Read The Shattered Empire (The Shadow Space Chronicles Book 2) for Free Online

her, “Big spender?”
    She nodded.  The whole situation stunk to her, even more.  Either someone had setup the mercenaries or they had expected them to bring Mason here.  Either way, he was clearly expected.  They followed the clerk behind the counter and then down the hall.  He led them past several check points, each time he flashed the code.  Finally they stopped outside a large wooden door.  The clerk spoke with a smug, friendly voice, “Sir, the suite comes equipped with the best privacy screens and if any refreshment is requested, be certain to just pull it up on the menu and we'll deliver it up by dumbwaiter.”  The clerk paused, “Of course, tips are appreciated.”
    Lauren frowned at that.  She didn't like the slimy look the man had.  Nor, in a way, did his service make her feel he'd earned anything.  She glanced at Mason who had adopted a slight smirk of his own.  “Give yourself a nice tip... from the account being charged, of course,” Mason said.
    “Thank you, sir.”  The clerk scurried away.  Mason pulled the door open and stepped into the cool, dim room beyond.  Lauren saw it was set up like a suite, with a couch and chairs, even a bed.  She didn't know why someone would want a bed to talk on an ansible, but she didn't waste much time thinking about it.  Mason walked over to the automated menu and stared at it.  She saw him wince at the prices.  “People really have got fat here, if they can afford these prices.”
    “Oh?” Lauren asked.
    Mason shrugged, “Tommy King raided the city thirty years ago.  Took everything of worth that wasn't nailed down.  Only thing he didn't loot was the monastery.”
    “Oh?” Lauren asked, surprised at the reveal about his past.  “Was that when...” she hesitated and glanced around the room.  Just because she didn't see any obvious bugs didn't mean someone hadn't put the effort to install them.  “Was that when he started to change?”
    Mason looked up with a smirk, “Him, change?  No, the monks didn't have anything he wanted.  The monks were kind enough to put anything of worth out in the street.”  He cocked his head, “Though, I suspect they hid their real wealth, canny bunch of fellows they are.”
    He selected a set of icons, “Porterhouse steak for me, you?”
    Lauren shook her head, “Isn't this wasting time?”
    Mason snorted, “It's on the bill of whoever wanted me here.  Might as well tweak their noses a bit first.  They'll get the bill after we finish our conversation.”
    Lauren just shook her head.  “Any way to order up a response team or some heavy weapons, maybe an anti-air weapon system of some kind?  Something light and portable?”  She couldn't help the bite in her tone.  She didn't care about insults or small wounds.  Her motto was to stomp on an enemy, not to piss in their face.
    Mason just nodded, “Steakburger, fries and a margarita it is, then.”  He selected the order and then took a seat at the desk and put his feet up.  “I haven't had a good steak in a few months.”
    Lauren just sighed.  She went to stand across from the suite's door and rested her hand on her pistol.  She just hoped someone would come through the door, she suddenly wanted to kill someone.
    ***
     
    Mason set his beer down and pushed his plate to the side.  “Oh, that really hit the spot.”  He glanced up at Lauren, “You're not eating?  It's great food, way better than the stuff the Baron had.”
    Lauren pursed her lips disapprovingly.
    He shook his head, “Hey, it's true.  I mean, I'm sure he would have fed everyone this well, if he could.  But...” He trailed off as he leaned back and patted his belly.  “There's just something added to the flavor knowing it comes out of the pocket of someone who's being pain.”
    “Revenge is a dish best served cold,” Lauren said, her voice flat.  She couldn't help it.  Sometimes Mason's irreverence just got under her skin.
    “Yes, but steak tastes so much better