After she ripped the door from the hinges, he continued over the noise of them breaking it into pieces. “You’ve never had to deal with the cold weather down here before. There’s another way to heat the entire house without setting it on fire. I used to take camping trips with my older brother out into the woods. One year, we waited so late that it was snowing by evening. The two of us had to make camp or risk getting lost and freezing to death on our way back home. I picked up a few survival tricks. We should be able to weather the storm here if we keep the cold air out and the warmth inside. Snow is a natural insulator. At this point, even the snow up against the windows is a good thing; it means there’s no air blowing in. All we need now is something to burn.”
Then, he gathered up the pieces and flashed his heart-breaking smile on the room. “Give me ten minutes and we’ll have another fire going and you’ll be warm in no time.”
Iza was glad he knew what to do because she couldn’t feel her toes anymore and her breath didn’t seem to be warming her hands enough.
Skyler pulled out her handheld.
“Agent Anderson for Captain Brontes.”
“Sorry, Agent, he’s not available at the moment. He’s in the middle of evac on Leveckis.”
“I’m aware of that. Who are you?”
“Lieutenant Mathers, communications officer,” he said.
“Lieutenant, we’ve got a situation here. Your captain is aware of our presence on the surface. However, our circumstances have changed. We’ve been stranded here. We’re going to need assistance immediately.”
“Every available person is out searching for survivors. There’s nothing I can do.”
“As soon as you have his ear, relay these coordinates to your captain. Let him know that we found our people, but our shuttle was hijacked.”
“Hijacked. Who would do that at a time like this?”
“Doesn’t much matter, does it? It’s been taken and we’re stuck until you can get us help. Can you do that, Lieutenant?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Iza listened while she watched Braedon and Viper fill the stove in the kitchen with wood, which Skyler then ignited using some manner of telekinesis. While the fire was making some progress, Iza stood beside Skyler and the others huddling for warmth. She felt her anger fading as her teeth chattered together. Most of them were wet where the snow had settled into their clothes and hair. From the look of Mrs. Quetzali, she wouldn’t last long wet and cold. She clung to her husband, but her lips were losing color.
“Hurry it up in there,” Iza urged Braedon.
“We’re all set. The heat is blazing in here.”
To Iza’s surprise, it was. They all clamored for space in the tiny kitchen. The heat radiated out of the stove and the smoke escaped through the ventilation pipe. They’d managed to get almost everything they could find for the fire in a neat pile of combustible pieces beside the stove. The warmth washed over them. She thought she heard Cierra sigh in contentment. They were all so happy to be warm that no one spoke for a full minute, not even Braedon. Before long, however, Iza’s face started to burn before her feet had time to thaw.
She moved to the door furthest from the heat and pulled out her handheld. As much as she hated to rely on him, Karter might now be their best bet for rescue, with the Enforcers otherwise occupied. It was a longshot, but she had to try.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Karter wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to settle things with Douketis. The man had been trailing him for months, had repeatedly caused trouble for Iza, and was all around the worst kind of lowlife. He never would have thought that way before, but Karter realized that life on board the Verity had altered his perceptions. There really was more to life than having someone who made their lease payments on time and fulfilled contracts. There was a way to do things right, and the Taran Empire could benefit from more conscientiousness and less people like Douketis. Less people like me, Karter admitted, recognizing that he used to only care about the bottom line, himself. But he vowed to be better, and that started with trying to make things right.
“Trix, message the Iron Dog, I’d like to speak with its captain,” Karter requested.
“Yes, Mr. Hyttinen,” Trix said. “However, let me warn you that Captain Douketis isn’t welcome on board the Verity. Should you choose to meet with him, please do so on his ship.”
Well, isn’t she demanding for an android? “Of course,” Karter said dryly. He stepped forward and waited until the viewport of the ship transitioned to an image of Captain Douketis’ less than attractive face.
“Karter, if I’d known you were on board, I would have sent my regards sooner.”
“I’m sure that’s not true, Captain,” Karter replied. “How are things?”
“Well, business has been slow, as you know. With these new regulations following the regime change on Tararia, times are tough for traditional haulers like me. We don’t all have Iza’s connections.”
It was a subtle dig at his relationship with her, and Karter wasn’t about to let it pass.
“My relationship with Iza is none of your business. However, your continued payments to me are. If you’re having difficulty making your monthly installments for the loan you took out two years ago, I’d be happy to offer you an extension. I’ll have my assistant draft the forms for you immediately.”
It was about time he made out on the deal again, anyway. Douketis would owe him for the rest of his life.
“It just so happens I have your assistant on board, and she’s requesting an opportunity to meet with you.”
Becca’s face came into view, and she nodded to the screen as she would to him if they were face-to-face.
Karter’s chest tightened at the sight of her and had to lightly clear his throat to get his voice back. “Becca, you’re there. What are you doing out here?”
“There’s been a development. Permission to come on board?”
Karter turned to Trix and waited for the android to slowly turn to face him. “Is my assistant permitted to board?”
“I believe that can be allowed as she’s not a member of the Douketis crew.”
“Wait, what? I’m not invited?” Douketis had the audacity to sound offended.
“You and I will have plenty of time to chat. Let me speak with my assistant about redrafting our current contract, terms pending.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
Karter lifted an eyebrow. Since when was Douketis uninterested in a new deal? “What exactly does that mean?”
“I believe your assistant has the details. As I said, I’m willing to drop her off, but we haven’t got all day.”
“Fine, you have permission to dock one of your shuttles temporarily. I’ll be waiting for Becca. Please see her safely to the Verity.”
Karter made his way to the cargo hold to wait. He didn’t like the cocky manner in which Douketis spoke to him, as if the man wasn’t in his debt. There was something amiss with him and the sooner he learned what the ‘development’ was the better.
Becca was prompt to arrive and dressed in all black the way he liked all of his employees. Her ensemble, like always, was a little more original than the rest of the office workers managed. She gravitated toward black on black geometric patterns, which aligned with her personality. She strolled across the hold carrying nothing but her handheld. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun made her look so severe, but the bare legs under her skirt reminded him she could relax when she wanted. Her eyes were alight and playful but with her shoulders back and her chin high, he knew she was ready to discuss business. He wanted nothing more than to throw propriety to the side and scoop her up and carry her back to his cabin. Instead, he held up his hand in formal greeting and she did the same.
Once she was in speaking distance, she gave him a curt nod as they waited for the sound of the Douketis shuttle to disengage from the cargo airlock.
“Report,” he said.
She passed him the handheld, and he look
ed down at the document displayed on the screen. She remained silent as he read.
Karter’s brow furrowed. “What is this?”
“It’s my document of termination, signed by your mother. It was a hostile takeover. I didn’t have time to send backups to your private server. But per your request, each evening they were updated. So, you’re missing only what happened during the day of the takeover and beyond. I was locked out of all access to Apex Manufacturing and most of the staff was dismissed.”
“When?”
“Yesterday. Douketis was on the premises—a meeting with your mother, I believe—and I persuaded him to let me hitch a ride. He was hoping to see your face when I delivered the news.”
“That’s why he was so smug.”
“Yes, Phaedra has renewed contracts with all of your freighters and cargo ships. Your investors have already been informed of the leadership change. Mr. Arvonen was among the investors siding with your mother; I believe they’re working on something else together. She was arranging transport with one of the ships as I was being escorted out of the building.”
Karter bit the inside of his cheek while he considered her words. If his mother had already swayed the investors, it was too late to make any kind of power play. His mother would have to be forcibly removed, and he couldn’t do that sitting on the Verity. Of course, she wouldn’t go down easy, but once he was rid of her, he’d be free to make his own choices.
His eyes met Becca’s briefly, searching her face for a reaction. If she was upset by the recent events, she didn’t show it on her face. Instead, she kept level pace with him as he walked toward the flight deck.
Becca took in the ship as she continued her report. “Douketis is in dire straits. He wasn’t exaggerating when he said they couldn’t find work. His interest in starting a new contract was more because of some poor business choices than his lack of hauling opportunities. In good time, teaching him a lesson might do him well.”
He liked the way she thought. “Yes, indeed. I want a list of everyone quick to follow my mother and any who were reluctant to side with her. Also, I want a list of all terminations. Those are no doubt my people, and those who didn’t bend to her will.”
“That would be accurate, though I would say she was threatened most by me.”
“Why do you say that?” Though he thought he already knew the answer.
“Phaedra was quick to remove me first, and she did so personally.”
“That sounds like her,” he said dryly.
“She also accused me of trying to entrap you,” Becca said, her face firm.
“Entrap me?” Karter couldn’t hold back the laugh. If she only knew.
“She believes that my efficiency or demand for perfection is in some way tied to my need for approval from you and a desire for your love. Something she assures me you will never give, and she would never approve of,” Becca’s voice dropped.
There it is. The glimmer that he’d hoped to see was there now. Just behind her eyes, a bit of fire. Is she telling me because she wants to know where I stand?
“My mother has a nasty habit of putting her nose where it doesn’t belong. Never mind her opinions, you work for me. My approval is the only one that matters,” Karter said. Then he dared to try something new. He stopped in the corridor and reached out and rested his hand on her shoulder and her eyes flew to his face. Her green irises burned with desire. It would have knocked him back if his own longing wasn’t rising to meet it.
“Becks you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I need you now more than ever. If you will agree, I would prefer you to stay on board the Verity until this business with Arvonen is finished. And I believe we’re very close.”
“Do you think Phaedra is with him?”
“I’m counting on it. If he’s still after those spheres and planning to use them, then my mother will be at his side when we take him down.”
“You mentioned that Anderson’s sister is on board.” Becca looked around as if expecting to see her. “Does she know about Iza?”
“Yes, though she claims to be here for her brother. Though, I’m not so sure that the TSS isn’t after something else. The question is, how far are they willing to go to get it?”
“I doubt they’re willing to go as far as you are.” There was a smirk on her mouth he wanted to kiss.
“You know me better than most.”
The grin spread across her mouth. It was radiant and filled with the kind of hope every man wants to see in a woman he has feelings for.
“Let’s head in. The others will be returning shortly, and we’ll be on our way.” Karter led her to the flight deck and Becca kept pace with him step for step.
“What about Iza? You haven’t mentioned her,” Becca asked, reaching out a hand on his arm.
He resisted the urge to look down at it for fear she’d let go. “What is it you want to know?”
“Do you think she’ll have a problem with me being here?”
He paused to look at her; the smile was gone, replaced with the kind of worry that reached her furrowed eyebrows. He lifted his hand to stroke her cheek with the back of his fingers. I promise there will be a time when that worry is gone from your face forever. The words never left his lips instead he answered her question. “No, I don’t think she’ll have a problem with you being here at all.”
They entered the flight deck. Trix turned with her hands clasped behind her back to regard them. Karter couldn’t read her expression, but the android seemed to be mentally calculating or perhaps she was scanning them for something out of the ordinary. Whatever it was, he shifted his stance to one of authority and Becca did the same.
Iza’s dog bounded over to them, sniffing at Becca’s bare legs. She giggled then bent to touch him but stopped with hand three centimeters from his head as if remembering herself and straightened. Then she addressed Trix. “It’s a pleasure to see you again,” she said with a nod at the android.
Trix didn’t answer, but her head tilted to one side, before she spoke, “There’s an incoming message for you, Mr. Hyttinen. From Iza.” She didn’t wait for his response as the from viewscreen shifted from stars to white before the captain’s face appeared. Her head was uncovered the dark room around her a direct contrast to the orange light on her face.
“Karter, there’s a problem,” she said without preamble. “It looks like Douketis stole my shuttle out from under me and we’ve got no way back to the ship.”
“How long have you got before you run out of heat?” Karter asked, taking out his handheld.
“I’m not sure. An hour or two? Most of the household items that are flammable have already been burned. I told the Enforcers we wouldn’t need them, but it seems that we do. We’ve put in a call. Is there anything you can do?”
Karter looked to Trix.
“It would be unwise to try to land the ship without some idea of what’s underneath the snow,” the android stated.
Iza nodded. “That was my thinking, too. I don’t want to lose the whole ship. At the same time, it’s no good to me if I’m a popsicle.”
“Sit tight, I’ll see if I can rush them along. The rescue efforts have increased as another Enforcer ship has arrived to look for survivors.”
“Thank you, Karter. I see we have company,” Iza said with a knowing smile on her lips. He didn’t like it, but there wasn’t much he could do.
“Yes, my assistant, Becca will be joining us until our business with Arvonen is concluded. It seems my mother has made her final play for the dynasty, and I’ll need to work from here for the time being.”
“Huh, interesting timing. I take it Douketis has bolted by now?”
“Yes, he left immediately after dropping off my assistant. I’m sorry, if I had known, I would have handled things differently.”
“No, I’ll catch up to that bull-dog later. But for now, we’re going to need another shuttle.”
Karter sighed. Without his normal hold on his fleet of transport vehicles, the
re wasn’t much he could do. It was unfortunate that he’d returned the Q Maximus to its owner at Hubyria. There was his cousin, though he doubted she’d do him the favor. In fact, with their last falling out, she might be siding with his mother for the moment. “I’ll do what I can.”
“Trix, make sure our new guest is comfortable and off my flight deck by the time I return. End transmission.”
Karter placed a light hand on Becca’s back and led her off the flight deck.
“I guess she does have a problem with me being here,” she said with a hint of bitterness.
Karter shook his head. “It’s not that. Iza has a thing about her personal space, that includes the flight deck. If she were upset about you being here, she wouldn’t hesitate to have her android throw you off.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
It was over two hours before Captain Brontes responded to Skyler’s request for assistance and another forty minutes before a shuttle arrived to take them. By then, the group of them were huddled close to the dwindling fire and beginning to audibly shiver. The Quetzalis were returning to the idea of burning the entire first floor for heat.
The sound of the shuttle’s engines made Iza’s heart flutter, and she bounded for the door before Skyler caught up to her and put a hand on her shoulder.
“Let me go first, Captain,” she said as she pulled up her collar and opened the door.
Iza was right behind her, tightening the wrap around her head and neck as she went. The snow wasn’t blowing as hard but there was still a steady fall of flakes that landed on her cheeks and nose. The Enforcers had arrived in full gear, helmets on their heads, and gloves over their hands. Iza couldn’t tell one from the other.
“Captain Brontes,” Skyler said before he could speak through the helmet he wore. He lifted the visor and looked to Skyler than grimaced at Iza.
On the Run (Verity Chronicles Book 3): A Cadicle Space Opera Adventure Page 22