miss-carolineâ:
-
Caroline shook her head. Wherever that statement was about to lead, they still had several weeks to get through. Preparations to make. If they ever showed their hand, they had to mind the timing. Right now was too soon. She set down her cup - though one more sip would hardly make a difference - and waited for the room to settle. For the weak-hearted among them to scamper off into the shadows.
âItâs two to one,â she whispered, knowing full well that anyone who remained in this room intended to join in the fray. Between drink and ignorance, injuries were inevitable. But so was the need to establish a hierarchy.
Pushing her chair back, Caroline slowly stood. She reached across the table. Picked up a bottle by the neck. She weighed it in her hands a moment, and glanced over at Damien. She wondered, then, if he could read her thoughts as often as she felt she could his. They were about to find out, she supposed, and she flipped the bottle around in her hand.
She slammed it down on the table. Smashed off the bottom half, and lifted up the jagged edge as she kicked the chair out from behind her. Taking the sound a cracking glass as a cue, what was left of the crowd erupted into a terrible din: cursing, cheering, and the clink of a cup hitting the wall after being tossed across the room.
-
A small shake of Carolineâs head told Damien to corral the idea he had, to clear the air of who they were and what they were capable of. As much as he wanted to protest, it was Carolineâs venture. Damien only played a small role. For the time being, he would have to follow her lead.
Two to one. As Caroline reached for the bottle, Damien became aware that a weapon was needed. The sound of glass breaking was his first cue, followed by the rush of patrons to either make a swift exit or gather around to become spectators. He made a lunge for one...Â
The navigator appeared amused while eyeing the broken end of Carolineâs bottle. He held up his hands to bring the jeers and shouts of the room down to a hush. âYou gonna give me a shave with thaâ bottle?âÂ
Damien stepped up and held the handle of a saber out for Caroline. âShe will fight you like a real man. If you are keen on being hired.â The passengers remark still scraped against Damienâs skin. âBecause we are looking for a navigator, and so far all youâve done is waste our time.âÂ













