Diamond Casebooks - Cpt 1 - final part.

"He was about to terminate you, she announces calmly, "I had no choice.

I look up at the smouldering hole Ravern's near miss has left in the balustrade just above my head.

"You'd better make tracks before the Feds arrive! Fazool suggests, hoping I will take his advice.

In one movement my blaster is back in its holster and Fazool's thin bony fingers are gripped firmly in my hand. I crush and twist them sharply knowing they are his weak point, there is a sickening crack and Fazool lets out a loud howl.

"Fizz and Hackar? I reiterate.

"Please Diamond, you're really hurting me!

Fazool's normally bleached white fingers turn deep blue, his hand is almost fully turned; his face contorts in agony.

"Where? I ask again and glance at Apri who still covers the pirates who have now retaken their seats.

"Please Diamond, I¦I can't tell you!

Fazool's hand makes a brittle crunching noise as it is forced further back.

"Aggrrr, okay, okay, they're off world! he cries.

"Off world, off world where? Come on Fazool, spill!

His bulbous eyes almost push out of their sockets. His fat rubbery lips quiver. The bartender leans down and reaches under the bar but straightens rapidly when he sees my blaster pointing directly at his head. I put more pressure on Fazool's hand.

He screams and whimpers. "Septima four, Empoc, sector seven! he finally squeals.

"Septima? Empoc? Why?

"I¦I don't know. Honest, Diamond.

Yeah, I'm sure you wouldn't lie; you're so damn honest.

"Try again!

Fazool's fingers turn purple, his face burns red, and his breathing becomes erratic.

"A board member, they're meeting with a board member that's all I know. I swear it!
Releasing my grip Fazool draws his injured digits into his body for protection and sobs.

Something's wrong, nags my mind. Something doesn't feel right! Septima is the centre of the Manso Syndicate, Empoc their antiquities research facility! Why would they go there? Who are they meeting?

"It is time we were not here, Apri states, bringing me out of my thoughts.

She keeps the pirates covered as she backs towards the exit; I quickly follow and call back over my shoulder.

"See ya Fazool. By the way, ice is good for that hand!