Zomet

f the Terrace, avoiding any signs of mafia presence, and made their way to Fion

ir and a smirk that made Zomet's s

ile. "Hey, Nick.

time. "We need your help." Her eyes pl

. "What kind of tr

were clipped. "She needs a gun tha

d. "What's so impor

longs to the mafia. They want it back. If

olor. "You know wh

ing. "She needs it, Nick. I

hair, clearly rattled. "Fi

r the first time in hours. "Thank you," she manag

e. "I'll need the description now," he said,

" Zomet began, her voice shaky as she forced herself to remember every

a sword-and a hidden compartment in the handle. The

ion, his face betraying no

the three of them stood in tense silence

, Nick sighed, resigned. "I know

wallowe

w m

to Fiona before he s

. "I don't have th

narrowed. "Wh

It's a lot of mo

ountered. "It's about our safety.

and back again, his expression i

enting. "Four thousand

er her features. "Thank you." She turned to Zomet.

gling with anxiety in her stomach.

s the seconds ticked by. Zomet was grateful for the sunlight that p

cy in her tone. "He says you're the best. We nee

urprise written on his

Fiona answered. "His dad's

tion dawning. "Ah, Nick. Yes, his father

It's urgent. We can pay double if

esitated, si

the air between them. "I could do it. But it'

they didn't have a choice. "Done. We'll pay e

smile on his lips. "Then bring

to the gilder's shop. The gilder's gaze fell on the pistol, its ornate engr

n clear in his voice. "The hardware is already qui

the gilder's workshop and heads home to prep

sed, her voice a shaky whisper. "We need an exi

im. "You're right. W

r head. "They were useless l

something else out," Fi

eturning with the canisters. "Tear

t much, but it's better than nothing," she said. "And the police.

ught. For now, we have to fo

t time. The message was clear: a remote dock on the outskirts of town, 9 pm sha

omet said, meeting Fiona's

eyes fierce. "I'm not leav

r voice barely above a whisper. "It's too d

this alone. I won't put myself in harm's way, but I'll be close e

protest, but Fiona cut h

Let me do this

dded. "Okay. But if anything

rious. "I promise. Now go. Don't keep Vict

queezing her heart. As she walked away, Fiona m