Chapter 16

Moja approached the bar. A tall and fearsome man stood behind the bar, waiting for her to make an order. When she failed to speak, he addressed her.

“You gonna order somethin’?”

Moja had to speak loud over the music, but didn’t want people to overhear her questioning. She leaned over the bar to speak closer to the bartender.

“I’m looking for a man. Perhaps you can help us,” she spoke loudly.

He leaned on the bar, getting close to her.

“What’s it worth to ya?”

“Tell me whether you can find him first.”

“Bitch, I ain’t givin’ you nothing til you show me what you got,” he shot back.

Moja glanced at Jazun and nodded. Jazun reached into his bag and pulled out a couple of bills. He slid them covertly across the bar towards the bartender. The bartender accepted the bribe and counted the amount.

“What’s his name?” he asked, leaning in close to Moja.

“I’m looking for a man named Andie. Late fifties. He’s bald, olive skin, and probably wears glasses. Last time I saw him, he had a large beard. Tall. Probably close to two meters.”

Without considering her description, he leaned back up off the bar. “Sorry, don’t know anyone like that.”

In a blink, Moja reached over and grabbed the back of his neck before he could stand straight. She slammed his head into the metal surface. With one hand firm on his neck, she used her other to twist his arm upright into the air, locking him from escape.

In a flash, Jazun withdrew his arbalest and aimed it outward towards the onlookers, threatening any who dared to come forth. They backed away in fear. Lena scanned the surroundings at who would be the first to defend the bartender. All conversations died, and only the sound of the aggressive music played. Most of the patrons appeared inebriated beyond coordination to be able to put up a worthwhile fight. Still, Lena held her breath, waiting for the first movement to be made.

Moja leaned in close to his ear. “Tell me what you know.” She held the arm firm, almost to the threshold of tearing it from his shoulder socket.

“You crazy bitch!” he sputtered.

With a quick jerk of her hand, she snapped his pinky finger from its socket. He let out a sharp cry of pain.

Lena looked at her in concern. “What are you doing!?”

Moja ignored her question, and moved her hand to the next finger.

He pleaded, “You don’t understand. He pays me protection.”

She bent the ring finger at a disgusting angle.

“Stop!” Lena yelled.

“Alright!” he conceded. Moja released her grasp only slightly. His face was purple, contorted in pain. “Up towards the northeast block. Green container. Big black door.”

She threw him back in release. He bounced off the wall, shaking the contents on the shelves behind him. He eyed her angrily, holding his broken hand.

The trio turned to exit. Jazun still held his weapon ready. Now, the exit appeared leagues away. Denizens of the bar stared at them, regarding the danger they had just witnessed.

Moja strode ahead, confidently. Lena tensely followed. Jazun took up the rear, ready to take on any who dare oppose their exit. Through many piercing eyes, they exited back out onto the street. Upon reaching the bay door, Jazun concealed the weapon.

“Well, I hope they got a good look at our faces,” Jazun remarked to Moja.

“I did what needed to be done.”

“I should have left you to the muggers!” Lena shouted in exasperation.

Jazun lost his patience. “Listen, I let you go. You had your freedom, but you made the choice to come back for me. Don’t put this on us!”

She exploded. “Oh and what the hell was I supposed to do!? Let you be robbed? Then probably caught by the patrol? You’d be rotting in--”

“Oh, well what’s stopping you now? Why don’t you--”

“Enough!” Moja interrupted. “Shutup, the both of you.”

They fell silent, flustered by their emotions.

“Come, we must find where he lives.” Moja turned away. Lena followed hesitantly, sneering at Jazun as she passed him.