Phoenix in Flames

by Jaleta Clegg

  "Please, Ghost, just take this to the ship," I whispered as I held her still. "Get Jasyn to take it off. She'll understand."

  Ghost shook her head, pawing at her neck. The necklace glittered against her gray fur. She shook her head, trying to work the necklace off. I grabbed her face. She clawed me. I let her go.

  The lock on the door rattled. Ghost darted into the duct and disappeared. The door opened behind me. I stayed kneeling with my back to the door. The grate lay on the floor next to me like an accusation.

  The man laughed. "Not even you can fit into that duct, but you're welcome to try. I find it amusing."

  I sighed and stood, turning to face him. "What do you want?"

  He shook his head, chuckling. "Keep trying. You aren't guessing."

  "If you don't want money, what do you want? Revenge?"

  He shook his head again. "Not me. Move, Captain Dace." He jerked his head down the hallway.

  I walked slowly across the room towards him. Maybe I could run past him and down the hall.

  He grabbed my arm. "Don't even think of trying," he said in my ear. His breath tickled my neck. "You wouldn't get far and then I'd have to hurt you." He said it in such a reasonable voice that it scared me more than a shouted threat.

  His grip on my arm was tight. He bigger and stronger. He wouldn't hesitate to hurt me. He wouldn't kill me, but I would probably wish he had. I'd just have to wait. Maybe tomorrow he would relax and I could fight free.

  I gave up that thought when I saw the goons at either end of the hallway. There were at least six. I would never make it out of the building. I had to hope Ghost got the necklace to Jasyn. And that Jasyn would figure out what it meant.

  Chapter 17

  The desk was just as empty, the room just as ornate and ponderous. Lowell no longer noticed it. He was deep inside a file he was sure he wasn't supposed to read. The encryption on it had been hard to break. It had taken him almost a week of digging to even find the file. It had taken another week to get the file downloaded to his personal hand comp and figure out how to open it.

  The door to his office began to open. Lowell hit the panic button he'd added to his files. The screen on his desk flickered and cleared to show nothing more than lists of numbers, the catering bills he was supposedly reviewing. He pretended he hadn't noticed the door opening.

  "Sir?" His secretary waited until he looked up from the incredibly boring file.

  "Yes?" he said politely.

  "There is a woman here to see you," his secretary informed him. "She isn't on the official list. She didn't have an appointment, but she was very insistent that she knew you. She claims it's a personal matter. I tried to tell her to contact you later, when you were off duty, but she wouldn't listen. Would you like me to have security escort her out?"

  Lowell leaned back, steepling his fingers under his chin while his secretary talked. He appeared disinterested and bored, but inside his mind was furiously trying to decide what woman would possibly be trying to see him. Not Dace and not Paltronis, their faces were too well known. He had a dozen other possibilities, but none of them made sense.

  "I know you are very busy, sir," the secretary said. "I'll have security escort her out."

  "No," Lowell said. "Please, send her in. It must be very important to her. These bills can wait a little longer. I can make time for her in my very busy schedule."

  His secretary waited. She knew he was lying, he knew he was lying. He wasn't busy at all. Except with a file he shouldn't have ever seen.

  "I'll show her in then," the secretary finally said. "Do you wish me to bring refreshments?"

  "Is it lunchtime already?" Lowell said, acting surprised. "Perhaps I should just take her to lunch then, on my personal time, of course."

  The secretary's hesitation confirmed his suspicion that his office was bugged by at least her faction. She wanted to know who the woman was and why she was visiting Lowell. He wasn't about to satisfy her curiosity.

  "I think that would be the best solution," Lowell said as he stood.

  "I could have lunch delivered for you," his secretary said quickly. "So you aren't interrupted in your work more than necessary," she added.

  "Thank you for the offer. but I really think fresh air would do me good. I've been working too hard as it is." He slid his hand comp into his pocket and turned off the desk screen. If she pried while he was gone, she wouldn't find more than the files he was supposedly reviewing. "Please hold my calls for me. I'll be back later."

  He even waved at her and his other staff as he walked out of the office. He got a lot of suspicious stares in return. He knew he would be followed by at least four people before he left the building. He didn't let it bother him.

  The woman waited beyond his outer office. She looked out of place in Patrol headquarters. Very few people made it this far in who weren't wearing uniforms. She was dressed in a flowing outfit of deep brown and rusty red. Her black hair was twisted up on her head, threaded through with gold strands. Her skin was olive, her eyes very dark. She looked elegant and poised. She saw him and stood gracefully. She smiled, extending her hand to him.

  "Commander Lowell?" She made it a question.

  "Charmed," Lowell said as he took her hand. "But I'm afraid you have me at a loss."

  "Don't tell me you've forgotten my father already." Her smile deepened, she had a dimple in one cheek. "I didn't expect you to remember me, I was only seven the last time we met."

  "That still doesn't excuse my lack of recognition," Lowell answered. "I'm afraid I'm getting old. My memory isn't what it used to be."

  "Does the name Tellibin Weduri mean anything to you?"

  "He's your father?" Lowell hid his surprise. That name was a code word for trouble, deep trouble. He thought only his agents knew it. This woman wasn't one of his.

  "Don't tell me you don't remember me now," she teased. "Little Kidri?"

  "Well, you have grown up, and quite nicely. Have you eaten lunch yet?" He was acutely aware of his office staff taking in every word. "I know the most charming little place not far from here."

  She tucked her arm through his. "I would love to have you take me out to lunch."

  "We can talk over old times," Lowell answered as he led her out the door. "All of the good times I used to have with your father."

  They got more than a few looks as they walked through the halls of the Patrol building. Lowell would have liked to flatter himself that they were watching him, but he knew better. They were watching the elegant Kidri, if that was even her name. She smiled and chatted with him about small things. He did his best to keep up the small talk. His curiosity was killing him.

  They walked across the wide lobby, under the holographic Patrol shield slowly rotating in the exact center of the echoing space. He pushed open the door.

  The weather on Linas-Drias was perfect, as always. The wet pattern had passed last week. They weren't due for more rain for five more days. The temperature was balmy and pleasant.

  "It isn't far, do you mind walking?" Lowell asked. Any Patrol vehicle he got into would most likely be monitored.

  "We can take my flitter," she offered.

  "That would be perfect," Lowell answered.

  She led him down a nearby street. Flitters were parked in neat rows down both sides. He was starting to wonder if this was such a good idea. What if the woman was setting him up? What if he was walking into a trap?

  And what did it matter if he was? Everything in his life was a trap anymore. He was watched everywhere he went. He even suspected his apartment was bugged. It was only a matter of time before someone tried to frame him again. Only the Emperor's personal favor had kept him in his position. Max was busy with too many other matters. Lowell would be forgotten soon enough. What did it matter if the trap was sprung today or next month?

  The woman stopped next to a large flitter with opaqued windows. She smiled at Lowell as she thumbed the lock on the door.

  "Am I going to walk out of this alive?" Low
ell asked her conversationally.

  The woman's smile deepened. "It's good to know you're still as suspicious as ever. Although I was wondering when you agreed to walk out with me so quickly. Please, step in." She waved at the open door.

  "No guns? No threats?"

  "I don't think you need them, Grant."

  He stepped into the flitter, ducking his head. He wasn't surprised to find someone waiting for him inside. He was surprised to recognize the woman sitting at the back of the flitter. Kidri climbed in beside him and shut the door. The flitter lifted, merging into the streams of traffic crisscrossing Linas-Drias.

  "Commander Maharta," Lowell greeted her. "I assume you had a very good reason for pulling me away from my very important work."

  "Approving catering budgets for parties? Such important work for the head of the High Command. I expected a much better cover story for you." She cocked her head to one side, reminding him of a bird of prey. Seya Maharta was dark haired and dark eyed with a nose too prominent to be called anything but striking. She was also reputed to be very good with information and weapons. "I know we've never actually met, sir, so I'm rather flattered you recognized me."

  "I make it a point to know the people who claim to work for me."

  "And aren't you glad I was there with Leighton? I kept Dace alive for you. I regret having to deceive her, but it was the only way I could get her to trust me. I'm sorry for claiming to be one of your people."

  "Don't be," Lowell said with a sigh. "I should have been there. Then none of it would have happened."

  "If I got my stories straight, you were busy setting up a smuggling ring. One that is still working quite well. I do believe it's the biggest smuggling operation ever."

  "It wasn't really me," Lowell admitted. "The merchants did it themselves. You seem to know a bit too much for my comfort. Why are you here?"

  "You mean why am I here talking to you? Are you going to arrest me?"

  "Should I?"

  "I'm still Patrol. My commanding officer, Rik Wexford, sent me here to talk to you."

  "Unofficially, or you would have come in uniform and through the regular channels."

  "You're being watched too closely, Commander Lowell. Someone wants you out of the game. Permanently."

  "I've known that for years," Lowell said. He looked over at Kidri.

  "My sister," Seya told him.

  "I see the resemblance."

  "Commander—"

  "Just call me Grant," Lowell said. "I'm getting tired of the title."

  "Very well, Grant, Rik sent me to warn you. Besht is joining the Federation within the next two months. Most of the Fleet is going with it."

  "Then I wish him luck, and Besht luck." It was bad news, but not unexpected. The Federation offered equality and a working economy. The Empire offered threats and higher taxes. He wasn't surprised most of the worlds other than the Inner Worlds were either part of the Federation or were planning to join soon. The fact that Rik Wexford was taking most of the Patrol Fleet with him into the Federation was not unexpected either. It would deal a massive blow to the security of what was left of the Empire.

  "I'm also here unofficially from the Federation," Seya told him. "They want to know what you've done with their trade ambassador. The Gypsies want their Council Leader back."

  That caught Lowell by surprise. He frowned. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

  "Don't play coy."

  "I really don't know what you're talking about. I haven't done anything in months, not that mattered. I have no information and no power." He freely admitted it, though it might cost him later. "I can't help you."

  "I think you still can." She leaned forward and put her hand on his arm. "The Federation is looking for the Phoenix Rising and her crew."

  "Why?"

  "Because Jasyn is the head of the Gypsy Council. And they want Dace."

  "I am sorry, but I can't help you." He removed her hand from his arm. "I haven't had any contact with them for months. I don't know where they are."

  She sat back, frustrated. "You have to know. No one else knows."

  "They are changing the ship beacon every jump or two. They were headed out past Verrisua last I knew. I'm sorry, that's all I can do for you." He looked out the window, down at the city below. All he really saw was the haunted look in Dace's face the last time he'd seen her. "Whatever they want from her, I won't help you ask her. I promised I would never ask her again."

  "But she's one of your best."

  He shook his head. "She was never one of mine. Not that way. She should never have been involved in any of it."

  "So that's it? You're going to tell me you don't know and expect me to believe you?"

  "You've warned me and I've told you I don't know where Dace is. Am I going to get lunch out of this or not?"

  "The Federation is looking mostly for Jasyn, not Dace." Seya leaned forward. "Grant, help me find them."

  "No."

  "There are rumors," Kidri put in hesitantly. Seya made a shushing gesture at her. Kidri ignored it. "We think Dace may be in danger from the syndicates."

  That got Lowell's attention. He turned his attention on Kidri. She shot one nervous glance at Seya before she continued.

  "Seya wanted to keep it quiet, but she doesn't know all of it."

  "Kidri," Seya said warningly.

  "It isn't official Patrol business," Kidri said. "I don't have to take your orders, sister. And he deserves to know."

  Seya sat back, staring out the window and pointedly ignoring them. Kidri turned back to Lowell.

  "Three weeks ago, there was a rumor that the syndicates were looking for Dace. Someone told them you couldn't protect her anymore. Someone was planning to kidnapp her on Tireo."

  "What am I supposed to do about it?" Lowell asked. "My hands are tied."

  "You have the whole Patrol."

  "No, I don't. I've been trying to keep in contact with Dace. I haven't been very successful. What do you want me to do? I've done everything I can." It hurt to know that Dace was in danger and he couldn't stop it. He hated himself for getting her in trouble in the first place. No, she'd done it on her own. But he hadn't done anything to stop it, except to dig her in deeper.

  "You could send a ship out to find her, to warn her."

  "To tell her to go to the Federation? That's where she was headed. Eventually." Lowell slumped in the seat. "I can't help you. I won't stop you, either."

  "Can't or won't?" Kidri's voice was sharp.

  "Kidri, let it go," Seya said. "Grant's right. He can't help us." She did something to the flitter controls. They started to descend.

  They were silent as the flitter landed.

  "I've given you everything I can," Lowell said tiredly as the door opened. He frowned at the unfamiliar building outside. "This isn't headquarters."

  "No, you promised me lunch," Kidri said with a sad smile.

  "It won't work," Lowell told her. "I really can't help you."

  "Then it won't hurt, either," Kidri said. "Are you joining us, Seya?"

  Seya shook her head. "I might be recognized. I can't take the chance. You two enjoy yourselves. I'll wait here."

  "What am I missing?" Lowell asked. There was a tension between the two women he couldn't understand.

  "Nothing," Kidri said with her smooth smile.

  "Goodbye, Grant," Seya said.

  "I don't think lunch would be such a good idea," Lowell said. "Thank you for the offer, Kidri. Maybe another time."

  Kidri merely smiled as he got out of the flitter. He watched it lift into the sky. He only looked down when it was lost in the constant stream of traffic overhead. The Patrol building wasn't far away. He decided to walk back. It would give him time to think.

  The door to the restaurant nearby opened. A large party exited, talking excitedly to each other. He watched them walk past, headed for a series of flitters parked nearby. One woman in the middle of the group caught his eye. She was veiled in silver, the fabric not qui
te hiding her face. She was young and slightly familiar. She smiled when she met his eyes. She turned away, letting a man hand her into the flitter.

  It must have been a wedding party, Lowell thought as he watched the flitters lift. He couldn't shake the feeling he knew the woman though. He shrugged. It didn't really matter. Not much did anymore.

  He put his hands in his pockets and started walking back to the Patrol headquarters and another afternoon of hiding and wasting time.

  Chapter 18

  Another day passed, and another. The man tossed water and food at me occasionally. He escorted me to the bathroom at random intervals. The only way I could tell time was by watching the sunlight through the cracks in the roof. I slept when I could, curled up on the hard floor. I waited for a chance to escape, but he never gave me one. His goons were always there, always watching when he opened the door.

  I tried climbing the walls, reaching for the ceiling overhead. They were too smooth, too hard. I couldn't get enough of a grip on anything to get far.

  I sat by the duct and waited, hoping Ghost had gotten me help. The grate disappeared while the man had me in the bathroom. It had too much potential as a weapon. I had nothing but myself. It wasn't very reassuring.

  I jerked awake out of a dream of being chased by faceless people. It wasn't a nightmare anymore, it had become much too familiar. For some reason, Vance's mother was there, telling me to sit up straight, to speak clearly, to address the Emperor as Your Grace, not Your Highness. I was almost happy to wake up.

  I sat, blinking away the sleep. The man stood in the doorway, watching me. He folded his arms and leaned on the doorframe when he saw I was awake. I leaned against the wall, watching him back. Time passed.

  "What do you want?" I asked, breaking the silence. "If it isn't money, then what? You want revenge? Half the galaxy wants that."

  He smiled. "You're getting closer."