“Thank you,”
Having enough of her negative words, I stood up, fought the urge to throw her drink over her nice dress and I walked away. Ready to prove her wrong.
CHAPTER 9
With four men either side of them gladded in thick heavy metal armour, Nemesio and Alessandria walked into a great chamber deep under Ordericous.
Looking around Alessandria sneered at the chamber at its ugliness as it was cruelly carved out from the various cave systems under the country.
Yet the tunnels of the cave system were cold dark and damp with the constant sound of dripping water. Not the nicest of places to rule the criminal underworld from.
Nevertheless, Alessandria knew this criminal gang leader must have enjoyed it. Judging by the hundreds of rotting corpses at the entrance of the caves. She recognised some of them from gangers she had arrested over the years.
Whilst, Alessandria might not have placed them at the entrance to warn off other criminals and Procurators. She always appreciated people with flare and character.
A constant dripping sound filled the chamber as a new crack appeared in the cave ceiling and more water dripped down. Making the already damp floor considerably worse. This couldn't be healthy.
The hairs on Alessandria's arms stuck up as a freezing breeze rushed past. She would love to be above ground in the sun again.
Heavy footsteps banged on the damp bedrock as the guards left the chamber. Alessandria's eyebrows rose at the oddity of it. It was odd enough Nemesio had managed to schedule an urgent meeting with this leader at short notice. But for them to be left alone in the heart of their operation. That seemed even odder.
With the smell of damp mould filling her nostrils, Alessandria really wanted to be above ground. But her typical and probably stubborn sense of duty made her drawn to this smelly cave.
Slowly, Nemesio crept over to her and Alessandria smiled as she felt his warm body heat radiate towards her. Her arm hairs lowered themselves. She wondered how hot his skin was.
A pair of shuffling feet dragged themselves across the cave behind them.
Turning around, Alessandria clocked her head and narrowed her eyes at the sight of an elderly fragile woman shuffling towards them.
Alessandria didn't know what to focus on first. The fact this criminal leader was a fragile old lady or her bright blue dress. That really didn't do much for her. Alessandria was pretty sure it made her look even older. At least the old lady wore strong flowery perfume. It certainly improved the smell!
In an overexcited voice, the old lady shrieked: “Oh dearest Nemmy you return!”
The old lady shuffled over and tightly hugged Nemesio.
Alessandria’s eyebrows rose.
“You two know each other?”
“Oh of course we do! This man, my Nemmy, well he is a great man. He killed all my competition for me,”
Alessandria cocked her head.
“Oh Nemmy, who is this beautiful lady? Just look at her. Simply stunning,”
Nemesio only smiled at Alessandria. Was he agreeing?
“Oh Nemmy say something,”
Slowly, Nemesio spoke: “There was a mission in the Inquisition to replace the head of the criminal underworld with a more... suitable leader,”
“And that’s her?”
“Oh of course. I’m a treasure really. As Nemmy will tell you. I only kill you if you cross me. But I’m sure if Nemmy is your friend, you’ll be fine,”
Alessandria had no idea what to say. She had too many questions. Why name him Nemmy?
“I am Alessandria Fireheart, Dominicus Procurator for the House of Fireheart. It is a pleasure to meet you, and thank you for not operating on my family’s land,”