Phoenix Feathers, Part II

Chapter 16

Disclaimer: Joss is Boss, and…and…and all these ideas floating around in my head are mostly his doing. So it’s really just a lesser version of something that he could do much better. And I personally wouldn’t have any complaints if he did…

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EXT-DYTON CITY BAZAAR-VITELLI’S-NIGHT

DEJULIO: Sleep tight, Boss.

DeJulio closes and locks the entrance to Anton Vitelli’s building. She turns and gives the area a quick once-over before heading off into the quiet darkness of the Dyton City Bazaar’s now deserted streets.

A minute later, DeJulio stops as she hears the distinctive sound of a hovercraft approaching. She freezes, blending in with the shadows as the Stallion’s Mule zooms past, heading in the direction of Vitelli’s. She picks out Monty and Priscilla riding on it, but it is the third person who really draws her attention. DeJulio’s jaw drops as she catches sight of Phoenix, who is looking a little worse for the day’s events, but still at large.

DEJULIO: That’s…not good.

The Mule passes by and DeJulio turns and sprints in a different direction, taking a shortcut back to the building. She clambers up a wall and unlocks a window with the ease of an experienced field operative, then sneaks inside.

DeJulio slips through the quiet hallways and down the stairs to her office. What sort of game was Vitelli playing? Was he helping the Fugitive to escape Alliance justice? She hurriedly boots up the cortex and begins typing commands, alerting the local Fed station as to Phoenix’s presence.

INT-DYTON CITY BAZAAR-VITELLI’S

Anton Vitelli is busily preparing for his guest’s impending arrival. He double-checks to see whether DeJulio has left, then closes the door to the hallway that connects his office to the rest of the building. He sits down and checks his wristwatch, grimaces, then arranges a few items on his desk before he reclines and waits for his client. He hears a knock on the door and moves to open it. Reveal o