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right.” Armando proceeded to spread a generous amount of cinnamon butter on a steaming hot biscuit. “Once I finish my business I plan to visit the old town square and check out the tourists…if you understand my meaning. Care to join in on the excitement?”
    Kieran cringed. “Pass. I find the entire process disgusting.”
    “And that is why you are weak. You will never survive a day in the Hive with that attitude.”
     
     
     
     
     

     

 
    Seven
     

    Armando, followed by two scraggly men entered the two-story brick building owned by Lucien Bourdon. The unkempt man behind the rusty desk abruptly stopped talking and cleared his throat, quickly putting out his cigarette in the overflowing ashtray.
    “Uh, morning, Mr. Rayne,” the man stammered. “This here is Percy Nickelson. He’s the one who delivered the girls for Lucien this morning.”
    Armando nodded in Percy’s direction before turning his attention back to the other man. “I shall make this as brief as possible. I am in need of one, possibly two, young girls, teens if at all possible, to work in my…production business. Do you have anyone available who meets those qualifications?”
    The man smiled. “Actually, I do…two very pretty young girls. I’m sure you’ll have no problem getting your money’s worth out of them. I have no doubt you’ll find them to your liking. Would you care to have a look?”
    “I believe that I would.”
    “I’ll be glad to take you to the girls,” Percy added.
    Armando nodded, following Percy up a narrow flight of stairs that led to a small holding area. Minimal furniture dotted the room and the cold concrete floors were stained with dried blood and tobacco juice. He stared openly, shocked by the girl’s youth and beauty. They were the epitome of perfection.
    “That’s Halen and the other one is Bijoux.” The girls huddled together on the small sofa. “Stand up so Mr. Rayne can get a good look at ya.”
    Armando smiled, motioning for Halen with an outstretched hand. “Come here, my dear.” With apprehension, she stepped forward, allowing him to take her hand in his. “You are quite lovely child. Now why is it that you look so familiar to me.”
    Percy spoke up before she could reply. “She’s Lucien Bourdon’s acquisition. She seems to be mighty important to his family — to his entire Hive. If I let you have her, you’d have to make it worth my while. I’d have to disappear. Permanently.”
    Armando appeared awestruck in her presence. “She is…the One…the Chosen? Is that what Lucien believes to be true of this girl? I…I am prepared to strike a deal. A most lucrative deal, indeed.”
    “Hmm, let me think on this for a minute,” Percy said, stroking his pointy chin. “Does this offer include Bijoux? I’d hate to see the girls split up. They seem to rely on each other for comfort.”
    “I have no doubt we can reach an agreement that includes both young ladies.”
    Percy paused, suddenly unsure of what he was about to do. “Mr. Rayne, what we’re about to do here — it could cause a war between the families. Well, more like a blood bath. Are you prepared for that outcome?”
    “My choices are none of your concern. I will deal with Lucien on my own terms when the time is right.”
    Armando walked away from the group and Percy used the opportunity to shoot Halen a warning glance. “You remember everything I told you,” he whispered before joining Armando.
    Bijoux winced and moved closer to her friend, pulling Halen closer to her side. “Well, what do you think?” she whispered.
    “About?”
    “This Rayne dude. Did you get a load of his hair…and those clothes. Who the hell dresses like that? It’s like watching a bad 80’s horror movie.”
    Halen shrugged her shoulders and flopped back down on the dirty sofa, taking Bijoux with her. “He certainly acts all high and mighty. Did you see how he looked down his nose at us? Bastard. And those diamond rings…and fingernails…what a