Dane Curse (8 page)

Chapter 16

When I came to it was like an old television set, slow and fuzzy. The last thing I remembered was getting my clock cleaned by a trio of heavies, but that was outside Henchmen’s, and now I was indoors, laying on something soft. I sat up, and looked around.

I was on a plush, tan leather couch inside an office. The place smelled like orchids, and was so big it would’ve had an echo if someone hadn’t filled it with expensive books in carved cases, and rugs a Persian Shah would be proud of. On my right, filled with incandescent creatures, was a fish tank long enough for Olympic time trials, while to the left was a long wall of floor-to-ceiling glass windows with nothing on the other side but night sky. At the far end of the room a man sat behind a desk, talking on a phone. The lights glowing from the city below were just bright enough to let me see my host. “Lynchpin,” I said.

Just the man I was I looking for.

“Mr. Curse, you’re awake? I’ll be with you in a moment.” After a few pleasantries he hung up the phone, got out of his chair, and covered the distance between us with long confident strides, more gliding than walking. “I’m glad to see you’re ok. Do you know where you are?”

“The Mountains.”

“That’s correct, though more precisely you’re in my office atop Ultar Tower. And please forgive the manner in which you were treated, Bonesaw takes pride in thorough work done well.” Lynchpin slid onto the couch opposite me, and crossed his legs the way wealthy people do. I had never seen him this close before. He was taller than I thought, with slender limbs, and the same black hair and blue eyes as Lynx. He was wearing brown slacks and a thick, beige sweater over top of what looked like a permanent tan. He reminded me of a college athlete who couldn’t hack it in the pros, so made good in the banking world instead.

“He should’ve told me who he worked for.”

“A willingness to identify me isn’t a skill set I value in subordinates. How’s your head?”

I rubbed my melon. “I still have one?”

“I believe so.”

“That’s good. It’s throbbing.”

“Would you like some ice?”

“Sure. If it’s not too much trouble I’ll take it in a glass, floating in whiskey.”

He laughed. “A good idea. I think I’ll join you.” Two tumblers on the bar filled themselves with ice, lifted up, and sailed through the air towards us. Most objects manipulated by telekinesis dance and sway like they’re held by invisible strings, but those two glasses cut the space between us with purpose. One came to rest in my hand while the other landed in my host’s. Then the stoppers lifted from a pair of bottles, and twin streams of liquid snaked up and out, crossing the room, and filling our glasses separately without losing a drop.

“I’ve never seen a telekinetic do that. Ever,” I said, looking into my glass.

“Move liquid? It’s especially difficult, but like mastering any skill it merely requires time, effort, and concentration. I hope you don’t have a problem working through that much. I know that some prefer drinking Octane as it provides a faster drunk, but I find the taste vulgar. One of the few negative aspects of being gifted as I am is that alcohol isn’t very potent.”

I took a snoot full of the whiskey. “I have the same problem.”

“I suppose that means we’ll just have to drink more of it.”

“Sounds good to me.” I lifted my glass. “Cheers.”

“Cheers.” Lynchpin took a sip. “Mmm, that’s nice.”

“What’s yours?”

“Sabra. It’s from Israel.”

“Didn’t know. Israelis made liquor.” I rubbed the back of my head. Suddenly the room was blurry.

“We make a lot things.”

“You Israeli?”

“Yes. I left after I completed my military service. Are you sure you’re ok, Dane?” Without waiting for an answer he leaned forward, and looked into my eyes. “I believe you may have a mild concussion.”

“Really? I can’t imagine why.”

“Well, before we proceed let’s take care of that.” He pressed a button on the comms unit that sat on the table between us. “Skip, come in here please.”

A clean cut kid no older than twenty-two appeared from the side door looking like he stepped out of a sailboat catalogue. “This is Skip, my PA. He’ll help you. Skip, Mr. Curse here has a concussion, if you will?”

“Of course, sir.” Skip moved behind me, and put his hands on either side of my head. The left one was fine, but the right was missing half a pinky. “Don’t worry sir,” he said, “this won’t hurt at all.”

My head started to tingle. Then the lights got brighter, and the throbbing in my chin stopped. Even that lump Hoarfrost put on the back of my noggin was gone. “Thanks Skip,” I said, “I think that did the trick.”

“My pleasure. Is there anything else you require, sir?”

“That will be all,” Lynchpin said, “thank you.”

Skip left, and I turned to Lynchpin. “Not that I’m unimpressed, but what kind of healer can’t fix his own finger?”

“Skip’s no healer, but presuming so is not an uncommon mistake. His real talent is far more elegant, and rare. He accelerates objects through time.”

“Really, that’s possible?”

“Relatively speaking. I found him working in the agricultural sector for some farmers who used his power to speed their crop’s production, and proposed a better offer. They were loathe to part with the lad, but even though I’ve moved the Sindicate in more legitimate directions our recruitment techniques can still be quite aggressive.”

“Wait,” I said. “I healed myself then.”

“Yes, in a way.”

“Huh. That’s a pretty neat trick, moving something through time,” I said. Then it occurred to me, “So my head is older than my body now?”

Lynchpin looked amused. “Yes, very good Mr. Curse, your head and all that it contains is older than the rest of the cells beneath it, but only by a few hours.”

“And that’s ok?”

“Probably.”

I took another sip. “I find your concern overwhelming.”

He waved my fears away. “Courage. It’ll be fine. So Dane, now that you’re feeling one hundred percent let’s get to the point of this meeting. How is my investigation progressing?”

There are times when you share all the information with your client. This didn’t feel like one of them. “The investigation? It’s been almost a full day and I don’t think I’ve got much done.”

Lynchpin nodded. “Be more specific.”

“Ok. I ran down some leads, but nothing’s gotten me any closer to finding out what happened.”

“Do you have any theories I should hear?”

“No. Right now all I have are hypotheses.”

He leaned in, and passed his hand over the table like he was displaying it. “Well then, lay them on me.”

I fiddled with my drink, watching the ice cubes fight it out in the crystal. “I don’t like speaking until I know for certain.”

Lynchpin put a finger to his lips as he stared at me. “Dane, follow me.” He stood up, and led me to the window. “What do you see?”

I looked out and saw lights sparkling far below. Bittenbach Bay was black and calm, and the ocean beyond took up most of the horizon. This high up even the green peaks to the south were visible. I said, “Gold Coast City.”

“Anything in particular?”

I shook my head.

“We’re in the Mountains. After Top Tower they’re the five most heavily-fortified, well-built, and tallest skyscrapers in the city.”

I didn’t say but I’ve been in love with the Mountains since they were built. Each of the five towers took up an entire city block, and were connected to one another by tunnels above and below ground. They were covered with a white, translucent honeycombing that gave them a beautiful, futuristic feel, and if the rumors were true, also served to reinforce them against attack. “I can see that.”

“Good.” Lynchpin pointed north. “Can you see over there? That’s where Professor Varius flies his fortress. Right there is the blogger Fangirl’s home, which doubles as her retail store. While there, there, and there are three of the apartments you visited today. Do you understand?”

“No.”

“Then I’ll put it another way: I see everything that happens in this city. I know what you did today, and whom you saw. What I don’t know is what your detective’s mind is thinking. I have many talents, but admittedly the importance of certain minutia, and how they piece together, can sometimes escape me. It is in this area, specifically, that I wish enlightenment.” He took a step into my personal space, and looked me in the eye. “So the time has come inspector. Illuminate me.”

I looked out the window, and all the way down to the street below. It was one hell of a drop. It was then that I decided to give an accurate report. From Varius straight through to the beating I told him everything. Or almost everything. There was no reason to bring the Waller family into this so I kept Pinnacle’s identity, along with the letters I pocketed in his secret room to myself, giving Fangirl the credit for the discovery of his and Lynx’s relationship.

Lynchpin said, “Very good, that’s much better. So what’s your next move?”

“Well,” I said, and sat back down on the couch. “I’d like to ask you a few questions.”

“Really?” He sat across from me. “I’m not a suspect, am I?”

I leveled my gaze at Lynchpin and said, “Everyone’s a suspect.” In my head. Out loud I told him, “Of course not.”

“Well then, ask away.”

“When I mentioned your daughter and Pinnacle you didn’t react. How long have you known they were an item?”

“From the beginning. My men told me.”

“They did? Knuckles and Smiley?”

“Yes, those two are extremely loyal. I was notified the moment Pinnacle made contact on top of Coradoba Tower. Initially I suspected it was Team Supreme attempting to infiltrate us, so I kept close tabs. But that was before I realized the relationship was of a sincere, romantic nature.”

“And it didn’t bother you?”

“No, why ever would it?”

“Because in high school Pinnacle was voted most likely to put you in jail,” I said, “and now he’s dating your daughter.”

That got another laugh. “Dane, do you have any children?”

The question was complex, but it had a simple answer. “No.”

“Really, not one? I have seven in all.”

“Congratulations.”

“Don’t congratulate me. Anyone with working genitals can spawn life. And besides,” he shook his head. “They’re not all worthy of celebration. You remember Spitfire?”

I stifled a shiver. “Not many can forget him. He was one wild black cape.”

“Yes, though a more accurate term for him would be mass murderer. He was a terrible influence on my family, and our organization. The SPECs would have put him in Impenetron for life. I’m glad I got to him first.”

My face dropped. “So that story’s true?” Hard to believe a parent could ice his own kid.

“Those stories always are,” Lynchpin said, “but I have others. Keystone and Conspire show promise, but Lynx is the clear alpha. She’s like me, intelligent, driven, and almost as powerful. Which reminds me, how’s your neck?”

I rubbed the spot she used to nearly squeeze the life out of me. “It’s alright.”

“May I ask, when she lifted you did she use her hands?”

“Yeah, they’re small but very determined. Why?”

Lynchpin nodded. “It’s nothing. Some telekinetics prefer to get physical when they use their powers. The contact functions as a sort of crutch.” He looked through me, and stayed quiet for a few moments before saying, “But no matter, she has potential. She may even be ready for leadership of the board. Some day.”

“You don’t think her being with Pinnacle might change that?” I asked.

“No, if anything it’s made it better.”

“How so?”

“Since this new relationship began she’s been far more focused, mature. Her love for him has been a positive influence, and it’s shown in everything from her attitude to her work.”

“You have to forgive me, but don’t you think that he could’ve talked her out of the life? Or worse, into donning,” I added air quotes, “the white cape.”

“That would never happen.”

I believed his sincerity, but there was still one thing I bet he didn’t think through. “What if they had children?”

“If I discovered she was pregnant right now I’d be very pleased. Imagine his powers in a grandchild who would one day lead the Sindicate.” He let out the kind of sigh that could fill a zeppelin.

“But Lynx said you didn’t know about them.”

“I would have been delighted to give the union my blessing, but she’s still young and can sometimes be… spiteful. Thus I believed it prudent to give the relationship room to grow.”

“And why not tell her about his death?”

“I wanted to put off her pain as long as possible. Foolish. And shortsighted. But I love my daughter, I’d rather have her spared the sadness, even if it was only temporary.”

I nodded. It all made sense. Just not the type I was expecting. I was chewing it over when we were interrupted by someone coming in through the side door. He had a pointy nose that made him look like a rat. “Sir, there’s a call about the expansion, I was- oh, I wasn’t aware you had a meeting.”