Page 74 of Beneath the Cursed Veil

“I think the question is, how can you help me?”

“I don’t follow,” I said, glancing at Corvo. He narrowed his eyes, shifting his glance slightly. The bouncer sitting next to her chuckled, his body shaking. He snorted, leaning back as he tipped his hat forward.

She picked up her cigarette again, taking a drag. “I didn’t think you would. See, you don’t have any money.”

“How do you know that?”

“She wonders how I know that,” Irene said to her bodyguard while tapping ash into a tray. Pointing at me with her cigarette in hand, she gestured to my body. “Look at you. You’re not dressed for winter, princess. Almost like you fell off the back of a wagon,” she said with a smirk.

My heart stuttered, but it appeared to be an off-hand remark. She had no idea how spot on she was. “I don’t have money, but I can?—”

“Then what you’re asking for is a favor. You and everyone else in this realm. You know what I want, princess?”

I ground my teeth at the nickname. “Do tell.”

“I’m a businesswoman, Meera. I only want one thing. Money.”

“If you'd had let me speak I was going to tell you that I can get you money. However much you want.” I didn't know how much a transaction like this would cost, but I did know that Vareck would pay it, and if worse came to worse, I'd give her my money. Technically, I was a hundred thousand dollars richer the moment I handed Damon over, even if I hadn't seen the money yet, it was magically transferred as a part of the contract.

“That just means you're desperate. We haven't startednegotiations, and you've already told me that you're willing to pay me whatever I want.” She tutted in disappointment.

Shit.

“Desperate only to a point, Irene. I said I'd pay you whatever you want because I want to cut through the bullshit. I figured as a businesswoman you would appreciate that I wouldn't be wasting your time.”

“I don't know that you can afford my services.”

“Try me.”

“I'll get you to Brumlow.” I breathed in, my heart starting to race with excitement. “In one week,” she finished.

“One week?” I asked. “Why not now?”

“Because you don't have payment now.” She wrapped her painted lips around the cigarette, narrowing her eyes at me while she inhaled, tendrils of smoke coiling around her face.

My stomach twisted. The sounds of the brothel roared in my ears. Corvo was facing me, his backside turned to Irene and her bodyguard that sat on the other side of the table. I looked down at him, hoping the fear that was coursing through me didn't show on my face. His eyes glowed briefly, and then I heard his voice in my head, and I damn near jumped out of my seat, my hands gripping the edge of the chair.

“Vareck is on his way.”

“How did you do that?”

“Keep them talking. Don’t persuade her.”

“Why—”

Irene laughed. “You okay there, princess? You seem a little jumpy.”

“Cold chill. I have those a lot here.” I swallowed thickly, trying to stall for time. Frustration filledme, but I tried to tamp it down. My powers were finally accessible, and I’m told not to use them. “I'm a pretty decent bartender. I think a week's wages would be enough for a portal? I’m assuming you were going to connect me with someone who can make a portal, yes?”

“Bartenders are a dime a dozen. You have two options, princess.”

“Really? It seemed like you were only going to give me one,” I muttered.

“You’re pretty, but those curves are something else. Voluptuous is a hard quality to find in Faerie. Makes youexotic.” Her voice dropped in a sultry tenor, accentuating the last word for effect, though I wasn’t sure why. I wasn’t flattered. She smacked her lips, eliciting a little pop. “All the clients would want a taste. You’d make me a pretty coin here, Meera. Keep quite a bit for yourself too.”

The grip I had on the edge of the chair increased, and I shook my head. “Hard pass. What's option two?”

“I give you back to the brownies you escaped from. Either way, I get paid.” A cruel smile formed as she dropped all sincerities.

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