Steampunk Spy (story attempt for the sci-fi ezine: Tevun Krus III)
Red accepted the scroll from Sir Jacques, she pressed a button and it split halfway revealing a stiff parchment; a picture and name appeared on it.
“That's your target. Good luck.”
Red cursed inwardly at the frilly dress she had to wear to attend the party comprised of bureaucrats and politicians. She couldn't even throw a decent punch in it.
The guards were checking invitations. Within a few minutes, she was inside the great hall, the invitation card holding the name of a Lady Catherine.
Once inside she scanned her surroundings spotting a gigantic jukebox in a corner bellowing light steam and playing pleasant music. She walked up to it and discreetly attached a box behind it. She then adjusted a dial on her belt.
It took her an hour to find him. She bumped into him accidentally and introduced herself. The man was charming and offered her a private tour. He showed her into a room away from the crowd.
“Watch,” he said and tapped the wall twice. The lights came on on their own. Red feigned surprise and clapped.
“This room is soundproof, no one can hear you,” he winked at her. Red looked down for a second. When she looked up, he held a knife to her throat.
“Why are you trying to kill me?” he shouted.
Red acted scared and took a step back, “what? You invited me back here. Please, don't kill me. Please.”
The man lowered his knife and looked embarrassed, “I'm sorry. I thought you were... Sorry, I'm just paranoid.”
“Maybe I should go,” Red walked quickly towards the door. The man didn't turn around. Red opened and closed the door without leaving and waited for him to turn around. When he did, she kicked him in the crotch driving him to his knees.
“Now, major Brown, who did you sell the location and plan of our top secret aerial fighter units to?”
“Bitch,” he hissed in pain.
Red tapped the side of her right heel on the left and a small blade protruded from the front. She kicked him again in the crotch with it. The man screamed in pain and curled on the floor.
“No one can hear you. Name, please.”
Brown was in tears as he whispered, “Geppetto.”
Red retrieved his knife from the floor and pulled him up. She placed the knife point over his heart.
“Are you going to kill me?” he asked.
“Treason. Nineteen lives were lost, major. What would you do?”
Brown let out a long breath and looked Red in the eye and nodded, she pushed the blade in.
She walked out of the room and readjusted the dial on her belt and pressed the button in the middle. The jukebox exploded in a hail of wood, steam and smoke. People screamed and rushed towards the nearest exits, the guards helping them evacuate from the fire and explosion. Red slipped out with the crowd.
THE END
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Bits & Bobs
Short StoryA collection of shorts and one shots and long shots. Cover by the lovely hellvis, she's awesome.
