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«You have some nerve appearing here, Falana!» Killian’s voice sounded harsh from the screen.
Serena watched as he stood next to the table, towering over the woman and shooting daggers with his eyes. She loved seeing him like this when they were together.
«Whatever bullshit you think happened, you’re wrong. I had to go into hiding for a while.» Falana retorted. «And I couldn’t get you the money I owe you.»
«So you just decided to pop up out of the blue? I am not going to extend our deal.»
«I am here to offer you this.» Falana set a small box onto the table. «For the trouble. There’s enough in there to pay off what I owe you, plus interest.»
Serena leaned forward, seeing Killian flick the box open. She saw a long row of Veluthian cloaking bracelets and gritted her teeth, counting almost three dozen of them.
«We agreed on money, not trinkets.» Killian scoffed.
«These trinkets can get your men inside any building unnoticed. They cost hundreds of thousands of credits each on the Black Market. I assure you, there’s enough there to cover whatever I owe you, and then some more.»
Killian closed the box, picking it up:
«This won’t settle the debt, Falana. If you disappear again without a word, I will reclaim the facility I gave you. And the patrol that was keeping an eye on it all this time.»
Serena frowned, realising that Killian certainly widened the spectrum of his services over the years.
«Yes, well, for the time being you can recall the patrol. I’ll be using Helvette for a bit.» Falana said. «But I will need you to keep an eye out for some people for me and notify me if you come across them.»
«Oh?» Killian leaned in. «And how much are you willing to pay for that?»
Falana scowled and tore her necklace off:
«These crystals are a powerful energy source. You won’t be able to get them anywhere in this quadrant.» she said. «Your technicians can make extremely lethal explosives from them. Or use them in powering cybernetic enhancements of all kinds. The exoskeleton I gave you a while ago? It works on those. This necklace is enough to power twenty such exoskeletons.»
Serena threw a quick glance at Hunter, remembering the crystals in his cybernetic body. He had a number of them in his limbs and core.
«Very well…» Killian accepted the necklace. «Who shall I look for?»
Falana placed an information tablet on the table and moved it to Killian:
«These people.»
A few moments Killian studied the photographs and videos of Serena and her crew in silence.
«Sure. I’ll let you know if I come across them.» he finally said.
He looked aside and another man walked up – slim, short and boyish, he respectfully nodded to Killian and met Falana’s gaze.
«I am grateful for your services, Killian.» Falana said. «Now, be so kind and leave us. We have some matters to discuss.»
«Of course.» Killian nodded and walked off.
Lindon watched close as Falana and Darren Holler discussed deals that were made previously and what she wanted from the man now. They agreed upon delivery of some chemicals and materials, paid for by a set of exoskeletons, and this made the Veluthian start to worry – was Holler planning on doing something? Or just re-selling those to someone else?
It was then that Killian returned – silent and wary, approaching Serena from the back. Hunter watched him walking up to the woman and leaning in, clasping the necklace around her neck.
«I can’t accept this, Killian.» Serena got distracted from the screens.
«You can and you will.» Killian replied with a smile, handing her the box containing the cloaking bracelets. «Alongside with this.»
Serena glanced at her crew and stood up from the couch, stepping aside and pulling Killian for a private conversation. Hunter watched them talking quietly, and thought how close they could have been in the past if this gangster was still so eager to help Serena, no questions asked.
«They’re leaving…» Wolfin said, getting up. «We should follow them.»
Serena glanced at him and shook her head:
«Killian’s men will follow Darren, and we already know where Falana is going. We should wait a bit before leaving.»
Killian touched her shoulder and smiled when she looked at him:
«I am ready to give you any help you have asked and may require in future. Free of charge.» he bowed. «But… I do have a small condition.»
Serena tilted her head, frowning.
«What sort of a condition?» Hunter gritted his teeth.
«Sing for me. That way, if I die before you come back again, I will have the warmest of memories of your voice.» Killian smiled to the woman. «And your men will know how beautiful your songs are, my Siren.»
Serena glanced at her men, watching her closely, then sighed and nodded:
«Fine. One song.» she said.
«It is more than enough.» Killian bowed once again.
The man walked up to the wall and flicked on a screen, then input something and the computer spit out an information tablet containing the recording of Falana’s visit. Killian gave it to Lindon with a smirk.
«Shall we?» Killian gestured to the door. «I have already asked to close the entertainment hall for the night, so no one will bother us there.»
Serena touched the necklace he gave her and wondered if he wanted something more from her than just a song. Trying not to overthink it, she followed his lead until they all entered a spacious, dimly lit hall, where the Usual Place held its entertainment evenings with songs and dances.
He wasn’t lying – the whole hall was absolutely empty, even the small bar in the corner wasn’t manned at the moment.
«I do have one more thing to ask of you, Killian…» Serena said, glancing at the man. «Privately.»
He smiled, gestured aside and they walked off to a distant corner, where the others won’t hear them. Hunter, Wolfin and Lindon watched as Serena spoke with Killian and his face was calm and collected, until, finally, she said something that made his eyes grow wide. He threw a quick glance at her crew, and when he looked back at Serena, he took a few moments to reply. And though he seemed hesitant, he still nodded to whatever Serena asked of him.
Serena returned first – Killian falling behind to pass a message to his man, who stood behind the door to offer them some privacy. When the old man joined Serena and her crew again, there was a very heavy, awkward silence hanging over, as if the woman cut off any questions about her private conversation with Killian.
«So…» Killian gestured to the stage. «Care to sing me a song, Siren?»
Serena sighed again and ascended the stage, glancing around the collection of musical instruments that were displayed there – some in cases, others hanging on the wall.
«Scythian guitar?» Killian chuckled.
The woman glanced at him and nodded, her face calm. The old man pointed at the only closed case that stood at the far side, and Serena kneeled next to the case, opening it. For a moment she seemed to study the instrument with her eyes, before straightening and throwing the belt over her shoulder.
Turning to Killian and her crew she shook her head, touching each of the seven strings and listening in to see if the guitar was good enough to be played. When she made sure the sound came out as she needed, she slid a stool to the centre of the stage and sat down, falling into thought about what to play.
She glanced at her mentor, Hunter and Lindon and looked down, as if feeling uneasy. But her fingers touched the strings, making the instrument emanate a fine rhythmic melody that seemed like it was slowly gaining power, until Serena finally opened her mouth and began singing.
Hunter couldn’t help but raise his brows, hearing her singing about battle rage and bloodshed that was also definitely a story about some heavy times in a relationship of sorts. The words were so captivating and deep that he felt himself leaning onto his knees, watching her closely as she sang her heart out. He never knew her voice was so strong and capable of weaving beautiful songs into life.
Lindon, on the other hand, seemed to listen closely to the lyrics and the melody, rather than giving himself the luxury of being surprised at hearing Serena sing.
Wolfin looked like he was just enjoying the show, smiling proudly at his named daughter.
And Killian sat with his eyes closed, basking in the song, as if it was the only thing that could make him happy for the first time in a very long time.
Finally, Serena finished her song and her fingers slowly ended the melody, the whole room falling quiet. She raised her eyes to everyone and saw Killian smiling wide, opening his eyes.
«My dear Siren… you have made my heart happy again. Thank you.» Killian stood and bowed.
The woman stood up and returned the guitar to its case, then silently walked off the stage and to her men, who watched her with different grades of awe in their eyes.
Killian noticed a man walking up to them and stepped to him, taking a small case from his hands. Turning to Serena, Killian offered her the case, bowing:
«I hope this helps you reach your goal, Siren.» he said. «I will be hoping to see you again before I die.»
Serena nodded in reply and took the case:
«Thank you, Killian. For the warm welcome, information and help you have provided.»
She stepped closer to the man and embraced him with one arm, planting a soft kiss on his cheek.
«You and your crew are always welcome at the Usual Place, my dear. May your road be swift.»
Serena bowed to him and headed out.
Hunter and Lindon glanced at Killian for the last time, pushing down any comments they had, and followed the woman, as did the others.
Chapter 26. Mistakes
Killian sat behind his table and thought about all the mistakes he had done during his long life.
He glanced at the old-time notebook lying in front of him and thought if he should have given it to Serena before she left. The man didn’t know if he would ever see her again – especially if she was after Falana.
Killian knew how dangerous that woman was, and how short-tempered her associates always were – he had already dealt with the aftermath of a few such unexpected visits.
What added to his worry for Serena was the fact that his own son Soren was involved with Falana – she stayed with him a couple of times, taking the man as her occasional lover.
Killian understood perfectly that she was aiming to get his son on her side in case Killian will die and she would need their connections to continue her work and smuggling activity. He also knew that Soren was nowhere near capable of leading everything Killian had built in his lifetime.
His son was too spoilt, too short-tempered and too arrogant to be a good heir to the business.
It was a hard choice to make, but Killian knew it would be the best one. Otherwise not only Garmfrig, but the whole sector would come down with turf wars. The empire he built held together all the different families and space mafia that operated all around. If he were to disappear – his connections would still be active and the families would re-negotiate the new instances. But if Soren were to stand at the helm, his greed and arrogance will definitely start a war.
«Call Soren.» Killian contacted one of his men. «And Silt. I need to talk to them.»
The man put the notebook away and glanced up – at Serena’s portrait, reminiscing about the time when she posed for it and he had the luxury of having her there, while he painted her.
One of his most regrettable mistakes was letting Serena go. He always thought that if he was to tell her how he really felt towards her and how badly he wanted her by his side – they would have lived a long and happy life. He knew she would outlive him – after all, she was a Veluthian. But, at least, with her helping him every day he would have been able to avoid many other mistakes.
Like marrying Garta and having Soren.
Perhaps, it was long overdue to make a difference in that regard. But he still had an opportunity to fix whatever future he had ahead. Killian knew so many things, and yet he couldn’t help but think that Serena always knew much more. Even in the distant past she gave him so many different advices and ideas that he wasn’t simply in love with her – he almost worshipped her.
And when she appeared in his establishment after all these years, he felt this warm feeling returning to his long cold heart.
The man glanced at his cane and smirked.
Everybody hated this archaic thing – especially his late wife Garta – but for him it was something more than just means of helping himself walk. He didn’t need it for any reason, except showing his status and the absolute indifference to other people’s opinion. More than that, this cane was a perfect piece made from lightweight, but extremely hard metal that allowed him to have a weapon on himself wherever he went.
In rare cases where he needed it – the tiny button on the cane’s handle would activate the jagged spikes on the smooth sides of the cane, turning it into a powerful and extremely dangerous weapon. He remembered every person he killed with those saw-like spikes that ran through the whole length of his cane once activated. The list was small, but held names of those who have threatened him greatly – both in personal life and in business.
Killian couldn’t help but think of Serena – it was her suggestion to find a weapon like this in the first place. She was always great in her advice, when they knew each other over fifty years ago.
The man sighed, feeling regret creeping into his heart again.
Last time he let her go before she disappeared, she wasn’t too happy. She was irritated and angry at her father for arranging a marriage she didn’t want to be a part of. Perhaps, Killian thought, the very same marriage was the reason for her long disappearance?
He had to find out. And yet… he knew that if Serena wouldn’t wish it – she would never tell him what really happened.
He heard a faint knocking and straightened in his seat – just before the door opened and the two men he called walked in.
Soren looked pitiful – his neck was covered in a medical brace after the single blow he received from Serena, but in his eyes Killian saw hatred.
«Father!» Soren growled.
Silt – the right hand man Killian knew for many years, kept his comments to himself, as always. The man wasn’t very talkative – a valued trait in Killian’s organisation – and rarely went against Killian’s orders. The few times he did, however, it was rational and based off his thorough planning abilities. This man was always better at seeing things in the long run – something Killian sometimes lacked.
«Before any of you say anything…» Killian met Soren’s gaze with a smirk. «I have to say this: Soren, you have made a fool of yourself. This is not how I tried to raise you!»
«Oh, fuck off, old man! Any whore that raises her hand on me again will end up dead!» Soren scowled. «And I’ll start with the one who did this!»
«I see…» Killian sighed and stood, taking out the gun from under the table.
He had a few weapons stashed all around his office, always ready for any trouble during his usual business meetings. Soren scowled again, not a bit intimidated by the gun in his father’s hand. Killian looked at his son for a few moments then tilted his head, raising the gun at him and pulling the trigger.
The blaster pistol, set to the highest setting of an extremely heavy impact, blew the man’s head off cleanly, leaving his body standing for a split second before falling to the floor. Silt didn’t even flinch, although his neat grey suit was now covered in splatters of blood, brain and small shards of skull.
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