Dark Flame (Flame 3)
Roche stepped forward and passed through what Brannick knew was a substantial cage in the dream-world. But in real-time, Roche kept moving and gave no evidence he knew what was happening.
He was so close that Brannick wished he could deliver a solid punch and knock his ever-present smirk from his lips. Despite the impulse, Brannick restrained himself.
Roche walked all the way to the guards’ table. Once there, he whipped around and retraced his steps, again passing through the dreamglide.
He stopped near the woman on the floor and took another look around. His shoulders lost their tension and he returned his weapon to its holster. He kicked the woman on the floor. “Back to your cell, you piece of shit.”
The woman struggled to her feet, then fell down again. He summoned a couple of guards who also hurried through the dreamglide.
Roche turned on his heel and headed the other direction, pushing the door open that led into his club.
Brannick turned to Juliet and smiled. With Roche gone, he felt free to talk aloud again. “Not half bad.”
Her lips curved as well. “Not half bad at all. So, how about we do some exploring. I’ve wanted to see his entire operation, including where he makes the dark flame. I’ve been told he keeps all of his business interests close to his home. In which case, we ought to head back out to the hall, then move south. We might just be in the middle of his nest.”
“Let’s go.”
Brannick turned, preparing to pilot back out into the hall, but Juliet caught his arm. “I know this might seem like an odd request, but how about I take the lead for the next few minutes? I’d like to see whether or not I can direct this dreamglide since it seems to be emanating from you.”
He narrowed his gaze at her, and took a moment to process her request. He was used to being in command, and didn’t give it up lightly. In the end, he acquiesced. “I think it’s a good idea. We should be equal partners, because who knows what’s around the next bend.”
~ ~ ~
Juliet used her mind to guide the dreamglide and within a few seconds they left the side hall and were flying down the central avenue, heading south. Each time an electric golf cart appeared, she rose up into the air, even though it wasn’t necessary. Just habit, to get out of the way when something bigger was coming toward her.
But Brannick encouraged her to stay level with the people and vehicles, to let the dreamglide pass through everything.
“We might need the skills.”
She couldn’t have agreed more. The first few times were unnerving. But after a couple of minutes, she got the hang of it. She then offered for him to take a turn.
“You bet. I need the practice, too.”
She relinquished the guidance process which seemed unnatural to her. Yet, she had a rapport with Brannick that was hard to deny, and he easily took over. The dreamglide barely slowed as he took the helm.
He laughed a few times as he, too, rose toward the ceiling when another person levitated toward them or a golf cart turned the corner.
Eventually, they each got used to the process of letting solid matter pass through their not-so-solid state. They traveled even faster because of it.
When Juliet held the reins again, she reached a prominent intersection which a number of fae traveled, most on foot and some levitating. Hundreds or maybe even a couple thousand people lived in this underground world. She paused, though high in the air this time, and let the traffic pass. She could have remained at street level, but all the movement was distracting, and she wanted to have a good look around.
Many who passed by were construction workers, and a billboard at the southwest corner had a picture of a new condo development in the works three miles west. She took a moment to process the distance and turned to Brannick, just as he turned to her.
He telepathed first. That has to be below the border to the human part of Phoenix.
She looked around. I’m smelling a new kind of drug-running racket. Their tunnels wouldn’t have to be very long, would they?
No, they wouldn’t. He frowned as he glanced west and down the avenue called oh-so-subtly ‘Roche Lane’, and then east.
Juliet did the same. She saw several hard-looking fae warriors, bulked up with muscle, levitate toward the intersection, then fly north in the direction of the massive food court. They’re probably on a barbecue run, she said.
Maybe. Or back to Roche’s sex shop.
Juliet glanced at him. What do you think is down there? Or are you thinking what I’m thinking?
Smell the air.
It always amazed Juliet that even in the dreamglide, she could catch odors and fragrances. In this case, the faint hint of dark flame floated all around them. It has to be the factory.