Free Beyond the Pale by Jak Koke Page B

corporate executives than an attack copter.
    Ryan looked back to make sure Talon was ready, then he glanced at Dhin in the pilot’s seat. “Take us up,” he said.
    The whine of the rotors grew in pitch as the helo took flight, and soon they were skimming out across the blue Mediterranean, heading for the small prison island. Chateau d'If loomed up before them like an ancient Alcatraz. A castle of old, brown masonry rising directly from the surf.
    Ryan saw the image waver as though he was seeing it through a heat haze. “I guess that’s the permanent shimmer Jane was talking about,” he said. “Talon, what do you make of it?”
    Talon pushed his head up into the front. “There’s a magic barrier of some sort surrounding the island,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
    Ryan shifted his perception to the astral, and looked at the island. He could make out a translucent haze dome around the chateau. “It looks somewhat like the veil around Tír na nÓg,” he said. “We’re expected. We should be able to pass through.”
    Talon gave him a doubting look.
    “You hope,” he said . “You disagree?”
    “I just don’t share your level of confidence.”
    Dhin gave a harsh laugh. “Well, chummers, either way, we’re almost to the island.”
    Ryan felt a slight lurch as they passed through the astral barrier and swung up over the rim of the island’s wall. He surveyed the structure as Dhin brought the chopper into a low hover, preparing to drop onto the wide flagstone piazza. Ryan saw the narrow wooden dock, jutting like a toothpick from the far edge of the island. The sleek form of a yacht was moored to it—a Harland and Wolff Classique, very expensive and luxurious.
    Axler and Grind would be under the dock by now, waiting to disable the boat in case Plan Beta was activated. Ryan touched the Dragon Heart at his waist and hoped it wouldn’t come to that.
    As the helo’s runners touched the flagstones, Ryan saw a woman in a summer dress of mauve cotton. She stood quite tall for a human, with flowing white hair that cascaded down her back.
    Ryan gave her aura a once-over as he stepped out of the helicopter with Talon just behind. She’s not a human, he realized, but an elf, and more than likely a mage. She was masking her aura, but with the help of the Dragon Heart, Ryan could see through it.
    She stepped up to meet them, extending her hand. “My name’s Jane Foster,” she said, yelling above the scream of the blades.
    Ryan noticed an ornate ring on her finger, platinum in the shape of a coiled dragon. “I’m Ryan Mercury,” he said, shaking her hand. “And this is Nolan Falcor.” Ryan motioned toward Talon. “We’ve brought the package from the Draco Foundation.”
    Foster nodded. “Please tell your pilot to shut down and step out of the helicopter.”
    At the command, Ryan’s awareness grew hypersensitive as he turned and signaled to Dhin. He subvocalized, “Cut the engines and show your handsome face to the lady.” When Dhin was out of the helicopter, Foster gave Ryan a smile. “Thank you, Mister Mercury. Now if you’ll show me the suit of armor and your authentication papers.”
    “Certainly,” Ryan said. “Is Mister Harlequin here? He has to sign the papers.”
    Foster threw her head back in laughter. “Mister Harlequin,” she said. “That’s a good one.”
    Ryan opened the side door of the helicopter to reveal the three wooden crates that held the suit of armor. Then he pulled a suitcase from under one of the seats. “Regardless of what he likes to be called, I need a signature.”
    “I can sign,” said Foster.
    “I’m afraid not.”
    Foster gave Ryan an icy stare. “Harlequin will not want to be disturbed with this,” she said. “I will sign for him.”
    “That’s simply not acceptable. Besides, I have other business with him.”
    “Concerning what?”
    “It’s a private matter.”
    Foster froze him with that stare again. “Just who do you think you are,