Chapter 15: Tactical withdrawal

Nomad Anchor lay submerged at the bottom of a dingy motel bathtub, she’d been under the water for twenty minutes, her gills eliminating her need to come up for air and yet…. She was restless and fidgety and Cosmic deeply suspected they were wasting their time.

Finally, Cosmic reached down into the tub and helped Nomad back to a sitting position.

“I take it you can't focus?” Cosmic asked wearily. She could see Nomad's eyes were still bloodshot from the pepper spray attack.

“No.” Nomad groaned painfully. “My eyes are still stinging and the pain is making it impossible to concentrate. I can't track a thing at the moment.”

Cosmic pushed an errant strand of her long blonde hair aside and pulled her into a hug. “It’s alright. I know you’re doing your best.”

Nomad closed her eyes and leaned back in the tub. “I told you something was out here!” She slammed a hand into the side of the tub and immediately regretted it. “ow ow ow ow!” Nomad shook her hand rapidly trying to shake off the self inflicted injury.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

“I know, and I’m sorry for not listening earlier, you were a great help today. Go ahead and take a rest. I’ll have Silvered pull the car around in a little while and we’ll start heading back.” Cosmic rubbed the back of her neck and hopped off the toilet she’d been using a stool.

“Are you sure?” Nomad asked, taking the towel Cosmic offered her.

“True Anchor needs to know that Fatal is still on the board, and she knows we’re after her now. It would be foolish to run in blindly.” Cosmic said, folding her arms.

“Giving her time to prepare might be even more dangerous.” Nomad warned drying off her hair.

“Well without directions Silvered and I are just north of useless so unless you have a better plan I feel like it's the only thing we can do. And knowing Fatal she’s already preparing to rabbit and there isn't a thing we can do to stop her. It might already be too late.” Cosmic scowled. “Get cleaned up when you can and meet us downstairs. It's a long drive back and I’m supposed to be home for dinner tonight.”

“Fine.” Nomad groaned pulling herself from the tub and grabbing a towel to dry herself off. “I need to sleep this off like a baaaaaad hangover.”

Cosmic stood up and turned to the door. “I’ll see you out there.” Cosmic stomped out of the dingy motel room and marched briskly down to the van where Silvered was already waiting.

“I’ll be back, Fatal, you’re not going to run from justice any longer.”