“I’d better win.” Her voice was cold. This time she didn’t leave any doubt. “Or else.”
They must have parted because the voices went quiet and the women returned to their workstations.
Or else what? What did Ruby have on Pig that made him vulnerable? If I found out, perhaps I could use it against him as well.
20
A Deal With The Devil
I sensed another attack was imminent.
As we filed from the bunker next morning, sneers from Ruby’s tattooed entourage left me in no doubt. My only option was to make a deal with Pig.
When he finally arrived and sauntered into his office, I followed him inside and slammed the door behind me.
He turned in surprise. His face broke into a lascivious grin but was quickly followed by a fearful frown as he peered around me.
“Well, Bokk.” Confident I was alone, he continued, “If you’ve changed your mind, I’m not sure I’m interested in you anymore, particularly looking like you do.” His eyes raked my body, his lip curled as if he’d tasted something nasty.
With two black eyes and swollen cheeks I wasn’t at my best but I knew I had to make an effort. “I want to make a deal.”
His eyelids drooped, his lips pursed and his head tilted, sending his earlobes wobbling. “Deal? You think you can make deals with me? I’m the podmaster, you’re nothing here.”
Was my brash approach a mistake? I’d counted on his licentious nature and was reassured when his glance fell to my chest. “What deal?”
“I know that you need Ruby to win Steepchase.”
His eyes narrowed suspiciously. Most of the laundry had overheard his argument with Ruby. He knew that. If he didn’t comply with her demands, his secret might soon surface. Gossip was a valuable commodity in the laundry and Pig knew it. He had power and connections but whatever she had on him might still subject him to the laws of Hypor City.
“I can help her win.” I kept my tone positive. I was betting my future on my gut sense that whatever Ruby had on Pig was huge.
He winced as he rubbed his damaged earlobe, then snarled. “How?”
“I’ll get her off drugs.” Mother had helped addicts, but I wasn’t sure I could. Pig didn’t know that. This time I didn’t worry about the lie. “I know herbs that will help her.”
“It’s not only the drugs. She needs intensive training. What do you know about Steepchase?”
His curiosity lent me confidence.
“Before coming here, my goal was to meet the time requirement to enter Steepchase. I watched the premier’s guards train. They’re the fastest. I learned the best methods for improving performance on the circuit. I know I can work with Ruby to get her ready to compete and win.” My heart battered my ribs. I swallowed the bile that rose in my throat. Would my bluff work?
“What do you want in return?”
I stiffened my legs as they threatened to buckle with relief. “My freedom. If she wins, you grant me a pardon.”
“And if she loses? What do I get?” He licked his lips, anticipating my answer.
“If Ruby loses Steepchase, I’ll return here, under your control.” I didn’t allow my imagination free rein to consider the possibility. One way or another, I had to find out about my family and help fight the Delios.
He didn’t answer immediately. Pulling on his good lobe, he walked to a window and stared out.
Seconds ticked by. I broke into a cold sweat.
What if he refused my deal? He was the podmaster and could force me to do his will despite Ruby’s protests. My only advantage was that he needed her to win.
“Agreed,” he said. “If Ruby wins, you are free. But if she loses, you’ll never leave the laundry. You’ll be mine.”
I suppressed a shudder. “Agreed.” I thrust out my hand, wanting to confirm the deal.
As his clammy hand clasped mine, the door banged open.
“Get away from him!”
Dropping his hand, I turned to see my nemesis lunging toward me. As she neared, Pig stepped between us, placing his considerable bulk in her path.
Ruby’s eyes were wild, frenzied. Much to my surprise, he slapped her face. She lifted a hand to her cheek and took a step back.
“What’s going on?” Her teeth clamped tight, her fists curled at her sides.
“Bokk and I have made a deal.” Pig stepped from between us.
Suspicion replaced jealousy and Ruby’s eyes narrowed. “What kind of deal?”
Pig explained my offer, but only part of it.
Ruby’s mouth hung open in disbelief. “Her? That scrawny bitch? How can she help me?”
“She’ll get you off the drugs for a start. That will help you win Steepchase. That’s what you want isn’t it?”
I could see the conflict on Ruby’s face. She hated me, but she desperately wanted to be a winner.
“What’s in it for her?”
“If you win, she will be free to leave the laundry.” Pig didn’t mention the alternative. “Well? Do you agree to let her help you?”
Her eyes narrowed. Her nod was barely discernible.
“Good. That’s settled then. You’ll start training next week at the recpod when Bokk’s recovered.” He opened the door and motioned to us to leave but grasped Ruby’s arm as she passed by. “And warn your goons to leave her alone.”
I followed Ruby out.
She stopped and joined her friends who waited nearby. They glowered as I passed, but I knew that for the time being at least, I had a reprieve.
“You won’t make it out alive,” said Leika when I told her the deal I’d made. “Ruby will make sure you’ll never stay here with Pig if you lose.”
“I don’t intend to fail.” I was feeling confident and a little cocky now that I’d found a possible way out.
“I wish you’d told me what you were planning.”
“Why? What difference does it make?”
“Kaal is planning to break us out during the games. We could both be free without you having to make a pact with that devil.”
“I had no option. The games are still a way off. I might not survive another attack by Ruby’s cronies.”
Leika pondered my answer then nodded. “Do you really think you can wean Ruby off the drugs?”
“I’ll find a way. I can’t afford to fail.”
There was no tube connecting the laundry with the dome network. The recpod dome was a boat ride away. It was almost dark when we made the first crossing. Focusing on the destination, I managed to control my fears of the open water.
Inside, the familiar beige hallways felt oppressive. It was late and only the guards would be training at the recpod. I’d miss the camaraderie of Jarryd and the others. Was he still intending to compete in Steepchase? Or spending most of his time plotting with the rebels? I could only guess.
The stark reality of my situation weighed on my soul and slowed my pace.
“Hurry up!” Ruby pulled at my arm. No extra guards accompanied us. She was more than capable of subduing me if necessary.
The empty halls reflected the enforced curfew, but I heard the hum of voices as we got closer. Once inside, we changed in silence then I followed Ruby into the workout area. The recpod was crowded with the premier’s guards.
Hostile glances followed our progress to the track. Ruby started to run. Nerves made me clumsy and I stumbled behind her. Laughter followed as I raced to catch up.
Ruby had kicked her drug habit without my intervention. She’d missed several days in the laundry then reappeared looking haggard but sober. She’d spurned my assistance when offered, saying she’d rather suffer than take help from me.
I discovered that the only way I could help Ruby was to compete with her. The drugs had taken their toll on her body and she had to push herself in order to keep up with me in most activities. Competition suited me as well. I timed our runs and made sure that I was always in her sight, but slightly ahead. Often, I’d hear her growl with exertion and I’d see the dagger o
f fire in her eyes if I caught her gaze. She despised me but we were tied to a singular goal—to win Steepchase.
As we circled the track and settled into a rhythm, my mind wandered to other times with Jarryd, Marta and Weyland. Their absence was like a physical ache. Were they safe? Were my parents? My father had always been so strong, but my mother’s vulnerability terrified me.
Distracted by my thoughts, Ruby had passed me and was out of sight. Picking up speed, I curved past the climbing walls toward the aquatic compound where I spotted a group of guards with Ruby. They laughed at something she said, then glanced in my direction as if watching for my arrival. At my approach, they lined up. Ruby ran on.
I slowed but continued forward. I looked for any opening that I could speed through, but more bodies arrived until there was a solid streak of black slashing across the red lanes of the track.
Nine strides from the human barrier I froze.
Perhaps I’d been too sure of my safety. Perhaps Ruby had planned this to be my end. My pulse throbbed at my temples. Should I turn and run? I hummed quietly. The vibrations soothed my fear and brought clarity. Perhaps there was a better way to deal with this threat.
The fear returned with my first step, but I forged ahead—each step as difficult as walking through a muddy bog—until I was two feet from the lineup.
“I am Brynna Bokk and my father is a member of the ruling council. I demand that you move aside.” The words sounded strong, but I bit into my bottom lip to stop it trembling.
The men exchanged glances, grinned, and then laughed loudly. One burly guard stepped forward; his brawny arms crossed his chest.
“Your father has no power over us. We only report to Prince Delio.”
“The council has power over everyone on Hypor. Stand aside or I’ll report you.” I stood my ground, trying to keep my legs from trembling.
“I guess we’ll have to show her who’s in charge here.” The man nodded to his comrades.
The men surged forward. The air went stale as they surrounded me. My limbs went rigid, expecting an attack—but it never came. No one touched me.
A thunderous voice sounded from beyond my ring of captors. “What’s going on?”
Bulky shoulders impeded my view.
“Just having a little fun,” replied one of the men.
“Clear off. Back to your training,” the new voice commanded.
There were grumblings as the men drifted away.
“Who does he think he is?” one of them asked.
“Prince Delio’s pet,” another answered.
“Are you all right?” The tall figure dripped with water and wore swimming goggles but his voice had a particular cadence that was comforting and familiar.
“I’ll be okay. Thanks.”
Was it possible that it was Kaaluk behind the goggles?
“Only guards and Steepchase contestants are allowed to train in Hypor’s recpod. What are you doing here?” he demanded, hands on hips.
“I’m with Ruby, from the laundry. Pi…the podmaster gave us permission to train.”
His brows furrowed, but the goggles made his eyes impossible to read.
“I’ll make sure the men don’t bother you again, but Ruby is your concern.”
“I can deal with her,” I replied confidently.
“I hope so.” His head lifted, his attention focused over my right shoulder.
I turned and spied Ruby leaning against a boulder. She smirked before drifting away.
I hoped so too.
That night when I returned to the laundry, I told Leika what had transpired.
“Might have been Kaal. Just as well you didn’t say anything. Who knows what cameras and audio devices are in the recpod. Kaal says Prince is so paranoid he doesn’t trust his own guards.”
“Paranoid is good. We want him to panic and make a mistake so we’ll finally uncover the truth behind the solar threat.”
“Perhaps, but your immediate concern is Ruby.”
During the days that followed the confrontation, Ruby continued to treat me with disdain. Despite my assurances, she remained unconvinced of my disinterest in Pig, but grudgingly accepted my presence at the recpod. There were no further incidents and the guards kept their distance.
As our speeds increased, the goal of Ruby winning Steepchase became more realistic. But I started to wonder if my deal with Pig was the best alternative. Perhaps winning Steepchase would improve my prospect of freedom, but there was no guarantee.
21
Delio’s Deception
A week later, horizontal rain lashed the docking area.
A wretched job at the best of times, two barges arrived at once for unloading. The soiled clothes were more pungent than usual. We worked in silence, each coping with our own wet misery. We were issued mesh slings so we could carry larger loads. With the sling hoisted high up my back, I walked close to the wall to avoid the punishing storm. I kept my head bowed to hide from Pig who watched from his office windows overlooking the docks.
Anticipating the welcome warmth of the laundry, I rushed toward the entrance to complete my final run but my load slipped. The weight pulled me sideways. I scraped my shoulder against the rough wall and the sopping garments tumbled to the dock as the sling fell open. Clutching my bleeding arm, I hummed quietly to relieve the pain. The others trudged by, ignoring me.
I crouched near the wall until the abrasions started to heal then gathered the smelly clothes and piled them back into the sling. I was alone on the dock when I heard an overhead window open. I flattened against the wall and held my breath.
“Ciao.” The booming timbre was Pig’s.
My shoulders sagged with relief when I realized he wasn’t calling to me. He had a visitor. But who? It was impossible to climb the wall. Fortunately, my acute hearing gave me an advantage.
“You’re soft and more accustomed to sniffing wine. A soldier wouldn’t cringe at the stench.” Pig laughed. “Perhaps the sea air will help.”
“Nothing could improve the laundry. It always reeks,” a younger male responded.
I strained to hear the conversation. It took me several seconds to realize that the men were speaking Italian.
“I was expecting your father,” said Pig.
“He’s busy beating the council members into submission.”
It was Prince Delio. I hardly dared to breathe as I listened.
“Is that what he told you to say?”
Prince laughed. “You know him too well. He’s busy—with his new mistress.”
Pig chuckled. “Sadly, the men in our family have a weakness for women.”
“No woman will ever control me,” said Prince. “Father’s an old fool ruled by prophecies and the stars. He treats me like a slave and has me running his errands while he satiates himself. He controls the council, but not for long. I’m done being treated like a failure.”
“Does he suspect your ambitions?”
“It’s no secret that the guards answer only to me. I’ll be the one to take the lead when we leave Hypor City.”
“What news of the rebels?”
“They’ve been sabotaging the power generating stations and water purification equipment so we’ve doubled the guards. Those actions are probably diversions. I think they’re trying to access our computer files to find our plans to deal with the solar threat. Two nights ago, we caught a woman searching the administrative offices. Last night, the cameras recorded a man trying to hack the computer system in the sci-labs.”
“Are you going to make an example of them?”
“We don’t want martyrs. The woman is a cripple and would get too much sympathy. We’ve sent her to Prima Feminary. The man’s been transported to Haven. Tarvek can decide what to do with him.”
My roommate Rebecca sprung to mind. It was difficult to picture her working with the rebels, but she had disappeared. Then I thought about Weyland and my stomach knotted. Was he the man caught in the sci-lab?
“Any changes to the plan
to escape the solar threat?” asked Pig.
“No, we’re still waiting for the new spaceships.”
Pig laughed. “Won’t the council be surprised when they realize the ships are only for those loyal to the premier?”
I gasped at the boldness of the statement. His intention was to escape with his cronies and leave the populace of Hypor City to die.
“Quiet, the window is open. Someone might hear,” said Prince.
“No one can understand us,” Pig responded.
The rest of the conversation, however, was quieter and more difficult to follow. Scraping of chairs and booted footsteps accompanied more laughter then all went silent.
I hurriedly pulled the sling over my uninjured shoulder and moved away from the wall.
“What are you doing, Bokk?” Ruby stood in the arch of the laundry entrance.
I froze, wondering if she’d seen me listening, waiting for her to expose me.
“Get that load to the washers,” she commanded as she walked away.
Exhausted from my labors and workouts with Ruby, and hampered by the blackouts, I’d had no opportunity to sneak to the bathroom and read the diary. Curiosity fueled my imagination as I wondered what Mother’s translation might reveal.
Next morning, we’d barely started work when metal screeched and gears protested as the machines came to a halt. The overhead dryers clanked in a final tumble. The sound of sloshing water in the washing vats diminished to gentle laps then the dome became eerily silent.
I gave Leika a discreet thumbs-up. I’d told her what I’d overheard the day before and she’d promised to arrange a machine breakdown so we could get a message to Kaaluk.
She shook her head and shrugged.
“Power outage,” Ruby yelled from the doorway of Pig’s office. The women hooted and clapped then dispersed to their favorite spots to wait out the interruption.
I forced myself to saunter to Leika’s side. “Will Kaaluk come?”
The Last Singer (The Falcon Chronicles Book 1) Page 16