Tyrant. Scrapper. Part 5. Damantha Makarova

you asking me if I was the one to kill Latch and his gang?»

      Elijah smiled wider, already understanding her answer:

      «Ah, so it was you. It was a pity when I heard they were… no longer available. But I was wondering who disposed of them. I always search out people with potential.»

      «Veluthians make better mercenaries, Mister Winchester.» Serena smirked. «Latch and his gang were… mad dogs, to say the least.»

      Elijah chuckled at such a remark, noting how the woman kept herself around him.

      «Still, he was the best in his field of work… for the time being.» he said with a pleased smile. «I guess he was happy to go out by the hand of such a… beautiful woman such as yourself.»

      «I don’t mix business and pleasure, Mister Winchester.» Serena forced a smile on her face. «So please, don’t use that charm of yours, trying to get me into your bed. You won’t be able to.»

      «Am I that obvious?» Elijah chuckled.

      «Yes.» the woman smirked. «No offence.»

      «None taken.»

      «So about that contract… what is it you wanted me to help you with? Who are you looking for?»

      «A woman.» Elijah smirked.

      «I’m not a pimp, Mister Winchester. Don’t play games with me.»

      «Not that kind of woman.» Elijah chuckled again. «We’ve been doing business. She disappeared after getting a significant advance and never delivered her part of the deal.»

      «Ah! Now that is more my type of game.» Serena smiled. «How much do you know for us to start with?»

      «I’ll have John download everything we know. If you agree to take the contract that is.»

      «Mister Winchester…»

      «Please, call me Elijah. Mister Winchester sounds so… formal.» Elijah winced. «Never liked that.»

      «Fine…» Serena took a sip of beer, finishing her bottle. «Elijah, I would need to know some more details about this job. For instance… would you like her captured? Killed? We do both. Each instance costs differently. Though, circumstances sometimes make it extremely difficult to capture the target… unscathed. But we are well versed in all sorts of jobs. If you need your advance retrieved, then I would need to know the full sum and some documents to have as proof of this amount. However, if you need us to find whatever it is she was to deliver… we need details – the more, the better.»

      «I love it when a woman knows exactly what to ask for.» the man smiled wide. «I’ve dealt with male mercenaries less versed in all the intricacies of this sort of work.»

      «Then you have never dealt with a true professional. We pride ourselves in our work.»

      «One more drink, Serena?»

      The woman glanced at the empty bottle and weighed her options, then leaned onto the bar, meeting his gaze:

      «Thanks, but I’d rather discuss payment for the job you offered.»

      Elijah chuckled and tilted his head:

      «Let’s make a deal…» he said. «Meet me again, and I will provide you with all the information that we know, and prepare a contract and an appropriate advance for you and your team.»

      «You’re in no rush, I see.»

      «Why would I be? You’ve rented one of our mansions for two weeks with a possibility to lengthen your stay. I don’t want to force you to cut your vacation short.» Elijah set aside his bottle. «See me again. I’d love to discuss more business with you. And I would also like to offer you a separate invitation to get some drinks at any time. I’d love to know a bit more about your people.»

      «Don’t push your luck, Elijah.» Serena smiled back at him.

      «It’s a friendly invitation, Serena. Not a sexual one.» the man twisted his brow. «Please, at least consider it possible.»

      «Alright.» the woman smirked. «So how do I contact you then? Or should I wait for you to call?»

      Elijah walked around the bar and approached her. Looking into her eyes and smiling, he connected their watches and pressed something on his.

      «There. You now have access to my direct number. Call me any time.» he said. «Any time at all.»

      «Of course.» Serena nodded.

      «I’ll walk you to the car. John will take you back.»

      «Interesting bodyguard, by the way. I’ve never seen eyes like that.» Serena walked beside the man, feeling relaxed, even though at first he invoked some tension in her. «Custom order?»

      «He’s got them since an injury he received in one of the hot spots on Terra. His eyes were burnt out and the doctors were unable to help him restore vision by usual means. So I offered to have his eyes upgraded if he would work for me. He’s quite the capable man. I spared no expense in giving him eyes that fit his new position.»

      «A business proposal he couldn’t refuse, huh?»

      «I mean… he’s safer being my bodyguard and enjoys a life of luxury by simply being my babysitter. Who would refuse? I pay handsomely to everyone who works for me.»

      «What about the other guy? The one who was with you two when you approached me with my friends?»

      «Ah, so you’ve noticed.»

      «I have keen eyes, Elijah. A matter of habit.»

      «That was Fisk. He’s John’s brother, actually. Both served in the same regiment, so I offered him the job as well, as they performed better when paired.»

      Serena stepped out in the chilly evening air and saw John straightening by the hover car, gesturing to the doors that opened.

      «It was a pleasure, Serena.» Elijah bowed slightly. «Until next time.»

      «Good night, Elijah.» the woman returned the polite bow and headed to John.

      Elijah watched the woman leaving and felt a deep hunger. Something dark rose up and he grunted, walking back into the apartment. He stopped at the inconspicuous looking wardrobe and opened the doors, looking at the robot standing there and charging.

      «I hate that I have to do this… but you will suffice today…» he said, snapping his fingers.

      The robot came alive and looked at him – a perfect copy of Serena, the sex bot was ready for use and at the man’s disposal for whatever lowly wishes he had on his mind.

      Chapter 5. Suspicions

      «Heading out again?» Lindon saw Serena walking to the door.

      «Just want to get a bit of fresh air before going to sleep. I won’t be long.» the woman shrugged.

      The Veluthian man caught her wrist when she was walking by:

      «Why go alone? Is Laneth busy or something?»

      «She’s babysitting Kayla. They’re playing some game with Wolfin, and I don’t want to intrude.» Serena shook her head.

      «I can go, if you want…» the man frowned a bit.

      Serena took a deep breath, but then stepped up to him, watching his eyes and smiled a bit:

      «I’m going out alone for a reason, Lindon. I need some solitude for a bit. Don’t worry about me right now. Essara is just about the safest vacation planet there is.»

      Lindon cupped her cheek, studying her eyes for a few long moments, and sighed:

      «If you must…» he whispered. «Just…»

      «I know you’re here for me, Lindon.