Retribution 2:Atra's Arrival (Partial)

“Before the others get here,” Blady dropped his hand on Martin’s shoulder, “Did you bring the weapons?”

“Yes. Everything you asked for.”

“Good. I was going to have someone else use them, with your permission of course. But since you’re joining the crew, they'll be in your hands.”

“I was a bit worried since they're a little... how would you say it," Martin paused as if he were searching for an appropriate description, "old-fashioned?"

Untraceable weapons were also part of Blady's plan. No one would be able to carbon date a weapon from another time realm. Ballistics experts would go mad. “That was the point. But thank you for bringing them all the same.”

“ I’ll get them ready.” As Martin left, a sharp,staccato knock sounded at the door.

“Well, well, Miss Atra,” Blady’s suave tone of voice had enough charm to melt a glacier. The actor in him was still very much alive.

“ Mister Blady.” The petite brunette placed a hand on her hip and smirked in a manner Blady found so deviously charming. “It’s been a long time. I almost didn’t believe it was you when I got the call. But I was surprised it was all business. No jokes, no remarks.”

“This is serious,” Blady dropped his joking tone. “This isn’t a normal mission; not like the old days.”

“I’ll say. Nothing about it is like “the old days”. Including you. What’s this I hear about the “Great Stud Blady” running with the stallions?”

“ What?” Her boldness stunned him for a moment. How on earth did she find out?

“Oh ,come on.” Atra moved further into the room, looking about as if she was searching for someone. “ I heard that you’re dating a fellow.  Living together, too.”  To mock him even further, she spun around, and placed the back of her hand against her forehead, feigning distress. “It’s enough to shatter a girl’s ego, after all those phone calls you made to me. Not to mention the butt slaps, and breast jokes.”

“Atra, look. This isn’t the…”

He broke off as something clattered in the spare bedroom . Atra’s grin widened.  “ Are you making this a threesome? Don’t tell me you’ve gotten kinky too?”

Heat spread into Blady’s face as he remembered that he and Iisjah were experimenting before the horrific night.

“Well?” Atra was clearly enjoying his discomfort.

Out of the corner of his eye, he  noticed Martin coming back into the living room, weapons in hand. Relieved of the distraction he caused, Blady immediately rushed over and practically dragged him to where Atra stood.

“That didn’t take you long! Martin, this is Atra. She’s a bounty hunter and royal pain in the…

“Law,” Atra spoke up quickly, extending her hand.

“Hello,Atra.” As Martin returned the handshake, Blady whistled innocently.

“So,” Her eyes travelled to the bow Martin held in his other hand, “you shoot too?”

“Only when I hunt. To be honest," he smiled,slightly embarrassed, "I'm not that good with it. I use blades, mostly.”

“Everyone has their favourites. May I?”

“Of course.”

Her hands traced the graceful curve of the bow and she turned it to inspect the grain of the wood. “It’s a fine piece of workmanship. Not too many recurves are handmade these days.” Gently she handed it back to him.

“An old friend made it for me.Thank you.”

“ You’re welcome.”

“ I just have to check something upstairs." Martin nodded to Atra, "Good to meet you.”

“Likewise.” As Martin rounded the stairwell to head upstairs, Blady caught Atra’s smirk as if she was going to continue where she left off.

He chomped on his cigarette annoyed that she was even bothering. “No, that isn’t him, in case you’re wondering. Martin’s straight.”

Atra laughed outright this time. “ Like you were, Mister- I –Can-Get –That- Woman- Into –Bed- In- Ten- Seconds -Flat?” She tapped her chin in thought and pursed her lips a little. “He’s kind of cute, in an inhuman sort of way.”

Thinking Arilynne would not appreciate another female’s observation, Blady immediately  interjected, “ He’s married. And what would your blue haired boyfriend think of you ogling a half elf? He’d put a demon curse on that sweet little ass of yours.”

Much to Blady's delight, he hit home with the needling remark. Atra's cheeks flushed a deep pink.

" He’s not my …" she sighed, as she broke off. She continued,defensively,"Women don’t ogle. We’re far more subtle. And you can’t make remarks like that anymore. You forfeited the right to."

Cracking his knuckles, Blady strolled behind her and smacked her rear. "My house, my rules.”