Taels Online

"Moses." Ted walked forward and shook Moses’ hand. "This is Thomas Rein and his associate, Evan Coolin."

Ted paused a moment. "They wish to talk about your books.

Moses shook their hands in turn. Thomas Rein was tall and fit. His grip was strong. Evan Coolin was similar, although of a darker complexion.

"Moses," It was Thomas that spoke. "You have been writing Jesse King for some time."

Moses nodded, not saying anything. It hadn’t been a question directed at him anyway.

"I’m not sure if Ted mentioned it to you, but we do have a question." Thomas looked at Evan, who just watched Moses.

"Have you thought of killing Jesse King?"

The question was phrased differently than that given by Ted yesterday.

Moses didn’t really like the situation he was in. There was something happening here that bugged him, and he also felt fear.

The anticipation and excitement of the morning should have been dulled, but it wasn’t. In fact, it continued to build.

"I do not discuss that sort of thing, even with Ted."

Ted nodded as if in agreement, but Thomas paid no attention. Evan shifted a little in his seat. He seemed to grow .. darker, if that were possible. Not black, but shadowed. And his eyes. On first glance Moses had thought they were light blue, but now they were a dark gray. And growing darker. Ted didn’t seem aware of anything strange.

"I think it would be in your best interests to dwell on the matter.  There are greater threads in movement than yours."

What did that mean?

Moses looked at the man straight.

"Thank you for your .. concern. But it’s not going to happen."

Thomas laughed. Evan gripped his hands together, tense and tight.

"I was told you were nothing like your protagonist Moses Lawd. It seems you do have some character traits in common."

Moses didn’t think so. He write Jesse King the way he wanted to be, not the way he was.

The two men looked at each other and then stood up.

"We are very happy to have met you Moses Lawd. If you ever decide to think on .."

Evan cut Thomas off quickly. His voice was a growl.

"You must do this Moses Lawd, for it cannot happen any other way. There are greater threads than yours."

And with that, they left.

As the door was closing, Moses turned to Ted.

"Who were they?" Anger crept into his voice.

"Some powerful people who wanted to meet with you."

It wasn’t much of an answer, but Moses was done. He needed to get out and find some place alone.