Roads unknown

I R I S She recognized the expression on the smuggler’s face, the condescending amusement. He was looking down on her in a different way now, and it made a glint of challenge wash over Iris’ eyes. But then she stifled the sentiment. However much she despised being underestimated, Jack wasn’t one of her mother’s socialites or a dockhand she was having drinks with. There was no room for unnecessary competition in this relationship. It didn’t matter if he underestimated her as long as it didn’t lead him to the unfortunate conclusion that he could screw her over. He didn’t lack confidence, at least. It was quite in character with what she had heard of the man, but didn’t speak in favor of her plan’s crucial element – discretion. She would have to keep an eye on him. Her thoughts were interrupted by a whiff of tobacco. She crossed her arms and watched his fingers glide in practiced movements. The tip of the cigarette lit up with a slight tightening of the smuggler’s lips, glowing red and hot. She inhaled with him. Then, with a slight shake of the head, she turned down his offering. A hand went up and ran through her hair in a long and soothing motion. Was kicking the smoking habit proof that she was strong enough to survive and thrive in the world outside? Perhaps not. But even skewed logic was reassuring when she faced so much uncertainty and doubt that had to be squashed and shoved down deep. The smuggler’s wording amused her, putting her thoughts back on track. “I have a definite preference for staying alive.” A smirk played on her lips. ”But I have to be dead to all who have known me.” Talking in the past tense was strange, but exciting. Spoken aloud for the first time, her plan was finally coming into existence. She started pacing, a restlessness creeping up her spine. Her steps were slow and measured. ”The job consists of two steps. First, we will fake my death. The second part you should have little issue with,” she didn’t stray too far away from Jack, wanting to keep her voice reasonably low. ”You will smuggle me out of Torchline.” Maintaining eye contact, she stopped moving, allowing him to consider her words before offering more details. The wait was marked with obvious impatience.