The Spectral Agent - Chapter 5 - Text

Viktor confronts his fears to strengthen his link with Chai

The Spectral Agent is published as an audiobook (and text), chapter by chapter, as a SubStack Podcast. Start at Chapter 1 or find where you left off.

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By the time I found a tattoo and piercing parlor, the sun was already dipping low. The place was warm and dimly lit, the walls plastered in posters and flash designs that reminded me of Chai’s sleeve.

An earring wasn't my first choice. When we started heading back to the city from the gruff old gangster's house, I tried to think of an alternative—any—alternative. During the ride, I tested different ways of holding the cross pendant to talk with Chai.

The taxi driver would have interesting stories to share with the first driver who saw me talking to myself. Do all taxi drivers know each other? Whatever. I'd take humiliation over a piercing.