Doctor Who_ Hope - Mark Clapham [19]
Good evening, replied the Doctor breathlessly. Im the Doctor, and this is Anji.
And Im Fitz, yelped Fitz, crashing between the Doctor and Anji to shake the womans hand rather too vigorously. Anji realised he must have run across the room to get to them.
And this is indeed Fitz, said the Doctor, gently moving Fitz out of the way. And you are...?
Miraso, said the young woman, slightly perturbed by Fitz almost drooling over her. Im Mr Silvers deputy, Im involved in a lot of the ground level management of the Silver Palace and many of his other operations.
Mr Silver, I presume, being this places owner? asked the Doctor.
Mr Silver is a businessman with many interests, replied Miraso. This is just one of them.
Anji thought that sounded like a rehearsed speech, and instantly began to wonder exactly what areas of business this Mr Silver could be involved in.
And how can we help you, Miss Miraso? asked Fitz eagerly.
Just Miraso, said Miraso a little tersely, her polite façade slipping slightly. And, as you are new members of the Silver Palace I thought Id come down to greet you. Is everything to your satisfaction?
The Doctor looked blankly at his drink, which he had barely touched, then back at Miraso.
Wonderful, he enthused. I hope my contribution is proving useful.
Its an interesting acquisition, replied Miraso coolly. Mr Silver would love to discuss it with you, if you are agreeable to meeting him.
Well, said the Doctor uncertainly. We were actually looking to speak to someone in the salvage business...
Anji suppressed a smile at the Doctors negotiating tactics. They seemed obvious to her, but worked a treat on Miraso.
Mr Silver has salvage interests, said Miraso a little too hastily, as if afraid of a refusal from the Doctor. Mr Silver has many business interests, she added, repeating herself.
Excellent, beamed the Doctor. Then it would be a pleasure to meet with him. When would be convenient?
Miraso shrugged, a little too casually for Anjis liking.
How about now? asked Miraso, and Anjis suspicions were raised even further. What sort of businessman was this Mr Silver, and why would he be free at a moments notice to see the Doctor? Why was he so interested in an apple core? The Silver Palace was a gambling den, full of unsavoury looking characters Anji had a vision of its owner being Joe Pesci, beating subordinates to death with a tyre iron.
Excellent, Ill see Mr Silver at once, said the Doctor pleasantly. He turned to Anji and Fitz. I think Id prefer to handle this meeting myself. You two can stay down here and enjoy yourselves. His meaning was clear he didnt feel comfortable with the situation either.
Well be right here, agreed Fitz, and Anji nodded.
Miraso beamed. This way then, Doctor.
Miraso led the Doctor away towards a staircase at the back of the room, and Anji watched with unease.
I dont trust her, said Anji.
Me neither, agreed Fitz vacantly, watching Mirasos behind as it moved away. He let out a low sigh.
Anji cuffed him around the shoulder.
We need to be on our guard, she told him.
I know, said Fitz, looking down at her with a level gaze. Best if we split up. Keep an eye on the stairs, if the Doctor comes belting out we make a run for the door. Big crowd like this, not too many staff we should get out of here fine.
Youre smarter than you look, said Anji.
Fitz grinned. Ive been told that wouldnt be hard. He backed away, heading for his side of the room, but didnt get very far. Anji watched as he bumped into a shorter figure in a long cloak. Fitz bounced back, raising his hands: intergalactic sign language for Sorry mate, please dont hit me.
The shorter man wasnt interested. His hood fell back to reveal a humanoid face, pale with bits of circuitry crudely