Ex Vivo (#2 EX TRILOGY)

Chapter 24

The shackles were cutting into Akoma's wrists as she dangled from the ceiling helplessly. The only sound she kept hearing was from the assembly line below, and unfortunately for her it sounded twice irritating than it did when she came around after the kidnap. It felt like days hanging up there alone. She looked down at the hot bubbling liquid underneath her, wondering if it was meant to scare her or kill her in the long run. This was not the first time she had come face to face with peril, but this one felt final. If there was ever an honourable way to die, it should have been for her mother. As far as she was concerned, it seemed she was rather going to die as penalty for signing up for a trap like Ex Gratia and falling on the wrong side of a beast like Ex Vivo. So Akoma waited in silence, listening, hoping, and praying - anxiously - for her last.

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Felix stepped into the lobby in his tuxedo and sighed as he watched his guest approach the glass doors. The guards outside opened them to let her in. Felix grinned as he took it all in: she wore an elegant black off-shoulder gown with a slit on the left up to the thigh, silver stiletto shoes with six-inch heels, simple makeup and a silver collar necklace. Her gown glittered in the light, and the smile on her face left no trace of malice usually associated with her persona.

"I can't deny myself this pleasant moment," Felix cleared his throat and began, "but I must say that it is good to see you again - and I find your apparel breath-taking." He put out a hand and bowed his head.

Ender rolled her eyes and gave him her hand, and Felix stood on his toes for a few seconds while he kissed Ender's hand, and then he dropped to his heels again. Felix gestured down the hall and they both walked into the makeshift dining hall. Ender looked the room over and snorted before taking her seat opposite Felix, who had not taken his eyes off her right from the moment she walked through those doors. Ender typically found it agitating, but she had rehearsed an infinite smile to remain in place while her brain buzzed secretly in her head. One of Felix's waiters came over to pour them some wine and walked away afterwards. Both of them stared at each other for the next five minutes without a word.

"Felix," Ender said slowly with a smile, "you do realize that this smile I am wearing is not mine, don't you? I'd prefer skipping this whole act and getting this done with."

Felix blinked and nudged the rim of his glass slightly. "I have all the time in the world to discuss a few things from the past with you", he said. "You honestly think I would make everything pass in minutes because you're finally here? What would be the fun in all this? I'd like to make it last. Let's have a drink, my dear."

"I don't have time for drinks. I'd like to see my - uh - cargo. Not in the next hour, but now."

"You don't get to make demands, Ender. I assure you that this moment is worth waiting for."

"Not for me."

"You're acting rather odd today. It's in the early hours of the morning. You should consider taking in - "

Ender rose to her feet angrily and knocked off everything from the table in one violent sweep of her arm. As the glasses shattered on the floor, the doors burst open and six armed guards rushed in to surround them, guns pointing at Ender. She glanced around her and scoffed. Felix remained in his seat, totally composed and wearing this smirk on his face.

"Your toys don't scare me, Felix," Ender pointed a finger at him and whispered through gritted teeth. "Not at all. You think you can just call me here and be nice to me? I know you have a lot to say, and I'd prefer you get to the point and let's do what's needful. This?" She gestured at the setup and shook her head. "It's nonsense. Total waste of money."

Felix leaned over slowly and peered at Ender. "Did you really come here for your girl?" he asked. "I have a feeling you didn't. Whatever it really is that you've got on your mind, I think it will be pretty good business."