Shadow of the Crown

And so it begins… Harry Hathaway headed down the street, a silver necklace dangling from his fingers. As he walked, he examined it, talking to himself. "Not bad, Handsome Harry, you old rogue. There isn't a woman alive who can resist your charms." He turned up the side street, dropping the necklace into a small pouch, then withdrew a slender key. He had stopped at a door, ready to unlock it when he thought he detected a faint hissing noise. He paused, the key only partly inserted, listening intently. Again the sound issued forth, and then a voice whispered, "Harry!" "Who's there?" he cried out, his voice echoing down the street. "It's me, Harry," came a familiar voice. "You'll have to be a little more specific," he replied. "I know a lot of 'me's'." "It's me, Nikki, Nikki the Knife." "Nik?" he responded in surprise. "You've been gone a long time Nik, we all thought you were dead." He moved toward the voice and was suddenly conscious of a stench that permeated his surroundings. "What's that smell?" "I had to escape through the sewers, Harry; they'll kill me if they catch me." Nicole stepped out of the darkness. "By the gods, Nik, you look as bad as you smell. Who's after you? Did you upset another g**g boss?" "No, Harry," she replied, "it's much more serious than that. Can you help me or not?" "Of course, come inside, and we'll get you cleaned up." "No," she insisted, "I need you to come with me." "Where are we going?" "I have someone stashed nearby, but we must hurry before he's discovered." "You intrigue me, Nikki. Lead on."