Italia

Artemis scanned the doorway again, trying not to look out of place. But of course he felt out of place. The night club was jam packed with men and women of all ages, dancing, drinking and a whole flurry of things. His head was throbbing from the pounding music and he couldn’t imagine how these people managed to dance and not go deaf or have their heads explode.

A hand landed on his shoulder and he turned. A man in his forties smiled at him and pulled up his sunglasses and held out his hand in greeting. “Well, well, well. You must be my wealthy little prospector…and that must be your good friend?” he asked pointing at a hulking Butler whose foot tapped to the beat. “Yes, and that must be your good friend.” Replied Artemis gesturing to the thin man not too far away.

“Never too much to have a circle of friends around eh?” the man chuckled and took the bar stool next to Artemis. “So boy, Angel Island huh? How’d you find out about it?” “I have my resources.” “Resources…” the man murmured rubbing his chin, and then laughed loudly.”I guess I’m just a resource then?” “In a nonsensical kind of way.” “How rude.” “Thank you.” The man turned in his seat, his grin fading.

“Angel Island’s no joke kiddo. Trust me; I’ve tried to set foot on the damned island forty times, and twenty more after I jumped the big, do anything to get there just about. But, for the right price, I’ll get you as close as I can by air, then sea. I’ll leave you a boat once…” “Whoa, hold on. That wasn’t part of the deal. You get me there completely, and then I’ll give you the other eighty-five percent of the funds.” “Damn it boy, for a kid you drive a hard bargain….I hate kids…fine, I’ll get you there.” “Three days.” “Three days….damned brat…three days.”

“Silly me, I was so caught up, I didn’t ask for your name…” “Jonathon S Myers. And that there is Arnold.” “Artemis and Butler.”

Some other stories by FowlEmpress:

• Weird World
• Angel Explained.
• Missing
• Sweet Angel
• The Song of Truth