by Anna Hackett
“Finley?”
She managed to jerk her gaze up. He was smiling. “The admiral called. We have a meeting in her office in thirty minutes.”
Finley gasped. “I need breakfast, then a shower.”
“I’ll let you sort out breakfast, and I’ll wash up first.”
“Right.” She usually had cereal, but she guessed with his muscle mass he’d need some protein.
He brushed past her—all that hot, hard male. She stifled a whimper.
Get it together, Finley.
She made eggs. Sabin wolfed them down, so he clearly liked them. She showered quickly and put on her usual work clothes—black pants and a white shirt.
Soon, they headed to the admiral’s office. Two young, uniformed Space Corps cadets waved them through.
Admiral Barber stood at the window, her uniform neatly pressed, her ash-blonde hair ruthlessly styled. Captain Rodriguez sat in a nearby chair, her long legs crossed. Beside her, sat Dr. Kemp.
“Security Commander, Dr. Delgado, please take a seat,” the admiral said.
Sabin pulled a chair out for Finley and she sat. He stood behind her, a comforting presence.
“Security Commander, if you could update us.”
Sabin nodded and pulled out a tablet-like device. “We’ve confirmed the Kantos assassins are normally sent in a group. There are likely still one or two more on the planet.”
Finley’s stomach churned.
“I’ve increased security patrols around headquarters,” Rodriguez said.
“It won’t be enough,” Sabin said. “The Kantos won’t stop. They’ll keep coming after Finley. They want to stop the StarStorm.”
The damn Kantos were like a plague of locusts. They’d just keep sending more assassins. Finley clenched her hands together.
“Finley needs to be moved to a secure location,” Sabin said.
Her stomach dropped away. They wanted to treat her like a prisoner? “No.” She didn’t want to be locked up. “My work, my lab—”
“There must be other labs where she can work. And where we can keep the location secret.”
“But I’m almost at the testing stage.”
The admiral steepled her hands together on her desk. “It’s a good idea.”
“Admiral.” Finley swallowed. “I can’t leave my project. I need my lab and equipment.” Her voice cracked. “I can’t be locked up with no light or air.”
Sympathy crossed the Admiral’s face. “It won’t come to that.”
Sabin frowned, gaze swinging between them. “What’s going on?”
Finley didn’t want him to know. She tried to form some words.
“Six years ago, Dr. Delgado and two colleagues were abducted by terrorists. They were kept in captivity for a week.”
Finley squeezed her eyes closed and tried not to let the memories rush back in. She felt a dark throb of emotion from Sabin.
“She was rescued by a special-forces team a week later,” Admiral Barber continued. “Unfortunately, her colleagues didn’t make it.”
Finley opened her eyes. “Their names were Brent and Melody.”
The admiral inclined her head. Big hands came down on Finley’s shoulders, squeezed. Instantly, she felt safe and reassured.
“I will not let anyone lock you away, Finley,” Sabin promised quietly.
“We can find you a secure lab somewhere secret. Some place where you can get outside, but also safely continue your work.” The admiral looked at Sabin. “You’ll be in charge of her security.”
He nodded.
Finley felt a strange mix of emotions. Just her and Sabin locked in a lab together in the middle of nowhere. She was honest enough to admit that she liked the idea.
“I have a place in mind.” Barber sat back in her chair. “No one outside of this room will have your location. Dr. Delgado, you’ll leave today. It is the highest priority that you and the Security Commander complete the StarStorm system.”
Finley nodded.
“You won’t be able to contact your family. I’ll ensure that they know you’re safe.”
Oh, her parents wouldn’t like that very much.
“Where is the lab?” Sabin asked.
“It’s extremely remote. It’s located in a military base in the center of the Australian desert.”
Finley raised her brows. “Australia?”
Barber nodded. “The Woomera Range Complex.”
Finley blew out a breath. She knew about the weapons complex. It’d been used for weapons testing for years, and would likely have very good facilities for her.
Not to mention being very remote, and hours and hours from any cities.
“I suggest the other warriors stay here at headquarters,” the admiral said. “If all of you disappear, I think it would attract too much attention.”
“Agreed,” Sabin said.
“So, pack and change. A helicopter will take you to the airport, Ellington Field. From there, a private jet will take you to Australia.”
Finley drew in a breath. “Okay. I need some equipment from my lab.”
The admiral nodded. “Do it. I’ll arrange a team to pack it up and ship it. Good luck to both of you. The fate of our planet and its people are in your hands.”
Finley swallowed. No pressure. She shook hands with the admiral, then she and Sabin headed into the hall.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“Fine.” Finley liked routine and structure. This was a big upheaval.
Well, Finley, you can be inconvenienced but alive, or dead. If she stayed here, she’d put other people at risk as well.
Sabin stopped, and pressed a finger under her chin. “I am sorry to hear about your abduction. It must have been a terrible ordeal.”
“More terrible for my friends that died.”
“That was the cause of your nightmare.”
She nodded.
“I’m glad you survived, Finley.”
Not a day went by where she didn’t feel guilty about it.
“Everything will be okay,” Sabin said.
The strength in his voice made her want to believe it. She nodded.
“I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Chapter Seven
Sabin glanced over at Finley. She’d worked most of the flight with a computer and tablet open. Even now, she was hunched over her laptop, her fingers tapping and her brow creased in concentration. A forgotten mug of the drink she called coffee sat at her elbow.
He felt a tightness in his chest. He just wanted to get to their destination and get her safe. He didn’t like being in the air in an aircraft that wasn’t equipped with any weapons. He’d been on edge the entire flight.
He looked out the window. Below them lay a desolate, orange-red landscape. They appeared to be in a very isolated part of the Earth.
One of the pilots strode out of the cockpit. “We’ll be landing soon.”
“Great.” Finley stretched her neck side to side.
“Where are we exactly?” Sabin asked.
“The southern part of the country of Australia. It’s an island continent in the southern hemisphere, and very remote. We’re almost at the Woomera Range Complex. It’s a base run by the Australian Air Force. It has the lab and testing facilities you need, Dr. Delgado.”
“And security?” Sabin asked.
The pilot nodded. “Its biggest defense is its isolation, but it also has top-of-the-line security systems, and a well-trained security team.”
Sabin wouldn’t relax until he’d assessed it himself.
Soon, the plane started its descent. Finley packed up her gear, fidgeting in her seat. He put his hand over hers.
“It’s going to be fine.”
She gave a short nod. “I’m just eager to see the lab, and get back to work.”
He stroked her fingers and saw her small shudder.
“Don’t tease me,” she whispered.
He made a humming noise. “I can’t seem to stop.”
&
nbsp; “Sabin, I’m on the edge here.” She breathed deep. “I don’t play games. I want you. Badly. You keep up the small touches and I’ll throw myself at you.”
His gut tightened. The thought of her in his arms…
Cren, he needed some control. What if he lost it with her, hurt her?
“Sabin?” Her fingers wrapped around his.
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“What do you mean?”
“My extra-sensory issues…” He dragged in a breath. He hated exposing any weakness. “I had an uncle who had the same condition. He lost control. Indulged all of his senses and desires.”
She bit her lip. “And?”
“He had a mate. He hurt her.” In so many different ways.
Finley was silent a moment. “I haven’t known you long, Sabin, but I don’t think you’d ever hurt a woman.”
“My uncle brought shame to my family. He was weak.”
“It sounded like he needed help. Was he a warrior?”
Sabin shook his head.
“So, he didn’t have your training or control?”
“Irrelevant. I won’t risk hurting you.”
They landed, the plane pulling up at a large hangar. Sabin studied the sprawl of buildings. The admiral had told him that a large percentage of the base was underground—for security, and to keep it protected from the harsh weather.
The rest of their surroundings consisted of orange-red dirt, rocks, and a few hardy, spindly bushes. He liked the harsh landscape.
They descended the stairs of the plane and found three people waiting for them.
“Dr. Delgado, Security Commander Solann-Ath.” An older woman with white hair stepped forward. The woman looked friendly, like a favorite grandmother, but she had eyes that reflected her experience. “I’m Dr. Amelia Gregson, the head of the Woomera Range Complex. Welcome.”
“Thank you.” Finley shook the woman’s hand.
Sabin followed suit.
“This is Dr. Ian Cho. He’ll show you to your lab.”
Dr. Cho was young, and wore thick glasses over his dark eyes. His black hair flopped over his forehead, and he had a stain on his lab coat.
“It’s a real pleasure.” He pumped Finley’s hand. “I’m a huge fan of your work, Dr. Delgado.”
“That’s great.” She extricated her hand.
Dr. Cho looked at Sabin, hesitated, then offered a small wave. “Please, call me Ian. We don’t stand on too much ceremony around here.”
Dr. Gregson nodded at the final person. “And this is our head of security, Commander Kaira Chand.”
Sabin took in the small woman and raised his brows. She was very short, but she did have a fit, compact body, and wore mottled, green-brown fatigues. Her dark-brown hair was pulled back, and she had dark eyes that were almost black, and brown skin.
“A pleasure.” The woman nodded. “Security Commander, I’m guessing you’ll want to assess base security.” She had an authoritative, competent voice.
“I would,” he replied.
“I’ll be happy to show you around. And you know more about the Kantos threat than anyone. I’d like your thoughts and advice on any improvements we can make. My highest priority is to keep Dr. Delgado, and our base personnel, safe.”
Sabin nodded. He added smart to Commander Kaira Chand’s qualities. “Let’s meet after I get Dr. Delgado settled.”
“I’ll let Dr. Cho and Commander Chand show you around.” With a nod, Dr. Gregson left.
They walked inside, and cool air from the air conditioning hit his skin. The wide corridors were sparse, the decor simple. They passed a few scientists clad in casual clothes.
Ian Cho was like an excited pet, talking fast. The scientist led them down some stairs and into an elevator. They moved down several levels, and he led them down a corridor into a lab.
“This lab wasn’t being used. We moved in some equipment we thought you’d need, and I believe yours arrives today on a cargo plane.” The young man threw out an arm. “We’ll get it set up for you straightaway.”
Finley walked along the empty benches. It was underground so there were no windows. That made Sabin happy; fewer points of entry for the Kantos.
But it was also a concern. If assassins got in, Finley would be trapped.
“I’m so excited to work with you!” Ian said. “And another assistant, Dr. Gemma Neely, has been assigned to work with you to help you on your project. Gemma’s awesome and super smart.”
Finley spun. “I work alone.”
“Ah.” Ian looked awkward. “I was told that I had to assign you some people to help. That getting the StarStorm operational was top priority.”
Finley huffed out a breath. “Fine, but if you aren’t up to par, you aren’t staying.”
Sabin spun to Kaira. “Are there any emergency exits?”
The security commander shook her head.
“We need to build a safe room. Somewhere Finley can lock herself in. Just in case.”
He saw fear flash in Finley’s brown eyes. He wanted to comfort her, but instead curled his fingers into his palm.
Then she straightened. “Whatever we need to do.”
He smiled at her. He loved her toughness.
“I’ll organize it,” Kaira said.
“The lab is adequate,” Finley said. “I want to get started straight away.”
The others left, and Sabin helped Finley set up her computers. Ian had left instructions on how to access Woomera’s secure network. Sabin leaned against the bench, watching Finley work. He’d never watched someone work and enjoyed it before.
It didn’t take long for her to get lost in her work. Occasionally, she muttered to herself. It was clear she thrived on the challenge. She liked solving problems.
He pulled out his own work and started going through the code for the targeting system. But he couldn’t stop glancing her way.
She looked at him and blinked. “Why are you staring?”
“You’re easy to stare at.”
Her eyes flashed. “Come over here and take a look at this targeting information.”
“So, you do want me for more than just my muscles?”
She stilled. “Sabin, I am sorry I called you Commander Brawn. It’s clear that you’re very good at your job.”
“Hey.” He rested his hands on her shoulders. “I was teasing.”
“I’m sorry. It was rude.” She shot him a rueful smile. “I’m told I can often be rude.”
He ran a finger down her nose. “Luckily, I like it. I seem to like everything about you. Now, let’s get to work.”
Finley looked up from her computer and blinked.
Her simulations were looking good, and she smiled. They might be ready to do a ground test soon. Sabin’s input had really helped.
She looked around. The lab was empty. He’d gone to check on base security with Kaira Chand.
If the ground test worked, they could move to orbital tests.
“We’ll be ready for you, you ugly bugs.”
Finley arched her back. She’d kicked her shoes off at some stage and she looked around. She had no idea where they were. An empty packet of marshmallows sat on her desk. She didn’t even remember eating them.
She glanced at her watch. Crap. It was nine o’clock at night. Without windows, it was easy to lose track of time.
Nearby was a tray that Ian had brought for her, with the dinner that she’d picked at. It was probably time to find her quarters, but she wasn’t tired. Thanks to jetlag, she was feeling kind of wired.
She heard a noise in the hall and her heart jumped into her throat. She grabbed a wireless keyboard and lifted it. If it was another Kantos assassin, she wasn’t going down without a fight.
She crept toward the door.
It started to swing open, and her pulse spiked. She swung the keyboard.
Sabin caught it with one hand.
“Oh, God,” she cried, slumping.
He held the keyboard up. “You thought this
would stop me?”
“I wasn’t trying to stop you. I thought you were a Kantos assassin.”
He arched a brow, then his fingers clenched. The keyboard crumpled.
She sniffed. “Show off.”
“The Kantos would’ve knocked this aside like a twig.”
She moved back into the lab. “You made your point.”
“Do you have any combat training?”
She spun. “What? No, I’m a scientist, not a soldier.”
“Basic self-defense is a good idea for anybody.”
She chewed her lip. She’d taken some classes after her abduction, but she wasn’t very coordinated, and had felt like an idiot. “Said the big alien warrior.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not very athletic.”
“I think we should add some self-defense lessons to your schedule. Just in case an assassin gets through.”
She didn’t have time for fighting lessons. She opened her mouth to argue—
“Or one manages to take me down.”
Her mouth clicked shut and her mind went blank. No. She couldn’t—and didn’t want to imagine—Sabin going down.
God. She pressed a hand to her stomach. She thought about those moments when she’d been abducted. If she’d known some self-defense, would it have helped? Would Brent and Melody have had a chance?
“Okay, I’ll take some lessons.”
“We can start tomorrow.”
“Actually, I’m not tired. Can we start now?”
He eyed her, then nodded. “Get changed. Kaira showed me a well-equipped gym near the living quarters.”
They walked to the suite they were sharing. It had two bedrooms off a small living area. The furniture was utilitarian and a boring beige, but the space had some interesting pictures on the walls. They were photographs of military aircraft, and close-ups of the landscape around Woomera. A lizard on a rock, a tree growing sideways out of a bolder, a flat, desolate salt plain.
Finley didn’t own much in the way of activewear, but she had some leggings, T-shirts, and a pair of running shoes. She did like to walk when she got the chance, to clear her head when she’d been working too hard.
Sabin was still in his black, sleeveless uniform. He led her to the gym just down the hall. Lights clicked on, illuminating lots of torturous looking equipment, and a large area covered with mats and bounded by a mirrored wall.