Deathstalker 07 - Deathstalker Return

wait here a minute, and I'll get my most inconspicuous camera and my biggest gun, and we'll…"
    "No, we won't," Emma said firmly, and Nina stopped in her tracks. Emma had used her Paragons voice, and Nina recognized its resolution, if not its authority. Nina pouted fiercely, and flung herself back into
    her chair. Emma had to smile at her. "Look, if I'm right I'll call you in, and you'll have an exclusive that will beat anything else you've done so far. The beginning of the end for the King. But if I'm wrong… someone has to be here, to carry on."
    "I don't want you to go," said Nina, in a small voice. "With you, I could be strong and fearless, because you were. If you're not here, I'm afraid… I might go back to who I used to be."
    "Butterflies don't turn back into caterpillars," said Emma. "I've enjoyed our partnership, Nina. If it does all go wrong, don't let me down by doing anything stupid. Bringing down Finn is what matters. Revenge can wait."
    "Don't talk like that!" said Nina, almost tearfully. "Of course you're coming back! You're a Paragon.
    You're Emma Steel."
    "Lewis was a Deathstalker andDouglas was King; and where are they now? Don't underestimate Finn.
    But I promise I'll be very careful, and not turn my back on anyone. I'll see you later, Nina."
    "Promise?" said Nina.
    Emma smiled at her, and left.
    No one paid much attention to Emma Steel as she strode through the House of Parliament. They were used to seeing the Logres Paragon going back and forth, on various business of her own. Some even smiled and bowed to her as she passed, perhaps the last respected Paragon in the Empire. Emma made her way confidently through the warren of corridors and offices at the back of the House. She knew where she was going, even though she'd never had cause to go there before. Everyone in the House knew where this particular office was. Emma stopped before the right door, mentally rehearsed her arguments one last time, and then knocked loudly. There was a long pause, and then the door opened.
    "We need to talk," Emma said bluntly. "You're the last one left who isn't affiliated with any group or belief. There are things I need to tell you about Finn Durandal. Things no one else knows."
    "Then you'd better come in," said Anne Barclay.
    Emma strode into Anne's office, and nodded her approval at the bank of monitor screens covering everything that happened in the House. Emma believed in good security. Anne shut and locked the door, so they wouldn't be interrupted, and gestured for Emma to sit down. The Paragon did so, and Anne turned off the sound on the monitors so they could talk. Emma ran through everything she knew, and detailed the major evidence she had. She didn't mention Nina by name, speaking only of an investigative reporter who'd assisted her. Anne nodded here and there, paying careful attention. When Emma finally finished, Anne sat back in her chair, and thought for a long moment.
    "I'm glad you came to me with this, Emma. I can't think of anyone else here who wouldn't have turned you in immediately. Finn's people are everywhere these days, even in places you wouldn't suspect. I was one of them, once. But he's changed. Now he's King, he thinks he's untouchable. Well, we'll see about that. I think I know what we need to do next, but it's going to take some thought. Why don't I make us a nice cup of tea? And there's some chocolate biscuits in the barrel, if you like."
    Anne got up and bustled around her office, chatting lightly as she got the tea things together. Emma took the lid off the biscuit barrel, and rooted inside for something with a really thick chocolate coating. And Anne picked up the heavy crystal paperweight from her desk and hit Emma on the back of the head with
    it, as hard as she could. The force of the blow bent Emma forward in her chair. She cried out hoarsely, one flailing arm batting the biscuit barrel away. Anne hit Emma again and again and again, putting all her strength into every blow. Blood flew on the air, and the sound of bone crunching and splintering was clear, even over Anne's heavy breathing and Emma's groans. Her hands reached for her gun and her sword, but her fingers were spasming helplessly. Anne hit her again and again, shrieking Why won't you die! Why won't you die! Emma fell forwards out of her chair and crashed onto the floor. She tried to crawl towards the door, and Anne moved with her, leaning right over to hit her again and again, even though her arm was aching