The Art of communication makes chapter eight of the Silhouette Series. As Silvia looks to ascertain a way to get a hold of Em-Aych she may have stumbled upon a new friend. Check it out and keep reading!
Teej
The Art of Communication
Finally, from the cavernous nature of the corner, casted in shadows, a familiar voice made itself present.
“Silhouette,” it calls.
A faint sighting of a waving hand draws her in. Without a word, she makes a beeline towards him.
“Appreciate you meetin’ me here. Can I get you somethin’? Drink? Smoke?”
“Umm…sure?”
“Mandy,” he shouted over to the bar, “beautiful, can you bring over somethin’ light and some blue, yeah? You’re wonderful!”
Silvia looked over to see a thin, attractive woman smile before disappearing.
“This place is…interesting. Haven’t been around here yet.”
Sean chuckled and took in a drag from his cigar. “I’ve heard this place called a lot of things; ‘interesting’ is a new one. I say it’s one of the few places that doesn’t suck and you can still fuckin’ smoke in.” A look of shock took his eyes. “I’m sorry; my manners must’ve stopped on in. D’you want a hit?” The blunt was offered forward which was responded with a look from Silvia. “It’s all around you girl. It’s whether you go direct or not. Right Kev?”
A laugh came from behind Silvia, but when she turned to look she was met with Mandy approaching from the bar. A frosty, pale, what must have been tea, was placed before her along with a hookah, comfortably rested at the center.
“Sean, who you got meeting you in a place like this?”
He laughed.
“I’m gonna apologize for this pain in the ass right now. Dropped on his head as a kid and milks it for its worth.”
“Just some business, girl, that’s all.”
Mandy shot him a glance with one of the most fantastic eye rolls Silvia had ever had the luxury of witnessing. She couldn’t help but toss in a muffled giggle.
Sean thought it was useless to argue and silently toked. “What’s this?”
Mandy gave him a shove before whirling to leave. “It’s what you asked for and I cooked it myself so don’t be tryin’ to pull that shit on me.”
“It’s good,” he called after her, but she merely gave him the finger in response.
He coolly fixated his attention back on Silvia. “Sorry about that, the customer service has dropped considerably. Feel free to partake…” He handed her the hose.
“What is this?” She pointed at the drink with enthusiasm.
“Blend of tea, bit of honey, and a smack of rum. Whacha think?”
“Great. You treat all of your ‘clients’ though?” The light sound of water bubbling interrupted her and she exhaled with approval.
“Might be a slight bias, but are we counting?”
Silvia chuckled at his retort while Sean smiled back at her.
“I think I got just the thing you were mentioning on the phone.”
“Really?” She sipped on the tea with curiosity.
“Gotta say, pretty surprised to get a call, but I have a look around and found a few options. It’s all on the roof once you’re ready.”
“Wait, what? Here?”
“They let me rent the place. Not much, but it’s remote and there’s no one to fuck with you ‘bout your business.”
“Alright,” she took another drink, “lead the way I guess.”
“We’ll be back, yeah?” He called to Mandy who just smiled and shook her head in recognition.
Climbing a set of stairs tightly tucked behind a door, it was only a few flights before the embrace of the sun kissed Silvia’s cheek; straining her eyes once again. A number of sturdy unmarked cases awaited them. Sean knelt down and opened one on top of a nearby table, allowing the merchandise to face her.
“State of the art shit I’ve got here. This is the best of the best, don’t ask how I found it. Go ‘head and take a look.”
She delicately lifted the tiny object, which was no bigger than a coin, and certainly weighed no more than one. She eyed it intently, trying to figure how it worked.
“The ear piece connects through blue-tooth tech, has about 50 hours of continuous battery, comes charged and with a charger, virtually silent. Supposed to be water resistant but I wouldn’t recommend testin’ that. It’s got a calling feature too.”
She was impressed to say the least. Professional in every sense of the word; it was too good to be true.
“It’s perfect, but I can’t help but wonder. How much does something like this cost?”
“Tell ya what; you beat me in fight, it’s yours. Don’t go tellin’ that man of yours though; right?”
Silvia beamed, “Seriously? Deal. But make no mistake, Em-Aych is in no way ‘my man’. When you’d want to do this?”
Sean pantomimed viewing an invisible watch. “I’m not doing anything.”
“So all I have to do is beat you? Seeing as there’s probably no way I could afford this, don’t expect me to hold back.”
“I’m hoping you don’t.”
He dropped the case and chose a stance. Following his example, Silvia stepped back and matched his. Sean removed his phone from his pocket and began loosening his arms while Silvia set down her bag and removed her shoes. Moving away from the merchandise, they stood several paces from another, awaiting the first move. Motioning for Sean to make the beginning strike he complied and rushed forward. Raising his right knee, he faked a front side hit. Bouncing back to his left foot, he pivoted, swinging around and trying a backside kick instead. Silvia danced out of the way and kicked at his chest. Continuing his movement though, it was blocked with his hands.
Sean side swept at her balancing leg to knock her to the ground. Jumping to her hands, she naturally dodged his attack while managing to plant a heel in his sternum. He took a step back; then followed with a series of fists towards a rising Silvia, who currently had her back to him.
Silvia spun around, leading with her left leg high. Kicking away the first hit, she deflected the second with her right arm. Before he could land the third punch, she used her momentum to force herself forward while attempting a scorpion kick with her right.
Sean narrowly twirled out of the way. He responded by swiftly by turning and kicking her in the rear. He couldn’t help but chuckle as she slumped, catching her balance.
“You’ve been practicing!”
Slightly red in the face, she chose to respond with actions rather than words. Sprinting back, Sean tried to kick her back, but his effort was countered. Silvia snatched his shin and threw up, shattering his equilibrium. She then raised her elbow, sending it colliding with his ribcage. Trying to continue with a kick in the same place, Sean spun out of the way and snuck up behind her. His leg swooped as his elbow attacked her arm. Sandwiched against the opposing forces, Silvia tumbled to the ground.
He was standing over her now as she lay flat on her back. Bouncing off her shoulder blades, she planted both feet deep within his gut. She rolled backwards to quickly return a standing position.
Silvia approached and used a roundhouse kick, hoping to throw him off. Sean was ready though. Leaping to his left, he caught her leg with his own and locked her in place. Reeling her in, it forced her onward. His maneuver as a guide, she pushed off with her remaining leg and sent it flying into his torso. Sean involuntary let go and, upon landing, Silvia utilized the momentum to perform a spinning kick that sent him off his feet.
Attempting to get back up, he was met with Silvia foot leering over him. He grabbed her ankle, bringing her to her hands while assisting himself up. He immediately slumped as she placed a hit to the back of his calf.
Clutching him with her legs, she forced him down again before taking rise. Twirling on her hands she caught up to him. Placing her knee against his spine, she declared victory.
“Hard work pays off, yeah?” His voice was muffled by the cement roof.
“Gave me a run there.”
They were both breathing heavily. Lending him a hand, they made their way back to the table, providing time for their lungs to catch up.
“I’m a man of my word. It’s all yours. You can tell ‘The Hatter’ that he doesn’t have to worry about trackin’ or nothin’ either. Hack proof; tested it myself.
“That’s awesome. Should make getting ahold of him much easier. It is hard to program?”
“Piece of cake. Got instructions in there but feel free to call me up; any questions and what.”
“Thanks Sean.”
“Think nothin’. Mind if I give you a question though?”
“Shoot.”
“You and him; what’s that all about?”
Silvia laughed and tried to ponder a proper response. “He’s got his idea of vigilantism and he’s pretty adamant about it. This city’s gone to hell, and I’m starting to understand his….’vision’; as frightening as that might sound. I know I’m not doing it justice.”
“So you’re Batman and Robin?” He smirked.
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
“He’s a weird one.”
“That’s a bit of an understatement. How long have you known him?”
“Too long.”
They left downstairs together and he said nothing more about it until Silvia got up to leave. After spending the good part of an hour conversing, they stepped out for fresh air.
“Seeing as you aren’t tied down or nothin’, what’d you say to calling you later this week?”
Silvia turned around and laughed. “And why might you do that?”
“Maybe your looks, maybe your persona, or maybe I’m just one of those freaks that don’t mind a strong girl who can kick my ass.”
She blushed while playing it off as a giggle. “Well, if that’s the case, I guess I’ll believe it once it happens.”
Without another word, she left with the case tucked under her arm. Once again, she’d test her luck in finding her accomplice; only one place she could think to check. Fingers crossed, she bound up the stairs as the heavy doors lurched open and exhaust from the breaks squealed. Now seated; the bus made its way onward.
No one makes eye contact on the bus. Each passenger equally worried of the intention and nature of the other making for a hostile, or at least awkward, environment. To make matters worse, there’s usually one, a minimum, weird person on every trip. The rule of thumb goes that if you can’t spot the bizarre individual in the shared space, it’s typically you. Silvia kept to herself, not out of fear, but rather her classic desire of wanting to go unnoticed. Carrying an attaché case didn’t exactly ease this, however, as predicted, no one said anything.
The ride was going along smoothly and she was nearly halfway to her destination when her phone went off. The screen flashed ‘Steve’ which she immediately responded.
“Hey.”
“Silvia, you’ll probably want to come and see this. It’s hysterical.
“Rain? What’s up?”
“It’s Steven. Em-Aych stopped by and they got to talking...” She had to vocalize between rounds of laughter.
“Shit, what are those two up to?”
“Steven wanted him to show him how to do a few moves and, well, you’ll just have to come in and see. I know it’s your day off and all—“
“No, no, that’s perfect. I needed to talk to him anyways. I’m on the bus; I’ll be there in a few.”
A thud was heard from Rain’s end of the line. She let out a patronizing awe that brought more laughter. “You better hurry and come see this. See you soon.”
Hanging up, Silvia took the next stop and began backtracking. Only four stops until the warehouse which placed her only a few blocks further from the bookshop. She kept a brisk pace, horrified, yet intrigued by the sight awaiting her. Throwing open the doors, a commotion was received from the greenhouse; instinctively she ascended up the stairs.
“—and if you swoop in like this; place your hand here, and spin with them so you end up behind the guy. You— Shit, he’s going down again. I got ya.”
Tears were rolling down Rain’s face as she waited with an ice pack. There was no doubt Steve would end up needing it in her mind. Steve was attempting to keep off the ground as Em-Aych struggled to pull him back up by the arm. He nearly dropped him when he saw Silvia appear.
“Hey Sil.”
“Silvia!” An exasperated Steve called in surprise from the ground. “He’s showing me some of those fancy tricks he does.”
“Hardly fancy, but a thing or two,” he chuckled.
“What brings you by?”
“I called her up,” Rain confessed, kneeling to assist her lover. “I thought she might enjoy the scene.”
“Thanks. Silvia, this man here says you know a thing or two about this kind of stuff”
“I know how to protect myself,” Silvia corrected.
“Bullocks; she’s being modest.”
Scratching his head, Steve was impressed. “I had no idea. Be sure to show me at some point. The art of combat is a terrible beauty.” As he rose, a faint grunt of pain surfaced, then a giggle. “Maybe not today though.”
“Oh, look what you’ve gone and done. Let’s get you sort out downstairs you old fart. I told you this would happen.” Rain led him down stairs while their banter continued.
“I’m fine, and you were enjoying the whole process up to a minute ago....”
Em-Aych shrugged, amused by the whole process.
“What’s going on with you? Nice case.”
“I was looking for you for that exact reason. Take a look, tell me what you think.” Silvia placed the attaché case on a table and clicked it open. “I went ahead and got in touch with Sean. He gave me just the thing to…assist this whole communication problem.”
“Aye, what’d he want for it then?”
“No charge on mine, but he did mention that you owed him.”
“Filthy prick,” he beamed. “Best take a look. See what’ll owe.”
He wandered over to the box, inspecting the contents with enthusiasm. Weighing it in his hand, he made a number of expressions; silently judging the quality and craft.
“He also wanted me to tell you that he made sure it was ‘hack proof’.”
Em-Aych nodded, but refused to take his eyes off of it.
“Looking to keep tabs on me then?”
“You don’t see the benefits of this?”
“No, I see them,” he paused, then turned to her, “but I know what it’ll cost me. You didn’t tell him what we were on about, did you?”
Silvia got a nervous look, “Just a little.”
“Damn, now that bastard’s bound to call me up. And he’s definitely got my number now,” he shook the gadget in his hand.
“He seems like he could help. Don’t you trust him?”
Em-Aych started pacing. “Regular fuckin’ ‘salesmen’ he ought to be. No, me and him go back an all…Didn’t think you were wanting to make some sort of operation of this.”
“We just got to talking. Three people is hardly an operation. Are you actually upset by this? I can’t tell.”
He wiped his brow and smiled. “Just wasn’t looking to have the twat able to cash a favour. Nothing real.”
Silvia shook her head. “You’re a dramatic little bastard, you know.”
“This coming as a surprise to you?” He stuck out his tongue.
“No. I’m just reminded of it repeatedly,” she giggled.
There was a brief pause, before Em-Aych exclaimed, “Ah, now I remember! I knew I had something to tell, and damn it all if I’d forgotten it with all the excitement.”
“What?” Silvia was puzzled.
“Was talking to a mate the other day, picked up on that Sid of yours. Apparently he ditched town soon after the night we kicked the shit out of that wanker. Tosser was quiet for some time. Got a bit of a limp now; so I heard,” he smiled.
“Serves the dickhead right. So what about him? Lying on the side of road dying?”
“He’s been building back a name actually. Mate tells me it’s not much but if he does get on some power, he’s bound to—“
“He’ll come looking for us…”
“Just something to consider.”
Fire filled Silvia’s eyes. It’s been awhile since she’d last thought about Sid Benton. “We should have killed him when we got the chance,” she said bitterly.
“The guy’s a prick, Sil. He slipped up once, he’ll do it again, an’ we’ll be there. Besides, I’m hard enough to find and for all he knows, you’re nothing more than a dexterous whore with a disposition.” This failed to cheer her up bringing a long silence.
She took a deep breath. “I shouldn’t get so worked up. You’re right,” she simpered. “And if that cunt does make it back, we’ll be ready.”
“That’s the spirit,” he beamed. “Now did you want to have a go? Steve wasn’t all that tough and I could use more of a workout.” He held up his hands.
Silvia chuckled. “I beat Sean today.”
Em-Aych stopped. “You fought Sean again?”
“It’s how I got the communicators. Won them in a spar.”
“Stupid git didn’t know what he was up against. That can only mean one thing though.” He reset his mitts.
“Yeah?”
“He’s definitely going to want to lend a hand.”
Silvia snorted and unleashed a kick, which he dodged. Sidestepping, he prepared his defense.
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