Luna on the Run (The Carmsborough Vigilantes #1)

Chapter 17

"So, you're the Luna I keep hearing about on their transmissions."

Agent Ike hoists one leg up on a box and stretches. He's apparently not intimidated by my presence, which either means he's underestimating me or he's a good guy.

"Yeah, I'm kind of a big deal," I reply. "I've got Slaphand scrambling for help. His goons are as dumb as a bag of rocks."

"I don't think you're doing as much as you think you're doing. It's not just you. They're reacting to Orion and the Clockwork as well, on top of the war and the United States government."

"Well, to be fair, Orion and the Clockwork joining the hunt was my fault. Some of Slaphand's men were chasing me across the city, and Orion and the Clockwork smashed them into the ground one by one."

"Oh, so you're partnered with those two?"

"No. Far from it, actually. You're a good guy, then?"

"I'd like to think so, yeah. I've been working to take Bijabers' regime apart for a few years now, and tonight's the night I finally arrest Slaphand. This raid is going to seriously cripple Bijabers' stronghold in Carmsborough, probably forever."

"Well, awesome idea, but unfortunately, I'm going after Slaphand, Mr. Agent Ike. He's got my cat, Freckles, and I need to get him home in one piece."

"No, I don't think you understand, Luna. This particular plan has been months in the making. Their camera systems have been disabled for weeks, and I've been siphoning information from his men for just as long. A few nights ago, I was going through one of their shell companies, searching for this very location."

"Wait, you took the cameras down? Did you throw a gear as a distraction, too?"

"In CB Moving Limited? Yes."

"I did that too. They said it was the second one in a week."

"Well, it sounds like you're a grand strategist, kiddo, but I've gotta handle him on my own. He'd overpower either of us in a second, and I'm the one with a hell of a lot more training than you."

"Maybe we could work together," I offer. "You and I, fighting him two versus one. He wouldn't stand a chance."

"I can't let that happen. This is an incredibly dangerous situation, and my boss would never allow a team-up with a minor."

He turns to face the door, revealing a lockpick hidden in his hands. Good to know it was locked. I might not have been able to leave.

"Don't underestimate me, Agent Ike. I—"

"Please, call me Ike." He smiles at me, and even though it seems genuine, I'm upset that he interrupted me.

"I've been on my own for five years. I can handle myself. A disfigured man with a knack for illegal dealings means nothing. If you want to, maybe we can get our bosses to talk and let us work together."

"Wait, you have a boss?" Ike asks. "Who do you work for?"

"I'm not sure I'm allowed to say," I reply. "He's more the anonymous type. Who do you work for?"

"I hardly see how that's a fair question, since you won't even tell me. Trust is important, Luna."

"Don't talk to me about trust, Agent Ike. I've only been able to trust one person in five years, and I let her die on Blood Moon Island not three days ago."

"You were on Blood Moon Island?" He stops picking the lock to face me. "How did you escape?"

"Hold on. You've heard of Blood Moon Island?"