Shadows Creed (Shadows Creed #1)

Poker face

Jason groaned as another vehicle cut him off on the highway. He resisted giving the driver the finger as it sped passed him. He’d memorised the plate number and would turn him into the correct authorities. As a member of the Creed it wasn’t his responsibility to deal with hoons and the like. He had more pressing issues to worry about. None less than the interesting piece of information his brother was just expounding on while they made their way to the TaskerOne’s house.

The movement of instruments from The Locker was forbidden; even the Mayor had to get special dispensation from The Creed to release any items from there. For Matthew to be able to get his hands on an instrument and remove it from the storage place was completely out of character, and a huge concern. If General Eskino found out about it the consequences would be dire. It was one thing for the normal population to have instruments in their possession, and for them to have them confiscated. But for the TaskerOne to flout the law…well it didn’t bear thinking on.

Jason glanced sideways at his brother who was staring out the window a grim expression on his face. His eyes were shuttered and his posture defensive as he watched the buildings as they passed them by.

“Matt?”

Matt Berry lifted a shoulder in acknowledgement, but said nothing.

Jason cleared his throat gruffly before asking, “Did Shads give any indication of what he was thinking?”

“Nada,” his twin murmured. “He’s pretty good at saying a lot without actually saying anything.”

Jason laughed the sound holding no mirth, “Really? Never pegged him for a talker.”

Matt cast a look at him, “Except when he’s really focused on something.”

“True…”

They lapsed into silence, which was only broken by the rustling of chip wrappers from the backseat. Dan was sprawled across the seat methodically working his way through a whole bag of chips while listening to the brothers’ conversation. As he popped a chip into his mouth, he frowned faintly as a dull clunking sound reached his ears.

“Hey, JB?”

“What?” Jason looked back over his shoulder at him.

Dan shifted forward on his seat as he said, “You hear that noise?”

“What noise?”

“Uh, bro…there’s smoke coming from the hood…” Matt prodded Jason on the shoulder and pointed. A tiny wisp of smoke curled up from a gap in the bonnet.

Dan snorted, “Wasn’t this due for service soon?”

Jason groaned, squinting out the windshield before turning sharply onto the side of the road. The smoke, which had been barely noticeable earlier, was now streaming out, while the engine rattled noisily beneath the hood.

“Fu-uck…what the hell, it was fine this morning.”

Dan rolled his eyes, “Like I said…”

“Shut up. Just call Zack, will you?” Jason snapped as he shoved open his door and got out to investigate.

* * * * *

“So…what exactly did you do?” Zacky stood huddled over the open hood, frowning down at the engine. Jason leaned against the side of the vehicle and shook his head. “Nothing? Looks like it hasn’t been to the shop in years…”

“Yeah, like I have time to bring it in.” Jason glowered at the mechanic.

Zacky held a hand up in a placating gesture. “I understand. Boy, do I…”