Wednesday has come around again and I’m happy to present this week’s flash fiction.
Nothing stood out about the residence to Tobias Rowntree. Bright bay windows sheltered beneath the steep roof, offering an excellent view of the street. Perfectly normal for Adenaros’ wealthier district.
But not.
The street’s prosperity shouldn’t make Tobias’ skin crawl when he passed beneath the lintel. Though something set his nerves screaming.
The air should have refreshed him, but instead smothered.
Even following the secretary didn’t ease his nerves. She moved too swiftly, too fluidly. Tobias hadn’t seen dancers match her grace, not in any den.
Luthor Roe Maden sat quietly behind his desk, a porcelain cup held in one hand and a tiny spoon in the other. The man didn’t glance at Tobias. Instead Maden remained focused on the paper spread before him.
The secretary stopped beside the lone chair across from Luthor and gestured for him to sit. Sitting, he glimpsed the paper. The Isle Star with it’s lead story about the project Tobias had spent years working on. Complete with a map of the whole region smack dab in the center in thickly inked lines.
“There’s an art to getting your way.” Tobias jumped when Luthor spoke.
He cleared his throat. “Tha–”
“An art I am a master at.” Luthor set the cup over the map, the tea sloshed and sprinkled droplets over the paper. Droplets which formed red lines extending from the cup’s base.
The midday light dimmed and Tobias gulped. He raised his eyes slowly and saw Maden staring at him with red eyes.
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