SoulQuest Read Free Page B

Zarim?”
    Zarim sat in the chair and leaned across the table. “It’s been a while since you had any jobs for my crew. The more we pull smash and grabs on rich folks, the more attention we draw to ourselves. We had to tangle with a Dreadnought on this last one.”
    Gax threw his arms to the side. “What can I tell you? Times is tough, my friend. Times is tough. When I get a job, I tell you. These days, not much work going around, though. With the passing of days, Ra’kad increases his empire’s reach. More and more Dreadnoughts patrolling the skies and seas. Making a dishonest living isn’t as easy as it used to be.”
    “Then how about you cut me a break?” asked Zarim. “Let us float for a little longer between payments.”
    Gax clicked his tongue. “‘Fraid not, pretty boy. ‘Fraid not. I’ve a business to run, it don’t stop and start at your convenience.”
    “Well, the more we have to contend with Ra’kad’s forces, the more we risk capture or death. And if that happens, you won’t even get ten percent. You think about that.” Zarim stood. “Now I’ve got some technical things to go over with you. Patch up my ship so we can get away from here.”
    “Very well,” said Gax. “Please.”
    Zarim out a sheet of paper from the pocket of his vest. “We sustained some propeller damage and the rudder needs straightening. Plus our usual refueling costs and some additional supplies.”
    Gax waved a dismissive hand. “Yes, yes.”
    Zarim slid the sheet over. “Just sign the work order.”
    Gax’s lower hands reached to the table, one held a pen and he scribbled his signature at the bottom of the sheet. “There, take that to the workshop and he’ll give you what you need.”
    Zarim folded the sheet and placed it back in his pocket. “Good, now I can go.” Zarim gestured to Kef. “If you ever wanna work for someone decent, the offer still stands, brother.”
    “Either way, he’d still be working for me,” said Gax with a giggle.

    Ekala clutched the tip of the blade with her thumb and index finger. She raised it to her eye level and lined up the target, which had been painted on the wooden wall. With a swift motion, her arm flung forward and the knife left her grip. It struck the target dead-center, right beside two other knives.
    She turned with her hands on her hips and a grin on her face. “Well?”
    A pair of identical twins seated at the bar exchanged glances. One of them held up his hand with his fingers outstretched. “Five outta seven.”
    Ekala rolled her eyes. “First it was two out of three, then three out of five, now five out of seven? I’m startin’ to think you’re stalling, boys.”
    “This is a scam, gotta be,” said the other man. “How do we know that faerie over there ain’t usin’ any funny faerie tricks?”
    Swul looked up from the table nearby. He held a foaming mug in his hand which was the size of his head. Taking a quick swig, he stared at the two men. “Just pay the lady.”
    “Nah, Vance’s got a point, how do we know you’re not usin’ magic or something?”  
    “You tell ‘im, Lance.”  
    Ekala chuckled. “Vance and Lance? Was your momma afraid she’d forget your names?”
    Vance jumped to his feet, knocking over his stool and pointing an accusatory finger at Ekala. “Don’t you talk about our mom, you bitch!”
    Ekala’s hand went to the boomerang holstered on her hip. “You wanna repeat that, slick?”
    “I said—”
    In the blink of an eye, Ekala hurled the boomerang and it slammed into Vance’s forehead. After striking him, it reversed course, flying right back into Ekala’s waiting palm.  
    “Never mind, think I got the gist of it.”
    “Oooh, a brawl startin’ up?” asked Swul with a large smile.
    The bartender looked nervous. He pointed at Swul and Ekala. “Hey, I warned you two last time! Don’t be startin’ any trouble in here!”
    “He started it, Walsh,” said Ekala.
    “An’ I’m gonna finish it!” said Lance,