Into The Lion’s Den (Part Two)
Within an instant, all three of the man’s eyes were on Farren’s face. This could be dangerous unless played carefully. The bald man faux-coughed, “Let it be known that we mean you and your child no harm, Mister Clef.”
The blonde practically spat, the hand clutching his glass trembling with barely-contained fury. “Then what? The hell do you mean then?”
Farren nodded, plucking a small photograph from a hidden pocket in his jacket before silently passing it to Alto. It showed, albeit blurry and far away, an antlered brunette crouched beside a large-leafed plant, seemingly tending to it.
“…That’s her?”
“Yes. I assume you have many questions.”
The man’s voice was strangely soft, almost yearning as he clutched the photo in his chunky hand. “I- I haven’t…” He stopped himself with a heavy exhale. “What is she like?”
Farren gently inclined his head, looking at the photograph as well. “We don’t know much for sure, but she seems like a good soul, Mr Clef. Selfless, compassionate, and above all else kind.”
Alto let out a dry chuckle at that, the heaviness in his eyes betraying the man’s facade. “So, the opposite of me.”
“Only if you say so.” Farren tilted his bald head tentatively, his voice coming out as a low murmur beneath his moustache.
Clef set down his drink, the glass clinking softly as he turned to face the other man. “What does she look like? This photo isn’t exactly clear.”
“Well, she’s brunette, as you can see in the picture. Pale skin, slight features. But I daresay she has your eyes.”
“Mhm. One eye, I think, is green with a slice of hazel or brown, and the other is blue.”
“Good to hear she inherited something from me at least.”
“What, not on good terms with the missus?”
Alto’s voice went flat and cold. “Don’t. Just don’t. Don’t bring that up.”
After a deep sigh, Alto took another swig of his drink and asked, “So, by ‘joining’ you, what does that actually mean?”
Farren nodded curtly. “For now, it doesn’t mean much. While we’ve located the escapees, it’s too dangerous to approach them.”
“… What do you mean dangerous?”
“The brothers alone pose a massive threat. The younger still seems to hold some of his prior volatility, while the older one risks exposing our operations to the rest of them.”
“Yes, I suppose that is what you call them. There’s also the mask. He seems benign for now, but given his history, it’s safe to assume the worst if he catches wind of us.”
“… You’re kidding, right? Please tell me my daughter isn’t around that psycho.”
Farren shifted slightly in his seat. “Unfortunately. As well as the lizard. He’s the most dangerous of all.”
Alto blanked out at that, staring straight at the wall for a few good seconds before standing up.
“To throw up. And probably break something.”
