Burning Burners (Khao Yai , Day 2 Evening)

“Fifty each.” The old street merchant had to be seventy if he was a day. While this stall in the open air marketplace boasted the usual assortment of knockoff items, Dorian’s eye knew the tells which indicated a hidden tier of ala carte commodities. “You buy?” the man’s Asian features were marked by the usual wrinkles and creases, making emotionless eyes all the more inscrutable. “Closing now. Decide.”

“They’re clean?”

“Stupid question. You waste my time. *Gang!”* He nudged a small boy from his slumber atop a pile of gunny sacks. *” Shōushí tā!”*

Dorian lifted a hand in surrender. “Alright,” he fished through his coin purse. “Eighty-five…it’s all Ah have.”

“You get one.”

“Ah need two.”

As the sleepy child set to work loading their wares into a sack, the old vendor appraised the doc, from his boots to the top of his head. “Nice hat,” he observed.

“With mah compliments.” The medic offered a respectful half bow, presenting the broad brimmed cover with both hands.

After a careful examination of the lining, the elder grunted his approval. *”Gang!”* His hand gripped the boy’s shoulder. *”Liǎng gè ránshāo qì. Pǎo…pǎo!”* The obedient youngster took off, running full out to veer into an adjoining alleyway.

Dorian smiled as he emptied his coin. “Fine boy.”

“Grandson,” the merchant pocketed the money. With no further pleasantries forthcoming, he donned Adler’s hat before resuming his packing.

Doc maintained a nonchalance as he surveyed the market. Some stalls were already dark; others, such as the local fishmonger, were in the process of being shut down and cleaned for the night. One or two remained open, their attendants eyeing the dwindling populace in hopes of making one final sale. Some would meet his eye with interest; others would look away, the natural reaction of those who kept to themselves. Then, there were those whose averted gaze was steadfast, intentional. By the time little Gang came pounding back to the stall, Dorian had identified his surveillance team.

The boy pressed a small parcel into his hand, then set to work at his grandfather’s side. “Good evenin’…oh,” Adler chuckled at his unwitting attempt to tip a hat that now resided elsewhere. With a polite nod, he turned, striding into the thick night air.

“Hello?” The woman’s voice was drowsy as she arose from a deep sleep.

“Ah apologize fah tha late hour,” Dorian said. “May Ah speak with Leona?”

“How did you get this link?” She was now alert, her tone wary.

“Leona gave it tah me…fah urgent use only. Please tell her it’s Dorian Adler.”

He could hear rustling, then the voices of two women, muffled by the obvious palm covering the pickup. After a brief exchange, the woman returned. “She isn’t taking calls.”

“Excuse me?” he asked, surprise lifting his brows. “Ah’m a client.”

“Then I’m obligated to tell you that she is currently under investigation, pending a possible disbarment. Until resolution, she is not permitted to work on behalf of her clientele.”

He ran fingers through his hair. “Very unsettling.”

“Goodnight.” As the line went dead, Dorian palmed the device. He walked slowly through the oppressive air, a man utterly restrained. The two burner cortex units had cost him the last of his money, and his hat. He thought to call his handler…perhaps Garrison herself, but no. The Alliance had his attorney by the throat. No need to place anyone else within their reach by a hasty call for aid.

The game had entered a chilling new phase. They’d taken Keller, but their denuding of the infirmary and removal of his medical bag were a direct signal to him. “Now, Kidjo,” he muttered to himself. Power, he thought. This must be some sort of power play. And for the moment, he had none.

The flicker of a burning trash barrel caught his eye. He approached, gaze fixed upon the dancing tongues of yellow flame. A moment’s silence befell him as he looked into the fire.

The cortex dropped in, launching a cloud of sparks. Acrid smoke billowed upward, inky blackness masking the rejuvenated flame. He could hear the sizzle and pop of electronics and their poly housing consumed by fire.

Dorian watched it all burn.