doubt into even the surest of men. “I’m afraid that’s hush-hush, but there is a rumor going around of a possible expansion, a brand-new facility to supplement what we already have. Which might mean a few thousand more employees. A few hundred more managers. I’ve also heard it that Krutt likes to promote from within.”

  Conflict raged on Farro’s brow. There was the right thing, the right thing, and the right thing to do. It was a matter of where his loyalties were. When he thought of it like that, the answer was easy.

  “Let her pass,” he said, speaking up, loud enough for the crew still pouring over her car to hear. They looked up with confusion.

  “Say again, Sarge?”

  “She’s clean. Don’t argue with me on this one.”

  “But that’s against—”

  “Why would someone who has helped this city, this country so much be involved with that terrible business? Hm?” He scowled at the younger officers, daring them to say anything. When none did, he let out a satisfied grunt. “Now then, let her be on her way.”

  The crew around her vehicle closed the trunk and doors and dispersed. The tension that’d been building in Tess’ shoulders bled out. While the secret compartment had never let her down before, there was always a first time for everything.

  “Thank you, Sergeant Farro. By the way, what was the name of your brother and step-brother? You didn’t say.”

  “Devin Farro and Ricard Oliun,” said the Sergeant, quietly.

  “Good names,” said Tess, smiling as she got in her car. “Have a good day, officers.”

  She drove off, slipping between a gap in the barriers and sped onto the mostly empty freeway. Klammen was a lie, but the rest hadn’t been far from the truth. The unpleasantness behind her, she dialed up her executive assistant at Krutt. After a few rings, it connected.

  “Yes, Mrs. Isolde?”

  “Alexa. Can you do me a favor? I have two candidates to put on the fast track list for management…”

  After the call, Tess peered out at the freeway ahead of her; it was going to be a long drive back home. Though, it didn’t have to be totally boring. Owing to all the barricades and general alarm, the freeway would be devoid of traffic cops. There was nothing preventing her from going all-out and winding up the engine for a few dozen miles.

  Her grip on the wheel tightened and she downshifted. A notification came up warning her of the local speed limits, which was promptly disregarded. Her foot mashed down on the accelerator and the engine roared to life like an uncaged beast.

  Images of each piston and each explosion shoving it down filled her mind.

  Even at freeway speeds, the giant, invisible hand of torque and power shoved her into the seat. The speedometer ticked ever higher, showing no signs of slowing as the world blurred by.

  Sadly, her fun was short-lived as traffic thickened within minutes at her pace, bringing her to a slow, almost unbearable speed.

  With a resigned sigh she engaged the automatic driving mode and closed her eyes.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Things were going well at the banquet, so far. Almost every politician, high-ranking military officer, and influential person in Yosel would be in attendance at the estate of the Marshal of Yosel, Markon Julian.

  He was a rotund man, though he had not always been so, adorned with a funny little mustache—the kind that looked as if two thin triangles had been painted on the man’s upper lip. He’d been most eager to host the gala on his estate, and by all appearances, it was the Marshal and his aides who’d organized and planned the event. Wophin made no small complaint about the fact he’d never be able to receive even the tiniest modicum of credit for all the masterful planning—save for that from Sejit and company.

  Warm breezes blew through the night, rustling the plants of the estate’s lush gardens. Stars twinkled in the night sky, having yet to be overcome by the lights of Sioun. The outline of rubble and dead structures in the distance did mute the vista, but one only had to not look in that particular direction. Or just ensure one of the many hedges were in the way.

  “Good to see you, Marshal Julian,” Sejit had said with a nod of her head when she’d arrived, taking care not to cross the threshold into the manor proper. She’d also made sure to be one of the first to arrive.

  “Madam Reith, it is an honor to see you! And I must profess my gratitude for your arrangement of the festivities this evening. Do come in!”

  Her eyes wandered across the finery she could see from her vantage outside. Heirlooms and history. The stereotypical oil painting of the former family head at the top of the wide, central stairs.

  “By the gods, may they ever be vigilant, I vow I will not enact nor plot any evils against the master of this dwelling nor those of his family or in his service.”

  Julian stared for a few seconds before eyebrows shot up in realization and he beamed. “My, you never cease to surprise me! Then again, I should have expected you of all people would know the old customs,” he said, chuckling to himself. He stood up straight and coughed into a fist, clearing his throat.

  “By the gods, may they ever be just, I vow I will not enact nor plot any evils against those seeking entrance to my dwelling, nor those in their company,” he said, delighted, then added to his servant, “Rhysold, could you fetch me a loaf of bread? Unsliced.”

  The servant nodded, left, and returned with a long, slender loaf of bread. Not quite what they’d had back then, but it’d do. The Marshal took it, broke it in half, and gave Sejit one piece.

  “There! I can’t remember the last time anyone mentioned that rite, let alone performed it.�
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  “I do enjoy ensuring our traditions and culture do not perish,” Sejit said, taking a nibble of the loaf, “Though not all traditions are worth maintaining.”

  “Hm hm,” Julian said nodding, “I agree whole-heartedly. Traditions are the glue that binds us, after all, though sometimes…”

  “Marshal Julian, I think it would be excellent if you did the same with the other guests.”

  “A novel idea, but I daresay many would not be aware of the words, and it may ruffle the feathers of the Ygthrists.”

  “That is not a problem, have one of your servants explain it to them as they enter. A few words, an upholding of tradition. Many might find it amusing at the least, or even a sign of our commitment to work together.”

  He stroked his chin contemplatively, “You make a point, and it is such a small thing,” he said, turning to the waiting manservant, “Can you please instruct our guests about what we just discussed?”

  The manservant nodded his head, “Sir.”

  “It warms my heart to see others participate in our traditions,” Sejit said, folding an arm across her chest and giving another short bow, “For the time being I will see myself to the gardens.”

  “Delightful. Do enjoy them, the desert lilies bloomed only a few days ago. They’re quite beautiful, I must say.”

  “Thank you, Marshal. I believe I shall.”

  For a short while, Sejit enjoyed meandering through the gardens among the vibrant flowers, a delight for the nose as well as the eyes. Other than the staff, who were too busy bustling to bother her, she was able to spend her time in solitude to ponder how the evening might proceed.

  Unfortunately, the peace did not last as long as she had hoped. The guests were arriving. As a public figure and one jockeying for position within the government, she had to mingle, and it meant she had to be polite about it.

  Granted, there were a few officials and well-to-do worthy of conversation, but the balance was so far off as to not be worth the effort involved in drudging herself through endless banal conversations with mortals who did not understand their place, not even in their own little microcosms.