I leaned back and took a sip of red wine. He could smile, because as of right now, he had all the control. In fact, he had everything I didn’t; control, money, and information. I was the epitome of the underdog in this situation.
I smiled now. That was okay with me. I liked being the underdog. Victory’s never as sweet as when you’re coming from behind.
“What is it you want to do?”
“The short answer is, take complete control.” He took another drag of his cigarette and the light glittered in his eyes, making me wonder if I was sitting with the devil himself. I knew some things didn’t dwell in our dimensions, but perhaps they came by for visits?
“The first part would be the hardest. We'd have to do some restructuring of management.”
Getting rid of Harold? Yikes, that was one thing I might be interested in. Why did this guy have to scream “evil dude?” Why couldn't there be a sane person suggesting restructuring?
It didn't matter. If Malokin was serious, he wasn't going to get very far targeting Harold. He was simply the paper pusher. Maybe this guy didn't know too much. That was a good sign.
“Of course, Harold doesn't pull the strings. His departure would be simply to upset the apple cart and shake a few loose.” More wine, another puff and he continued. “But you have a unique in with someone who does. Paddy.”
My leg stopped in mid swing. “Paddy is just an old man. Why would you be interested in him?”
“I didn't initially recognize him, but I'd never gotten that close to one of them before.” He looked at me, smoke swirling around his head like he really was straight from hell. “Strange how familiar the two of you were, though.”
“One of who?” I scoffed. “I'm telling you, Paddy's just some old guy I met at the grocery store.” I started swinging my leg again.
“He's upper management.”
“You're mistaken.” I think you’re dead on.
“I could be, but I’m not. It's like spotting a unicorn when you’ve never seen one before. It could be a horse, except for the massive glowing horn on its head.”
And what had been Paddy’s horn that had given him away? The curiosity building in me wasn't enough to ask and confirm. I agreed. I wouldn't be responsible for slipping and giving him something he could use against Paddy. Although I had no real knowledge, it didn't mean something I said wouldn't be of use to him. It was time for another subject switch. “Where’s Kitty?”
“You know I can’t tell you that, right now.” There was no emotion when he spoke; he simply stated the obvious.
“Is she alive?” I had more emotion than I wanted, but I tried to swallow it back.
“Perhaps,” he said, purposefully leaving me hanging.
It was hard not to grab one of my knives and go for his neck. “She'll need to be released for me to continue on in good faith.”
“If you sign on, I won't have any further need of her or any of your other co-workers.”
“And what about Kitty?”
“We’ll come to a mutual agreement about her as we proceed.” He stood and I followed suit. “I know that's the only reason you’re here, but it doesn't matter. I have every confidence you'll find your place with us.”
“What is it exactly you want me to do?” I asked as I watched him open the door to the interior.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be in touch.” He held it open for me, signaling the end of the meeting. All I could think as I passed him was if he was standing just a few feet closer to the railing, I’d be tempted to end this now and figure out where Kitty was afterward.
Chapter 12
A Dark Ride
It was dark day at the office. Even the employees who came in weren’t speaking much. After Kitty’s disappearance, everyone was off balance, wondering what would happen next. I was right with them, wishing someone would fill me in as well.
Jockey strode over and stopped by my side. “You ready?”
“Ready?” I looked up at him, having no clue what he was talking about.
“To see the Night Mares.”
“Yeah,” I said, and grabbed my bag. I’d forgotten about our agreement, with Kitty’s disappearance on my mind and now Malokin breathing down my neck.
“You have to come now. They're expecting you.” Jockey turned on the heel of his riding boots and headed off.
I followed him down the hallway to a door I'd never noticed before. Strange, I'd thought I'd seen them all. This was going to lead to the stables? I'd walked around the building before and I'd never once seen a horse. I couldn't deny I was beyond curious, especially with this being such an elusive experience. Why so secretive?
It opened onto another hallway that stretched out fifty feet in front of us, this one much more dimly lit. An aged and rustic door stood ominously at the very end.
I followed him in. When the door behind us slammed closed, the lights dimmed even further. The walls and ceiling seemed to fade into the abyss. I reached out my fingers to the side but didn’t feel anything.
A cool gust blew the hair off my shoulders and it didn’t feel like it came from an AC vent. The screams started then, children, adults, male and female. The entire spectrum of the human race seemed to be letting their voices be heard. I walked a little quicker, following right behind Jockey while trying not to step on his heels.
“You sure this is okay with them?” I asked Jockey.
“Yes.” Jockey paused before the door with his hand on the large iron handle. “I'll go first, to let them know you're here. Open this door in five minutes.” He leaned in slightly and stared directly into my eyes. “Once you are in, I tell you to leave, immediately run for the door.”
He turned back to the door and I grabbed his arm before he could go in. “Why? What would happen?”
His face scrunched up. “Just don't stay.” He opened and closed the door so quickly I didn't even get a peek inside.
The wind kicked up again and the screams got a bit louder. It might have been the slowest five minutes in my life before I pushed open that door.
Even though there should've been bright midday sun, the sky was sparkling with stars. A field, instead of the paved parking lot outside of the building, seemed to go on for miles and miles. Grass, moist from a recent rainfall, sparkled with the reflection of the moon. Trees lined the entire perimeter. But the most beautiful vision were the horses, all black and sleek. A more perfect creature couldn't possibly exist.
Jockey made a clucking noise with his tongue and the largest of the horses turned her head and trotted over. Its sleek muscles rippled in the moonlight as they worked beneath the glossy mane. Jockey tilted his head as the horse stopped beside him and nuzzled his neck.
“So beautiful.” She was massive at close range, larger than most of the horses I’d seen in my life by about a foot. I was in awe.
“Her name is Terror,” Jockey said, his hand running down her neck. “She’s the queen of the herd.”
“May I touch her?”
“If she'll let you. She doesn't take to strangers well.”
I took a hesitant step forward and reached out my hand. Terror approached me with confidence then ducked her muzzle beneath my palm. When she came closer, for a moment I feared she was going to trample me, but then she brushed gently against my side.
“She wants you to ride her.” Jockey looked at me. “This is an honor.”
All thoughts of bailing out politely went to hell with that statement. Why not? How often did you get a chance to ride a Night Mare? A lap or two around here wasn’t going to take very long, considering the size of these beasts.
He didn’t ask if I wanted to do it, just cupped his hands in front of me. I took his offer. Guess it was giddy up time.
Terror didn't have a saddle or reins so I leaned close and tangled my hands in her mane. The moment I was settled in, we were off, and within a few seconds we were flying full speed ahead, right at the tree line. I ducked low, hoping not to get clobbered by branches, but they disappeared into nothing, along with the field. The grass beneath us was gone as well.