Edgar Aeternum, Book 1: Tales of Aeternal Love by Jay Belle Isle

course,
you've something to tell me?" responded Evans, an almost
imperceptible trace of humor in his voice. Edgar recognized these
moments as the closest the barrister ever came to a joke.
    Edgar chuckled and said, "No, nothing new.
Believe it or not, I've been behaving myself."
    "The exception to the rule," said Evans.
Edgar smiled, realizing the suit must have been dismissed and
Evans' retribution had likely been swift as well as merciless. The
normally reserved man only made such quips after exacting nasty
vengeance on a deserving victim.
    "Point to you," Edgar said with a laugh.
"What news do you have then?"
    "The action was dismissed and the young,"
here, the barrister paused, "lady was fined for filing such a
frivolous complaint."
    "Bravo, Evans!" Edgar congratulated the man.
"Not that I'm surprised; it was a frivolous complaint and I do have
the best barrister around. I assume we won't have any future
problems from her?" Edgar asked. He'd learned this was the best way
to inquire about his barrister's unofficial actions. The man closed
up tighter than a nervous virgin when questioned directly. He
shared only a small bit of this information and only when
approached properly. Edgar respected this, given his own propensity
for secrecy on some topics.
    "No sir," Evans answered. "She will soon find
herself otherwise occupied offworld. Apparently, the bank made her
an offer to clerk at a branch on Tyranus 6; she's scheduled to
leave in two days. She was highly motivated to accept the position.
Of course, she'll have no access to any of your information."
    Edgar knew the woman's motivation likely came
in the form of a private conversation with an agent responsible for
offworld recruiting for Dissa. The colony was the polar opposite of
Genesis, almost entirely devoted to hedonistic exploration. It was
also fairly lawless; her recruitment opportunity was probably for
one of the sex clubs. The pay was high, but no such things as
limits were allowed for the workers. Obviously, she knew what
awaited her there to choose Tyranus 6. That colony was only twenty
years old, quite young. Life there, as on any colony younger than
seventy years, would be hard. As in frontier, Wild West hard.
Colonists were a hardy lot, generally wanting to rough it. They
could have it as far as Edgar was concerned.
    Her employer must be the colony's financial
backer for Evans to have been able to seal her fate so quickly.
Even Evans had limits, though he was as close to a miracle worker
as Edgar had ever seen. "Well done, Evans," Edgar complimented the
man. "I appreciate your expediency."
    "Of course, sir. You're most welcome,"
replied Evans. "Unless you have further need of my services, I
shall let you get on with your evening."
    "I can't think of anything," Edgar said.
"Thank you again. Enjoy your evening, Evans."
    "I shall, sir. I hope you do the same. End
call." The unit chimed and Evans was gone.
    Edgar checked the time and shook his head.
Seven forty-five. He loathed waking before the alarm's chime to
find it was almost time to get up. Nevertheless, the call was
important and he was happy that the case was closed. He hadn't been
worried, really, but the legal system in the 2-4 was just as fucked
as it had been in the twen-cen and there was always the remote
chance of an unpleasant surprise.
    "Cancel wake-up alarm," he ordered the HC as
he headed to the bathroom to relieve himself. The familiar chime
sounded and the even tone of the HC's programmed voice followed
Edgar to the bathroom, "One message waiting."
    "Hold message," Edgar said as he unleashed a
strong stream of urine into the bowl. "Mmmmm..." he sighed as the
pleasure of a good piss washed over him. It was a long leak, good
given the amount he drank earlier.
    That feels so fuckin' good! Ahhhh, yeah.
Nothin' quite like a good whiz. Almost makes up for the interrupted
nap. Though it is nice to have that greedy little bitch off my
back. I hate shit like that. I have a feeling she's gonna