Page 3 of Brutal Bargain


Font Size:  

REMI

Negotiate? What the hell does he mean by that?

It means he needs medical supplies, idiot!

My hands shake as I hold the receiver, wondering what I should say back.

If only the voice had belonged to a woman. It’s not that women can’t also be dangerous, but I’d be more likely to be a physical match to them if it came down to it.

Though the thought of me being in a fight is absurd.

What kind of name is Gage? Eastern European? Asian? The voice sounded thick and husky. Aggressively manly, which is terrifying.

Gage: Are you there, Remi?

God, can’t he give a girl time to think? But then again, what is there to think about? I’m out of food.

Sure, I can rummage through the building, but from the diagram posted in the closet, this is an office building, not an apartment complex. How much food can I expect to find?

Some is better than none, and will perhaps keep me going another week, but after it runs out, I need a plan.

Gage: I know you’re probably scared, Remi. Terrified. You should be. It’s a mess outside. You need allies.

I look over at the bare shelves and know what he’s saying is true.

I can’t live in this world alone, and even if I can’t trust whoever is speaking to me, maybe I can get valuable information from him.

Remi:Are you offering to be my ally?

Gage: No. I offered to negotiate.

Of course he has to play with words, jumbling them and confusing me.

Remi:Do you have food?

Gage: I have every needed necessity, in excess.

Remi:Then what do you want from me?

Gage: Something in high demand during times like these.

I rack my brain, trying to figure out what that could be, but draw a blank. He has every necessity but still needs something.

Remi:Cigarettes?

A rumbling laughter sounds through the receiver.

Gage: No, not cigarettes. They’ll wreck your lungs.

Remi:Then what?

Gage: I’d like to talk first. Is that okay with you?

Remi:Um, sure…

Gage: Where were you during the invasion?

Remi:Invasion?

Source: www.allfreenovel.com