Chapter 26

It had been several hours since Edward had assaulted Witticker in his island apartment amidst the sea of a fallen city. It is curious to note that since that time a pot of tea had been brewed and the two prior combatants sat amicably atop the apartment building sipping at their mugs as the day drew to a close. Edward had since learned that his newest acquaintance, previously thought to be Brisby Jacobs, was a drifter named Witticker. Witticker had learned that Edward, who had saved him after being shot in the middle of a native bazaar, was very good at making tea.
“…and you say that this man was supposed to kill you, but instead he drove you into the distrip, gave you hallucinogenic coffee, and told you to ask for a man who was well known for being involved with a less than reputable crowd.”
Edward leaned back in his chair and spit off the side of the building.
“It is quite possible that you have had the worst introduction into the world possible.”
Witticker nodded and sipped his tea. He sat back and gazed out over edge of the building. The view looked over the vast expanse of a crumpled city. As the day drew to a close a light in the distance had begun to grow. As the sun fell past the horizon the light, which spanned across the edge of the cityscape, glowed as if fed on by the approaching darkness. Witticker had seen this light before at Dodgson’s mansion, but didn’t know what to make of it.
Edward reached for the table that sat between them and lit a small candle, illuminating a small circle of light between the two men.
“Well, for starters, Girondo is dead, so don’t worry about finding him.”
Witticker sighed and leaned back in his chair as Edward placed a cigarette in his mouth. Edward leaned towards the recently lit lamp and held the cigarette over the flame, his face illuminated in the process. Highlighted in the light Witticker could see several scars running the length of Edward’s face. While they seemed to be long-forgotten by their bearer, they left signs of obvious experience.
“As for a place to stay I’m not sure what to tell you. I wouldn’t advise going back to the distrip now,” said Edward as he leaned back and gestured toward the light in the distance, “as you are probably being looked for.”
“How do you know that?” asked Witticker suspiciously, “I never told you anyone was looking for me.”
“You didn’t have to,” spouted Edward nonchalantly, “the fact that you were seen in connection to me is enough. Didn’t you wonder why you were shot that night?”
Witticker didn’t answer and looked down into his cup of tea. When enough time had passed that it was clear that Witticker had no intention of answering, Edward turned towards him with greater suspicion.
“Why didn’t you wonder if you were shot? Is someone after you?”
Witticker, having recently given up his facade, felt no need to continue any vague or ambiguous tales.
“Maybe?”

*~~*

“What a pickle,” said Edward as he sat on the edge of the building, a nearly spent cigarette dangling between his fingers.
Witticker had spent the last two hours explaining his whereabouts for the last thirty years with very little interruption by Edward.
“It sounds like the last thing you need is another problem,” said Edward as he threw his cigarette off the side of the building, “and you have no idea who is looking for you?”
Witticker shrugged his shoulders and shook his head from side to side.
Upon seeing the response from Witticker Edward quickly rose to his feet. He walked across the roof and started to climb down the ladder they had used to reach the top of the building. As he climbed down he looked over at Witticker who stood staring at him, waiting.
“Well, come on! We’ve got to find out who you are. Once we figure that part out it’ll be easier to guess who wants you dead.”
Edward climbed down the ladder and out of sight. Witticker rose and walked towards the ladder. Upon reaching it, he turned to look back at the sprawling skyline. It was a very strange feeling to have someone expect him to follow them, to expect his presence in their lives. As Witticker followed Edward down the ladder this feeling filled him with warmth that he didn’t know was missing.