Page 22 of New Storm Rising
“Oh, wow.” I sent the ladies a broad smile. “I really must admire your taste, ladies. Do send me an invitation for the wedding, will you?”
The looks on their faces as Karim settled into the seat, squashing them into the other corner in the process… It was marvellous. Simply marvellous. Was there anything that could make this situation any better?
“Adequate morning, Mr Linton.”
Ah, yes. That would do it.
Sidling sideways on the bench to make room, I beamed up at Mr Rikkard Ambrose. “Better than adequate, sir. Much better than adequate.”
“Indeed?” He settled down on the seat beside me, and I, by mere coincidence I assure you, sent a shit-eating grin in the direction of dead girls number one and two. The looks on their faces…
Well, maybe I wouldn’t kill them after all. Just being able to watch them stew in misery might be worth it.
“What are you waiting for?” Reaching up, Mr Ambrose pounded his cane against the roof of the carriage. “Get going!”
Outside, a whip cracked, and with a whinny, the coach jerked forward. Smiling, I leaned back into the seat. This journey might actually be fun.
***
“Bleeeergh! Urgh! Agh!”
Of course, it might also not be.
“Um, Mr Linton?”
Retrieving my poor, woozy head from outside the window, I glanced over at Mr Angleton, who was, oh wonder of wonders, holding out a little bottle towards me.
“This,” he proudly proclaimed, “isFizzlewiz Fabulous Fitness Serum. A marvellous medicine! It strengthens your health, improves your complexions, and cures nausea, nasty colds, the smallpox, measles, typhus and yellow fever!”
“Does it, now?”
“Oh yes! Normally, such a precious medicine would be sold for $999.99, but since I can see you are heavily afflicted, sir, and Fizzlewiz & Co has always advocated helping the people for the benefit of humanity, I will give it to you for an astounding, an astonishing $9.99!”
The man was turned towards me, beaming at me, his whole face conveying what a huge favour he was doing for me. He was so busy with his sales pitch he didn’t notice Mr Rikkard Ambrose behind his back, his eyes projecting pure deadliness.
“Um…thanks, but no, thanks.”
“Oh, you’re concerned I would be taking a loss? So very kind of you! But there’s no need, really. Fizzlewiz & Co are renowned for their charitable company policies, especially caring for the sick and injured. For you, it’ll be only $8.99!”
I clutched my stomach.
“I don’t think—”
“All right, I can go a little further. $7.99, my last off—”
“He,” Mr Ambrose’s cold voice came from behind Angleton’s neck, “said no.”
Mr Angleton blanched just a little bit—then shook himself, clearly convincing himself that no civilized gentleman would convey murder plans with his gaze.
Poor, deluded fellow.
“Well, then would you be interested, Sir?” He sent Mr Ambrose a blinding smile. Oh dear. I almost felt sorry for him. “You’re obviously a gentleman who cares deeply about his health and would not be averse to spending the necessary money. $89.99, just for you!”
Mr Ambrose gazed at the man for a long, long moment. Then…
“What is your company’s name again?”
Mr Angleton blinked. “Fizzlewiz & Co, why?”
