This will be my last installment for the next six weeks or so as I will be out of town and most likely away from a computer during that time. Sorry if I get you too into the story before then, but there's nothing I can do, sorry :)
The coffee shop was a small, hole-in-the-wall place with very little artificial lighting. Most of the illumination came from the large bay windows gracing the front of the shop. It created a comfortable atmosphere, but I still found myself subconsciously taking note of all possible exits and surreptitiously studying the shop's workers and patrons. Besides the average blue-collar workers on their coffee breaks there were a pair of bored cashiers and a few high school and college students discussing vacation plans in hushed, anticipatory voices. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a figure in the back corner stand and begin walking toward Sam, Fiona, and me as we sat at a table near the side wall. I gave Sam and Fiona a small nod in that direction when I noticed it was the girl from before and took a seat facing the entrance and windows in order to watch the comings and goings of patrons. Fiona took the seat next to me against the wall and Sam sat across from her. A moment later the girl slid into the chair next to Sam with a nervous smile.
"Hello," she said. "You must be Michael Westen. I'm afraid I never got a chance to introduce myself earlier; I'm Artemis Taylor."
"That's a bit bold, don't you think?" I asked, shaking her hand.
"Not really," she responded with a shrug. "I have something you want, you have something I want. There's no reason we can't conduct our business genially. Besides, you've got me outnumbered if I do or say anything stupid."
I couldn't help but grin; I was starting to like this kid already. "Sorry, where are my manners? This is Sam and Fiona."
"Nice to meet you. Listen, Mr. Westen, I've got a couple of questions for you regarding this dossier before I give it back. If you don't mind, that is…" she added hastily.
"You don't know how to negotiate, do you?" Fiona asked.
"Well, not with spies, at least," Artemis retorted. "There aren't exactly a lot of opportunities to practice."
"Good one," Sam laughed.
"So what do you say, Mr. Westen? Your dossier in exchange for my portfolio and a little intel?"
I was quiet for a moment, thinking about the kind of sensitive information I may be releasing. I glanced around the coffee shop, gauging the crowd and looking again for anyone out of place. Seeing no potential threats, I nodded.
"Sure, it sounds reasonable. But hold it on the Mr. Westen stuff, okay? Just call me Michael."
"Great," she responded with a grin. "I'm going to go get a smoothie before we start; can I get you three anything?"
Sam and I refused the offer, but Fiona asked for a muffin and some lemonade.
"Right, I'll be back in a sec." Artemis adjusted the bag on her shoulder and got up to place the order. A few steps from the table she turned back.
"Fiona, what kind of muffin—"
She stopped midsentence, her eyes flicking to me and a look of shock passing over her face.
"Get down!" she shouted, tackling me to the ground just as two shots rang out, shattering the front window and tearing through the air where I had been just moments before. I glanced over at Sam and Fiona as I hit the floor, making sure they got to cover, then at Artemis, who was already moving toward Sam and Fiona and keeping as close to the ground as possible. A couple of seconds later we all were crouched near the counter, which was constructed in a C-shape, wrapping around the cashiers and creating a blind spot for anyone looking in from outside.
"Jesus Christ," Artemis said breathlessly. "Who did you piss off?" she added, her eyes shining with excitement.
Hope you all are enjoying the story so far and I apologize again for my upcoming absence. Enjoy the holidays! -T