White Eyes
Page 26
Chapter 28.
“I believe you have something I want.” The man had a small smile on his lips. “It’s strange, because I don’t see anyone with you.”
Joshua took a deep breath.
They were sitting on a small bench, in a park facing Steele’s broken house. The sun glinted over the rooftops and into their eyes, and it made it hard for Joshua to make out the man’s features. But from what he could tell, they seemed ordinary, non-descript, like his clothes – a grey suit – well made, but unremarkable, covering a thin body. Dark, slightly thinning hair and a soft, calm voice that made Joshua shiver.
“Mr. Marks…” he began.
“I don’t believe I gave you permission to use that name.”
Joshua hesitated. “I…” he started.
“Where is she?”
“I didn’t manage to…”
“Then why are we meeting? Unless of course you are telling me that you would like to give up?”
“No! No! Look. I have got something. It’s remarkable. It’s amazing…”
He reached into the pocket of his thin jacket and pulled out the bag, showing it surreptitiously to Marks, glancing round carefully to check no one was watching.
“And this is?” Marks asked.
“Her finger!” Joshua whispered excitedly.
Marks nodded. “Ah. I understand. I ask you to bring me Miss Jenkins, and you instead choose to bring me a part of her. Interesting choice.” He started to get up.
“No! No!” Joshua, panicking, grabbed Marks’ jacket. Marks froze. Without turning around, he said in a cold, steely voice. “Please take your hand off my jacket.”
Joshua brought up all the courage he could muster. “Please. Just listen to me for a minute.” He let go of the jacket. Marks stayed, half standing, half sitting for a second, before he sat down.
Joshua closed his eyes in relief. “The thing is,” he rushed his words, before Marks could change his mind “it didn’t work out, but I am trying, I’m still trying to get her…. But look, it’s amazing…. You see, I got injected by mistake with this thing, this autocuff thing, and I had the finger, and look, I mean look what I can do…”
He held his left hand up so it was positioned between his face and the sun, and they both watched as gradually, flames appeared over his little finger, spreading across his hand like a burning torch. Joshua kept glancing nervously at Marks, who looked at the hand, almost disinterested.
He sat back on the bench and turned to Joshua. He smiled at him and spoke calmly “I’m aware of your little escapade in the hotel room, and of the somewhat unexpected consequences. It does hold a level of interest, I grant you. However, I would still like to meet Miss Jenkins. And I am still hopeful that you will be able to deliver that. If you feel you’re unable to, please do let me know.”
Joshua’s hand was shaking as he raised it and pointed a finger at Marks. “I could… I destroyed Steele…”
Marks smiled. “And you believe you could do the same to me?” He tilted his head to one side. “You are very welcome to try.”
Joshua swallowed.
“Or, alternatively” Marks added, “you could find Miss Jenkins for me.”