The Summoner Series - Book One - DUALITY

Chapter 12: Jazzy - A Killer in a Room Full of Felons

I can't believe that it's been so long since I've seen Cain. I hope he's doing ok. "So Cain, what brings you to String City?"

"I thought it would be the only place I wouldn't be found." We were still walking towards the kitchen. I looked at the side of his hoodie obscuring his face. It was out of habit since I knew he wouldn't turn his head and show me his face. Even if I was the last one to see it.

"And?"

"I miscalculated."

We finally made it to the kitchen. "Hold up," I stopped dead in my tracks. "The smartest person in the world, miscalculated?" I was genuinely surprised. I didn't think it was possible. But then again, Cain was always full of surprises.

"Hey now, I never thought that they would actually go after me."

"You never thought they would, or you wish they wouldn't?"

He didn't respond. Jack and the rest of the gang stepped through the sheet door. "What's cooking, Jazzy?" I couldn't stand him. Always barging into my business and acting like he owns the place. He wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me.

I responded with, "Whatever is canned or smelled fine."

"You couldn't make beef stroganoff?" He always made sarcastic comments. If I didn't need him, I swear he'd be gutted in the gutter.

"No." I replied coldly.

I could hear Nocturnus whisper to Jack, "Is she always this cold? Or does she just hate you as much as we do?" Jack didn't respond but made his way to the table opposite the rusty old stove. It wasn't a large room, but there was enough space to fit everyone comfortably, even with a small table and the stove. That didn't mean I wanted them here.

"Why don't you all go outside so I can finish cooking? Cain and I have some catching up to do."

"Ooh!" Shouted Cece. It was refreshing to see someone with hope and wasn't melancholy all the time. "Can you tell us the story about how you two met?"

I liked her. "Over dinner, maybe. But you all need to get out so that can happen."

Cece's eyes lit up. She was the first one out the door, followed by Bruce and Nocturnus. Jack was the last one out, keeping his eyes on me and Cain. I could tell he disapproved, but I didn't give a shit about what he thought. Or maybe it was jealousy. Either way, I was happy that he finally left.

"So," Cain started as he walked towards the table up against the wall opposite the stove. There were only two chairs, and he sat down in one, keeping his face turned to the side. "You still looking for the Temple?"

How did I know he was going to bring that up. "No, I gave up on that a while ago."

"You know I can tell when you lie."

"And I'm still baffled by it." I was still by the stove, and I went to the pot stationed on it and took the lid off. A plume of green steam erupted from it, releasing a toxic odor.

"Is that even edible?" Even though I couldn't see his face I could clearly see his body cringe at the smell. I've grown used to this luxurious lifestyle, I guess Cain still has some stuff to learn.

"Probably not. But I still eat it anyways."

"You always did have an iron stomach." There was a few beats of silence. "You know you won't be able to find it. No one has."

"But I'm not just anyone." I made sure to add a chill to my voice.

"You're right. You're a deadly mercenary that has no business sticking her nose in any of this business."