Bryn met her in the lobby. Her brother's usual uniform of crumpled trousers and ceased T-shirt had been replaced with a smart cream suit and a turquoise patterned shirt. He smiled as she came in, but he looked tense.
As promised, he'd booked one of the Pod tables, and as they took their seats behind the floor to ceiling glass walls Ren realised why the place was called The Ocean Flame. T he sun was close to the horizon and the sky was aflame. A blanket of gold cloaked the wavetops beneath them and haloed her and Bryn.
"Order anything you want," he said, "it's my treat."
She chose the Ocean Platter. It had startlingly turquoise crabs, pink lobster, and blue prawns. It was delicious, and they watched the sun set as they ate. Bryn was attentive to her and the conversation flowed easily enough, but when he laughed it sounded strained. Something was definitely wrong.
"And now for your birthday present," he said as they sipped their coffee at the end of the meal. He took out a heavy envelope from his jacket and handed it to her with a flourish.
She opened it and stared at the card inside with disbelief. It was a Travelpass, and it carried enough credit to take her half way across human space. "Bryn, this is far too extravagant," she protested.
"Nothing but the best for my sister. I have another present for you, but it's in my car. We should go to your house before I give it to you."
"Bryn, what's going on?" She asked.
"Just humour me. It's a surprise."
This is the last NaBlPoMo extract from Panthera : Death Spiral. I hope you've enjoyed reading about the adventures of the Hunters and Panthera.
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