After [A Journey of the Twins Novel] (30 page)

Eight people strode up to Ruben. He handed each of them 20 pieces of gold. As the last person walked up, Ruben said, “Randolf, I want to thank you for bringing me this prize. Here is an extra 5 pieces for your quick thinking.” The rest had already left, so they missed the extra transaction.

Randolf looked at the big man. He said, “I only hope he gets the same fate as Viola.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest and glared at Drayco. “I wish I could be there to see it happen."

"Maybe you can. I need someone to bring the cat to the Inn. I will add more gold to your pockets if you help me."

"It would be my greatest pleasure to see him suffer and scream like a little girl.” A sneer crept onto Randolf's face as he asked, “Can I help him scream?"

"Of course. Like I said, I need help and I appreciate it far greater when it comes from a skilled professional like yourself,” Ruben purred. Drayco wondered what the big man was up to. His type never needed help from anyone, much less from this wannabe tough guy. He was still wondering when he was painfully steered back to the front of the stables. A bundle waited there; Drizzle was inside.

"I need you to carry the cat. I have to keep an eye on this one in case he tries something. When we get to the room, you can have first crack at him."

Randolf grinned wickedly and picked up the cumbersome package. The three men started down the road toward the Inn located in the center of town. Ruben had his arm casually draped over Drayco's shoulder to make it look like they were the best of chums. People murmured their hellos as they passed.

"So, what do you think of my little town? Friendly, isn't it?"

Drayco said nothing. He was too busy looking around, trying to memorize the direction they had come, just in case. He would need the knowledge if he were able to get Drizzle and himself free.

The wounded shoulder suddenly sent messages of pain to his brain as Ruben grasped it. “I asked you a question. It is only polite to answer."

Drayco glared with deadly intent at the man beside him. He replied, “Yeah ... friendly."

"I knew you'd see it my way."

Randolf snickered at Ruben's comments. He added, “Yeah, real friendly."

The Inn was located on the right side of the road. It was neat and well kept, one of the few on the street that was. Plants in pots were on either side of the entrance. The paint was fresh and new, the windows clean and shiny. A bench sat on the front porch, and the door was propped open, inviting all to enter.

Ruben led the way up the single step and entered the open door. He pulled Drayco inside. Randolf shifted his burden and followed. They stopped in the front foyer until their eyes adjusted to the darker interior.

The inside was as neat and orderly as the outside, a stark contrast to the rest of the town. A man standing behind a counter looked up when he heard them enter. He had the appearance of a bank manager from the old west era with his prim and proper clothing. His short blond hair was slicked back, not a hair out of place, and he had a slender face. Any woman who walked in would have been instantly smitten by his charm and good looks.

"Ruben! It's good to see you again. I heard you were back and had company, so I took the liberty of preparing the appointed room. Your things have already been delivered."

"Louis, like always, so punctual. I'll be going to the bar first with my friend here.” He threw an arm on Drayco's shoulder, causing the dark man to flinch. “Would you be so kind as to show Randolf here where to put his burdensome load?"

"Of course. Will you require anything else?"

"If I know you, Louis, everything is in order."

A slight nod of the head and a look that passed between the two men did not go unnoticed. Drayco caught it. He wondered, for the second time, what Ruben was up to. The man carrying Drizzle was looking down the hall toward the rooms and missed the exchange entirely.

"Follow me, sir.” Louis departed from behind the counter and indicated for Randolf to follow him down a hall to the right.

Randolf stopped and turned back to Ruben before going out of sight. “I'll meet you at the bar."

"See you there."

Ruben faced a doorway to the left. A dimly lit room was visible beyond the opening. “Drayco, my man, we have hit the jackpot.” He indicated for him to lead the way in.

Drayco entered the room and stopped. He was surprised by what he saw. It had a shiny bar against the far wall made out of mahogany. A glowing stone fireplace in the center of the left wall provided some of the lighting, and a chandelier made out of spun glass hung from the ceiling by a shiny, copper chain. Candles burning in many holders provided the rest of the light. No windows were visible throughout the room.

Tables were located in the main area, their tops covered with white cloths. Booths wrapped around two walls, some of them covered in a silky material with heavier drapes underneath in case the occupants wanted privacy during their stay. Paintings from before the virus hung on the walls. Drayco was curious where they had come from, and how they had survived the ravages of time.

"Takes your breath away, doesn't it?"

Ruben indicated for Drayco to take one of the booths near the fireplace. He pushed him onto the bench and moved in beside him, pinning him against the wall. The drapes were left open, allowing them to get service. A woman in a tastefully cut outfit that fit her slim, voluptuous body well came up to them.

"Ruben, how are you, sweetie?” She bent over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Ruben reached up and grabbed the slim waist, pulling her onto his lap. “I'm fine, Rachael, but I'll be even better if we can get together real soon."

"I'm working right now,” she pouted. “We can meet up afterwards."

"I'll be busy tonight. How about tomorrow?"

"I'm off. We can play all day.” She lowered Ruben's face to her chest. He nuzzled what was in front of him with delight.

Drayco looked away, disgusted, trying to avoid having to watch the spectacle going on beside him.

Ruben sat up and pushed Rachael off his lap. He held onto her hand, turning her toward him as she stood. “Take this to buy yourself something nice for our party.” He reached up and shoved several pieces of gold between her breasts. A pat followed for each one.

Rachael smiled at his actions, and asked, “What do you want to drink?” She left the gold where it was.

"I will have a tall mug of refreshing ale, and my friend here will have the same."

Drayco turned his head away from the wall and glared at the woman who stood at the end of the table. Her smile faded as she looked at the scar, then his eyes. Ruben frowned at her reaction. He glanced over his shoulder at the man next to him. An elbow firmly planted in Drayco's ribs caused the dark man to wince with pain and avert his eyes.

"Be nice to the lady or you won't be able to play later.” Ruben's back was turned toward Rachael so she could not see his face. It became cold and threatening, giving Drayco a firm understanding as to what would follow if he did not listen. Drayco continued to glare in defiance. Ruben turned back toward the woman and smiled. “Please excuse him, Rachael. It's been a long, hard ride for him."

Her smile returned. She put her hand under Ruben's chin and slid it away as she started toward the bar to get their drinks. “I'll be right back with your order, lover."

After she was gone, Ruben slowly turned his head toward Drayco. “That was foolish and unnecessary. You better learn to behave.” He spoke softly, but his words carried meaning. “I can make things very, very unpleasant for you if you don't.” He emphasized his point by grabbing Drayco's side near the long wound and pulling the skin taut.

The dark twin tried to pull away, but the wall ended his progress. A groaned escaped. Ruben heard footsteps approach their booth. He let go of both the shirt and the skin beneath it. His body prevented anyone coming their way from seeing what he did. He straightened and flashed one of his most charming smiles as Rachael returned with their drinks. He took one of the mugs and drank a good part of its content before thumping it down with a smack of the lips.

"Rachael, you are a Godsend."

"I bet you say that to all the women."

"All the time ... but only to you."

"Yeah, right. I'll see you tomorrow, wise guy.” She smirked and turned away to help other patrons.

Ruben stood and went to the side of the booth that was unoccupied. He pulled the heavy drapes shut, then returned to his own seat, leaving his side open.

"Why did you do that?"

"You'll see soon enough. I said I have business tonight and I'm expecting him to show up any time now. He'll want privacy."

"Who is coming?"

"My employer."

Ruben lifted the mug to his lips again. He downed the remaining contents in one swallow and looked at the mug sitting in front of Drayco.

"You going to drink that? No? Then I guess I'll have to do it for you.” He reached over and grabbed the handle, bringing the mug to his lips. This time he only sipped at the contents.

Fifteen minutes later the booth was still unoccupied on one side. Drayco leaned against the wall. “I thought your employer was going to show up."

"He will, when he is good and ready. Rachael! Bring me one more.” He held up the almost empty mug for her to see. She acknowledged his request and went toward the bar. She returned immediately with the ale. Ruben stuffed more gold between her breasts and gave each a pat, followed by an appreciative kiss on the cheek from the woman. Drayco could tell Rachael was used to this game and knew how to keep the gold coming.

Ruben watched her hips sway as she left. “Nice. Can't wait to get a piece of that."

Drayco wished he had his sword so he could slash the lewd look off Ruben's face. He was sick of this man and the way he treated people, as if they were toys. When he got the chance, he was going to show him what it meant to be toyed with.

The room was almost empty now. Most of the other patrons had finished and had gone about their business, or had gone home. Ruben leaned back, calmly sipping on his ale.

More than an hour had passed since the drapes were lowered. Drayco was surprised that the big man stayed so composed, especially after having to wait so long. He was almost asleep, his head leaned against the wall, when the curtain rustled and a black robed figure slid quietly into the booth.

"Nice to see you again,” Ruben stated before taking another sip.

Drayco noticed the hint of fear in the big man's tone. This caused him to sit up and look more closely at the figure who sat quietly across the table. Nothing could be seen of the person under the robes. Even the hands were hidden. Drayco felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise.

This must be the Boss I heard so much about, the one that wants Shyanne so badly.

"Always a pleasure to see you too, Ruben,” the figure whispered.

Drayco had to strain to hear the voice; it was so soft. Ruben reached up, pulled the rope holding the drapes on his side of the booth, and overlapped the two, enclosing their seating area completely. When the drapes were shut, the bar's staff knew not to interrupt the occupants inside unless called for.

"I see you have brought a friend with you."

"Drayco, meet the Boss. This is the employer who hired me to find that girl you ride with."

Drayco looked at the person sitting across from him. The thick, black cloak hid the body, but he could tell the Boss was not a large person. There seemed to be nothing extraordinary about him.

How could this little bit of a person cause a big powerful man like Ruben to show fear? I'll have to be careful with this one.
He continued to watch the cloaked one and said nothing.

"I've brought both the cat and him here. With these two as hostages, it will bring the girl for sure, ensuring she will be captured as agreed upon.” Ruben kept his voice low to make sure no one overheard what was discussed.

"Well done. I will wait for you in the room. We will carry on this discussion in privacy.” The mysterious Boss rose and left the table in the same quiet manner he had entered.

"Awe inspiring, isn't it? It can be a bit overwhelming for a first timer like you. Happened to me the first time I saw him."

Drayco realized he had been holding his breath and slowly exhaled through pursed lips. Ruben chuckled. He slapped Drayco on the back, again causing pain to run through his body.

"Let's go."

Ruben flipped back the drapes, got up, and grabbed Drayco by his shirt collar, dragging him to his feet. He let go once the dark man was upright, indicating for him to return to the front lobby. When they entered the main room, Ruben told him to go toward the hallway beside the counter where Louis stood; the same one Randolf went down earlier. The man looked up as the two entered, then returned his gaze to the paperwork in front of him. All niceties disappeared once Drayco was in the hall, out of sight of the open front door.

The big man reached up and grabbed a handful of Drayco's hair, pulling him to a stop. He forced the dark man's head back and whispered, “You better be on your best behavior from now on. I may not be able to kill you, but the Boss won't hesitate."

He kept a firm grip on Drayco's hair as he dragged him down the hall to a door with the number 130 on it. Ruben opened it and tossed Drayco inside before entering himself. Unable to stop himself, his arm strapped to his side, Drayco fell hard. Ruben grinned at the man lying on the floor. He turned and bolted the door behind him.

Drayco managed to get to his feet and look around the room. A small table with a chair was in a corner and a bed was close to the opposite wall. That was all the furnishings in it. The room had a coolness to it due to the lack of any heating apparatus. And, like in the bar area, there were no windows. A rug covered part of the floor to muffle sounds and to ward off some of the chill. A small candle on the table and another on the wall mount near the door were the only lights in the room. The rest was covered in shadows.

Drayco inhaled sharply when he saw Drizzle on the bed, still tied up. A man was lying gagged and hogtied next to him on the floor. It was Randolf. He had wondered what happened when the mercenary failed to show up. Now he understood. A bruise covered the side of his head, and it looked like he had been knocked out. He was awake now, staring at Ruben, eyes filled with questions.