Moore For Less Investigations: The Kid

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

We ventured back downstairs about thirty minutes later. Tanis sat patiently in the living room. She wore the cap and goggles again presumably prepared to leave.

“Lucy, I need maps of Orc Country. Do happen to have any stashed around here?”

“Yes, I'll go grab them.” She said and walked off to her workshop. She returned moments later handing me the maps, Lucy, my gun and the Apollo's car keys.

“OK, Tanis here's the plan. First we are going to visit my friend at the airship docks. I'm going to make arrangements for Braylen to be transported safely from the city.”

Tanis nodded silently in agreement. I continued.

“Then you are going to drop me off at the Founder's statue. I'll meet up with Brill. You will follow Brill's Zeus at a safe distance. You will have to be cautious once you enter orc country. Any non orc caught in that side of town driving anything more than a Hera or Hephaestus is subject to a heist.”

“She won't have to worry about that.” Lucy interrupted.

“Why is that?” I asked with an inquisitive eyebrow raised.

“My Apollo is enchanted with an illusion spell. As long as you keep the car under forty-five miles per hour it will appear as an old busted Demeter.”

”That is convenient” Tanis said.

“The city police commissioned the project. They were looking for a way to infiltrate some of the more hard up areas. They want to crack down on some of the gangs and the black market trade.”

“Cloaked patrol cars would be handy.” I said.

“Yes, I haven't perfected the process yet. This is a one time deal. The enchantment breaks down after the illusion drops.”

“OK, we can work with that.”

“Would it not be better if I go in as I can cloak myself and Braylen is familiar with me?” Tanis asked.

“Yes, it would. Brill does not know you and we do not have the time to get you acquainted. In addition if things get hairy I can fight my way out.” I told her.

I checked Lucy's wheel and saw it was loaded with standard ammunition. I holstered the weapon and secured the belt around my hip. I put my goggles around my forehead and felt sad that I had lost my hat in the scuffle. Lucy must have noticed and handed me a black leather ivy cap. I walked toward the workshop with Lucy and Tanis in tow.

Lucy pressed the combination for the pressure locked door and we went inside. Tanis and I slid into the Apollo onto the red leather seats. I don't know what it is about leather seats, but they felt fantastic. I started the engine and listened to it purr like a well feed lion. Small puffs of steam vented from the miniature stacks on the car’s hood. Lucy opened the large garage door behind the vehicle.

She walked over a gain me a reassuring kiss. Or a last kiss. I wasn't sure which it was.

“Lucy, I know you don't leave this place often. But could you meet us at my office when I summon you in the scrying mirror?”

“Yes I can do that, you'll want to switch cars anyway.”

I pulled out of the garage and drove into rain covered city. The Apollo handled like a dream and shifted smoothly through traffic at the slightest touch. The powerful engine roared and steam puff from the bronze exhaust with the softest touch of the petal. Remembering the limitation of the incantation I decided to take the streets to the Air Docks. It would take longer, but it would defeat the purpose of taking the enchanted steammobile.