Page 24 of Eclipse Bound
As they waited for the dessert to arrive, Eclipse noticed a shift in the energy patterns of the restaurant. A new presence entered the space, creating subtle disruptions in the ambient field. His gaze moved to the entrance, where a man in a dark suit spoke to the host while scanning the dining room.
"What is it?" Rowan asked, noticing his sudden alertness.
"We are being observed," Eclipse said quietly. "The male at the entrance is actively searching for someone, and his energy pattern suggests purpose rather than casual interest. I have seen him before around you."
Rowan glanced over, her expression changing as she recognized the man. "That's James Petersen. He works for Milano Enterprises' PR department."
"The corporation you investigated," Eclipse said.
"Yes, and he shouldn't be in Duskrock." Rowan's voice remained calm, but her energy flared with alarm. "This can't be a coincidence."
The man spotted them, his gaze locking on Rowan before shifting to Eclipse with narrowed eyes. He said something to the host and began moving in their direction.
"We should leave," Rowan said, already reaching for her purse.
Eclipse calculated their options. The patio had a secondary exit that led to a viewing platform, but the man would likely intercept them before they could reach it. Confrontation seemed inevitable.
"Ms. Clark," the man said as he reached their table, his tone professionally cordial, though his energy pattern registered hostility. "What a surprise finding you here."
"Mr. Petersen," Rowan acknowledged with equally false politeness. "I didn't realize Milano had business in Duskrock."
"Recent developments have expanded our interests in the area," he replied, his gaze shifting to Eclipse. "And you must be the companion Ms. Clark has been seen with today. James Petersen, Milano Enterprises." He extended his hand.
Eclipse recognized the Earth greeting custom and responded appropriately, careful to modulate his energy output to avoid any unusual sensations during the contact. "Eclipse Bound."
"Unusual name," Petersen observed.
"I am not from this region," Eclipse replied truthfully.
"Clearly." Petersen's smile didn't reach his eyes. "In fact, there's been some interesting satellite data from yesterday around Duskrock. Unusual atmospheric disturbances, electromagnetic anomalies. The kind of thing that interests certain departments at Milano."
Eclipse maintained a neutral expression, but internally, he assessed the threat level of this interaction. The man's knowledge was indirect but pointed, suggesting organized surveillance rather than a chance encounter.
"Sounds like material for another one of Milano's questionable research projects," Rowan said, her voice cool.
Petersen's smile tightened. "Always the investigative reporter. But I thought you'd learned that some stories are better left unpursued, Ms. Clark."
"Is that a threat, Mr. Petersen?" Rowan asked directly.
"Not at all. Just friendly advice." He turned his attention back to Eclipse, and he fixed his gaze on the alien's eyes for a long time. "Mr. Bound, you might want to be careful about the company you keep. Ms. Clark has a history of finding trouble."
"I find her company most enlightening," Eclipse replied.
"I'm sure." Petersen placed a business card on the table. "When you're ready for a more productive conversation about yesterday's events, give me a call. Milano Enterprises rewards those who provide valuable information."
With that, he nodded and departed, leaving the card on the table like a small weapon.
Rowan released the breath she'd been holding. "That was not good."
She picked up the card and tore it in half before dropping it into her water glass.
"They are aware of our arrival," Eclipse confirmed. "Though their information appears incomplete."
"Milano has resources," Rowan warned. "If they're investigating the crash, they won't stop with satellite data."
Their dessert arrived, the server oblivious to the tension at the table. The chocolate confection released heat and scent that would normally have intrigued Eclipse, but his focus remained on the new threat.
"You should not be associated with me if it places you in danger," Eclipse said once they were alone again.
