Брайан Макклеллан - Uncanny Collateral

“Well,” I said, looking down at the names. Which of them was still alive, and which had passed on? I’d have to figure that out on my own. It wasn’t much, but it was something. “Thanks?”

“You’re welcome.” Ferryman paused. “You have another question.”

I tapped the card thoughtfully and looked up to meet his eyes. “I know I shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth and all that… but why would you ask Ada to give me extra time off?” Ferryman cocked an eyebrow. I could have sworn his eyes twinkled. It might have just been the rotation of the galaxies contained within them. “Why the kindness?” I clarified.

“Because it cost me nothing but some noise muttered into a phone,” Ferryman said. “If you care to be romantic, I did it because kindness is not solely a human trait.” He leaned forward slightly. “If you care to be cynical, it’s because we may work together again some day. A good business relationship is the best kind of business relationship.” He grinned.

I laughed and glanced down at the card once more. When I looked up, Ferryman was gone, leaving behind the faint odor of cigarette smoke.

I sat for some time, thinking about the names on the card. I wondered why they’d sold me all those years ago; whose idea it had been; what they’d gotten in return. I wondered which of them was dead, and if I’d ever find them. I didn’t know if I wanted to actually confront them. I was, after all, looking for a contract rather than a person.

Maggie.

I felt her presence move around in the ring.

I continued without waiting for an answer. I don’t know about your past. I don’t really care. But you’re my friend. I’ll do everything I can to get you out of that ring.

I know, she said quietly. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.

It’s none of my business, I assured her.

I know it’s not really my fault – you put on the ring, after all – but with Matthias still alive, I’ve now dragged you into something bigger. Get me out of here, and I’ll use all my powers to break the contract that binds you to Ada. This I swear.

I smiled. I didn’t have much, but I did have friends. It’s a deal.

Shen Fey – cover artist

Shawn King – cover design

Daniel Friend – line editor

Kristy Stewart – copy editor

Special Thanks to Michele McClellan, David Wohlreich, Adam N, William Neil Scott, Jarett Furr, Nicole Sanborn, Michelle Potter, Laurie Bell, Barbara Soares, Mark Lindberg, Kelly Bowers, Wyatt Nevins, Nicole Evans, Elizabeth Jarvis, Tiffany Renee, Sam Baskin, Thomas Flott, Brenden, Leticia Lara, Mitchell Coomber, Rebecca Razza, Aprilynne Pike, Scott Hurff, Lee West, Benjamin Dunn, Ravi Persaud, Josh Arcelo, Lois Young, Daniel Chesmore, Joseph Hall, Zarin Ficklin, JS Lenore, Chris Chabot, Kristina Pick, MM Schill, Kirstie Paul, Linda Yuan, Chanie Beckman, Adrianne Cavaioli, Adaya Viera.