Naked Flame (Jerod's Second Tale - Part 6)

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I decided it was time to go back to the markets. It should be safer, without Kane, Pesce won't find it so easy to remove me from the scene. If she identifies me at all that is.

"So tell me about the local specialties. I'm interested in trying some new food."

"We have shawarma and falafel. They are quite popular with the tourists from base camp. Shawarma is our version of a meat sandwich. Falafel are ground chickpeas, cooked and served with local ingredients."

"Well, I think I might like to try some falafel. It sounds good."



"An excellent choice, dear sir.  You should find the dish quite delightful."

The food merchant glanced around at the tables and moaned. "Oh god, she's back."

"What?"

"That witch from base camp. She's been coming for lunch every day and she argues with anyone who gets close."

"That's a problem?"

"I had staff last week. They are all staying home this week and I don't think they'll be back until the witch is gone."

"No problem, I'll deliver her meal."

"Sir, that would be so kind." He shoved a plate in my hand. "She always orders the same thing. Hurry, she hates to wait."

I'll deliver her meal after I dose her food quickly and quietly with a bit of sleeping powder. It was tucked away in a small pocket. This getup has a ton of pockets, I carry a small arsenal and no one notices.

"You there, where's my lunch, you slow bastard!"

I delivered the plate and Sophie started chowing down immediately. Fortunately she was so focused on the plate that she didn't even glance at me.

Of course, the food at camp is cold or primitive but you'd think she had no food for a week.

Excellent, she ate it all. It won't be long now.  I love it when an evil plan comes together. It won't matter in the least if she recognises me now.

"What are you doing back there ...wait, Shrimpton?'

"Yes?"

"What the fucking hell? What did you do?"

"Just returning the favor, sweety. You drug my drink, I drug your food."

"I feel so."

"Sick? Sleepy? Angry?"

She didn't get a chance to answer. Pesce hit the ground before she could say another word. She was out cold and should stay that way for hours.

"That woman fainted. I'll take her back to camp. If she happens to wake up, her wrath can fall on me."

"Sir, you are both brave and kind. If she wakes, she will be in a foul mood indeed."

It took some effort on my part to get her back to camp. I wish I had a brawn working with me, or just someone else to help haul a limp body around.

I went past a few locals. They took one look at my burden and backed off quickly. I think they are have been subjected to Pesces foul temper and worse language.

Back at camp, I found some old planking. It looked as though it might once have belonged to an old river barge. I dragged it to the edge of the water, then dragged Pesce on the makeshift raft.

It took some effort, but soon enough, I pushed her out on the river. The raft drifted right into a congregation of crocodiles. It wasn't long before a couple of the animals tried to climb on the raft.

It flipped over with their weight, leaving Pesce in the water, exposed to the beasts. I don't think she woke before they had her.

I waited. The river turned red and there was no sign of any human swimming. I believe that the crocodiles were very hungry. Kane will eventually return to his home, wherever that might be. Pesce is gone forever and good riddance to her.

I think Tania is a bad influence. I do feel some regret this was necessary. However, I'd do it again in a heartbeat if that's what it takes to keep me and mine safe.

I could finally safely make contact with the Company supplier. He deals with all sorts of special supplies. Mostly stuff for the tomb hunters but there are some less legal goods he barters.

"So, I was sent here to reestablish our supplies."

"Yes Mr Shrimpton, we were told to negotiate through you and only you." By Pesce and only because they thought the Company had me killed when I quit.

"Well now that I'm here, what do we need to discuss?"

"Come to my place. We can settle the details there."

Several cups of hot tea, and much discussion later and we had a new deal. I tried to push for something better than the Company had before, but frankly, I am not a business man. The main thing was that the Company would be getting the supplies they need and I can go home.

Well, I can go home after taking some me time tomorrow. This has been a very intense trip so far. It will be good to explore a bit for fun before I go home.