Mid-Flinx Read Online Free PDF Page B

involuntarily at the coiled minidrag. Flinx sensed no fear in the man, which could have been a consequence of a steely constitution, or the fact that his talent was still inoperative. When Pip didn’t return the stare—always a good sign—Flinx allowed himself to relax.
    “Restraint is a sign of confident intelligence. How many of them were there?”
    “Three.”
    “Three,” murmured the older man, as though the number held some unique significance for him. “It’s good that you came here.”
    “He’s apparently well-known in the community,” Flinx went on. “Wealthy, not a lot older than me. Jack-Jax Coerlis?”
    Bateleur nodded without hesitation. “The House of Coerlis is one of the oldest mercantile enterprises on Samstead. The father passed away not too long ago; a noteworthy death. I myself have had no personal contact with the family. They live outside the city, beyond the boundaries of my parish. There are stories about the heir which do nothing to flatter the reputation of the clan. He’s rumored to be something of a hothead.”
    “Try homicidal maniac.” Flinx smiled pleasantly.
    “So you had a run-in with young Coerlis. You did well not to kill him. While he may be personally unpopular, the family has powerful friends in Tuleon and elsewhere.”
    As if on cue, the door slid open. His arm still wrapped in the bloodstained tablecloth, Jack-Jax Coerlis stood in the portal, panting heavily. A round red spot showed on his neck where he’d received an antivenin injection. A small electronics pak dangled from his other hand: the device he had doubtlessly utilized to pick the door seal.
    Bateleur’s tone and expression were appropriately disapproving. “You are violating the sanctity of the office, my son.”
    Swiveling in the chair, Flinx saw the two heavies hulking large behind Coerlis. Peeler’s arm was similarly bandaged. Both men were straining to see into the room. Though he concentrated hard, for all his effort Flinx drew a trio of emotional blanks. There was no predicting when his sensitivity would return, but he didn’t really need it at the moment. Anyone could tell what all three men were feeling from their expressions.
    Though confirmation was hardly necessary, Pip provided it. Suddenly she was awake and alert, both wings half spread, ready to rise from his shoulder. With a hand, Flinx held her back. There were no guns in evidence. Only a complete fool would try to enter a church with weapons drawn.
    “Didn’t expect us to follow you this far, did you?” Coerlis was grinning unpleasantly. “We just waited to see where you’d turn in. Called ahead for a courier to air-deliver the antivenin you so thoughtfully recommended. Peeler and I are feeling better already.
    “We’ve been checking rooms. Fortunately, it’s still too early for services and the place isn’t busy. City parish, you know. Most people work.”
    Father Bateleur slid open a drawer on his right. “I must ask you to leave or I will have to call for assistance.”
    Coerlis eyed him contemptuously. “Call anyone you want, padre. We’ll be gone before they can get here.”
    Bateleur spoke into a concealed pickup. “Father Delaney, Father Goshen, could you come here, please? We are experiencing an incident.” He turned back to the intruders. “Really, my son, this sort of thing is not good for one’s hozho. Not to mention your blood pressure.”
    “Your concern touches me, padre.” Coerlis turned back to Flinx, gesturing at the minidrag. “Remember: she’s real fast, but this room is pretty cramped.” Stepping inside, he made space for the two heavies. Both men drew compact needlers. “They’re set to stun, and I don’t think she’s faster than a needle beam.”
    “You’d be surprised,” Flinx replied calmly. “You won’t touch her, and she’ll end up killing all three of you.”
    “You underestimate Peeler and Britches. Before, they had no idea what to expect. Now they do, and they’ll react