“You said Danlen was pressing about us visiting,” she prompted.
Jolar began the descent to land. “Remember—this isn’t Bruscan’s place. We’re going to have to be careful what we say even when we’re alone.”
She threw him a smile as they touched down. “I’m sorry we’re not both telepathic.” She flinched inwardly at how her words caused him such scalding pain.
“I’m sorry too,” he said softly, his hands resting lightly on the yoke. He had his safety restraints off and was out of the shuttle before the door on his side had even completely opened.
Arissa breathed in the warm, clean country air as she stepped from the shuttle. While already late evening in Tano, it was only mid-afternoon on this side of the continent. Danlen’s estate, a two-storied brown and bronze structure, sat within a clearing but the land around was heavily wooded. Sporting many windows and balconies, this home possessed a style and grace that harmonized with the forest encircling it and was free of the tacky ostentatiousness found in so many of the mansions in Tano-Sertar.
Danlen looked far more at ease here, his clothing was looser, his hazel eyes brighter as he came out to meet them. The woman beside him was sweet-faced, with striking white-blonde hair and large gray eyes but, though she was far taller than Arissa, she had the air of one who was delicate to the point of fragility.
Danlen smiled at them. “Found the place all right?”
Jolar nodded. “No problems at all.”
“Your home is beautiful,” Arissa said honestly and reached out to brush their minds.
“All Cenon’s doing,” Danlen said, with a loving look at the woman. “Jolar and Arissa Legan, my wife, Cenon.”
“Welcome. It’s so nice to have guests again.” Cenon gushed, her native Sertarian accent kind to the consonants.
“We haven’t had many lately.” A shadow passed over Danlen’s face. “Cenon has been ill.”
She took her husband’s hand. “I am perfectly fine now,” she said firmly and Arissa wondered if Jolar, too, could hear the lie.
“Please, come into the house and we’ll get you settled,” Cenon continued. “Dinner will be ready in about an hour and I’m sure you are tired from your trip.”
Jolar was tense beside her as they went inside and hid his displeasure with a friendly smile when the weapons detector flashed in the doorway and he had to hand over his hold-out blaster.
It was a fine house with gleaming wood floors, smooth plaster walls and a polished wooden ceiling. Arissa spied a number of servants both inside and out and a mind touch revealed they lacked the single-minded ruthlessness of servants in Tano. These people had a sense of comfort here, as if they considered the place just as much home as Cenon and Danlen did. The furniture seemed selected with comfort as a priority rather than style and the whole house was worn enough to show it more home than showplace but there was no sign of children within.
As the couple showed Jolar and Arissa to their room, two spots of color showed in Cenon’s cheeks. She was a little out of breath from climbing the stairs. Danlen sent worried looks her way but hid his concern as soon as her eyes turned to him.
A young male servant brought their luggage to the room and Cenon and Danlen left, entreating them to rest and come downstairs as soon as they were ready.
The wide planks of their suite’s floor were rich dark, rich wood; the rugs were faded but clearly valuable antiques. The beautiful oval-shaped windows were made of cut crystal, not plexisteel, and tendrils of rainbow colors shot through their panes as one moved about the room. The windows were open, and the breeze smelled of sunshine and growing things. Pale green, plastered walls gave the room a cool, organic feel and echoed the serenity of the woods outside.
In the little sitting area a thickly padded sofa and chairs showed soft curves and the earth-toned linen fabrics bespoke comfort. Arissa could well imagine whiling away a rainy afternoon contentedly settled in a chair by the window with a holonovel in her hand and a cup of white tea at her elbow.
A wide bed was tucked into an arched wooden alcove, a cozy haven that invited the joyous intertwining of bodies.
A lump formed in her throat and she saw Jolar’s glance, too, lingered there . . .
Resolutely, Arissa looked over the grounds into the surrounding forest. She had a great deal to tell Jolar and didn’t dare here.
“It’s wonderful to get out of the city,” she said. “I’ve missed the fresh air.”
“Me too.” Jolar met her gaze. “Tano is so crowded.”
“And it’s nice to be away from all that crime.” She gave him a level look. “It’s so safe here . . . in the country.”
Jolar’s shoulders relaxed. “I was worried you would be bored.”
“Oh, no,” Arissa said. “You really don’t need to worry. In fact, maybe we could explore the countryside a little tomorrow like we used to? Just take a lunch and wander off alone?”
“We might be able to squeeze in a walk after dinner.”
“Oh, that sounds lovely,” she said seriously. “In fact, I can’t think of anything I’d like better.”
“I think we’re far enough from the house now,” Jolar said with a look at the woods around them. From the forest he could hear only the faint hum of insects, the occasional ah-wop of a furred nectar glider. “They couldn’t have bugged every tree out here.”
She glanced back, the silky black curls of her hair framing her heart-shaped face. She’d learned to hide her feelings much better. He couldn’t read her expressions as easily as he once had. He remembered bitterly how he’d worried Sertar would take that sweet innocence from her.
No, I’m the one who did that.
There was a sadness to her now, even when she smiled. Only at times of their closest intimacy could he feel her too and those were some of the most cherished moments of his life. He would have traded all he had to be a Seer now. To know if there was any love left for him behind those beautiful eyes.
To know if there were any hope at all.
It was hard to be so close to her. It was hard to sleep beside her, to feel the warmth, the softness, of her near him and accept that he would never know it again. But as agonizing as this was, he knew even this would come to an end.
And then he would have nothing of her.
At least right now he could see her, hear her, soak in her presence. With every moment he wanted to cry out to her that nothing had changed for him, that any part of her life she allowed him to occupy he would take with humbled gratitude.
But the simple fact was that, knowing as she must his love was unchanged, she never spoke of it.
And that told him everything he needed to know. After all the hurt he had caused her the very least he could do was spare her the burden of speaking of his unwanted affection.
“I don’t feel any animosity at all,” she said quietly. “If anything, Danlen’s extremely concerned we think well of him.”
“Yeah,” Jolar grumbled. “He’s very friendly now, very much the affable host. He was so standoffish in Tano, unmoved to the point of disinterest in the contract.”
“Has he talked to you at all about it yet?”
Jolar shook his head. “He suggested that I join him for a drink when we get back from our walk. I’m guessing he’s going to broach it tonight.”
Her brow creased a little.
“You’re worried.” He started to lift his hand to cup her cheek and catching himself, clenched his fist at his side. Don’t touch her. You don’t have the right. “What is it?”
She folded her arms, looking back at the house again. “It’s just odd. They’re so welcoming, so friendly. Like we were old friends instead of barely-met business contacts.”
“Maybe they’re just in desperate need of the money.”
“But they aren’t desperate. They’re very at ease. And they feel friendly enough toward me but are very anxious that you think well of them.”
“That’s understandable if they want me to choose them.”
“I don’t . . .” She sighed. “Maybe that’s it.”
“Can you—I don’t know—describe what you’re feeling from Danlen?”
She considered. “Amiable, friendly. Like he feels you can do each other a great deal of good, like you have the same goals.” She shook her head, frustration plain on her face. “I’m sorry, I wish I were better at this.”
“No, the information you’re able to give me is extraordinary.” His glance went over her, the waves of her hair in the fading sunlight as the day drew to an end, the soft curve of her cheek. “I can’t imagine what it would have been like to do this without you.”
She gave him a faint, fleeting smile.
He cleared his throat. “What do you think of Cenon?”
“She’s very much what she appears. At least now I know what Danlen’s holds so dear. He loves her very much.”
The breeze stirred her ringlets and Jolar remembered the silky feel of her hair against his cheek, his shoulder, curtained over his thighs . . .
He twisted away to face the house. He shut his eyes and drew a deep breath to calm himself.
In the far distance he heard a frantic rustle of leaves and the startled yelp of some tiny creature—cut short as it was devoured by a larger, stronger one.
An omen?
He had never believed in such things before.
“Jolar?”
“Yes?” he managed, surprised to find his voice so steady.
She was silent but if she were touching his mind he couldn’t feel it.
“We should probably get back,” she said at last. “Danlen must be eager to talk.”
“I wish I could have you with me,” Jolar said hoarsely.
Jolar took a swallow of his brandy.
We should all have been actors. We play our parts all so well.
Anyone looking in though the arched windows of Danlen’s house tonight would think them only two married couples enjoying a few days of fresh air and camaraderie. Soon after they returned from their evening walk, Cenon invited Arissa to see the enclosed herbery off the kitchen while he and Danlen settled in comfortable chairs.
“You’re lucky to live out here,” Jolar said with a nod toward the tree line not far from where they sat. “I didn’t realize Sertar’s southern continent was still so unspoiled.”
Danlen shrugged. “Tano is so crowded.”
And our room definitely bugged. The only thing good about knowing that bed would be used tonight for sleeping and nothing else was that Danlen wouldn’t hear Arissa’s sweet little—
“Yes,” Jolar agreed and took a scant swallow of the excellent brandy. Danlen had brought out the best. This stuff must cost hundreds of creds a bottle. But while it had just gotten dark here it was past midnight in Tano and he couldn’t remember the last time he slept well. A full glass might just have him snoring in this chair. “It’s good to get a break.”
“You’re welcome to extend your stay with us. I’m sure Cenon would be agreeable. She really enjoys Arissa’s company.”
“I’d really like to but I’m on Sertar for business.” Jolar gave a regretful shrug. “There are a number of people who I put off to come here already. This is still a working vacation.”
“Maybe I can help you out with that,” Danlen said with a half-smile.
Jolar took another drink. “How?”
“If you and I come to an agreement about the Fleet contract—” Danlen leaned forward. “Well, then the rest of your trip to Sertar would be a lot more relaxing.”
“You have an offer to make?”
Danlen inclined his head. “An excellent one.”
“It’s a good opportunity. I’m sure I’ll get a lot of good offers.”
“Mine will be better.”
“I’m listening.”
“How much of a cut do you get from the contract?”
Jolar laughed. “Aylor isn’t Sertar, friend. I get a flat fee and that’s it. My job is to choose the best deal for the Fleet.”
“Well, what if I could offer the best deal for the Fleet . . . and something for you?”
Jolar held up his brandy glass. “A bottle of this maybe?”
Danlen laughed. “I can do better than that. Much, much better.”
“I’m still listening,” Jolar said.
Danlen rolled his glass between his hands. “I know all about you, Jolar. What your trip to Sertar is really all about.”
Jolar’s mouth went dry and his mind flashed to Arissa, now far away at other side of the house.
Gods, I’m such a fracking idiot! She’s there, I’m here and I don’t even have a festering blaster!
“Is that so?” Jolar shifted slightly, moving so the balls of his feet were on the floor, getting ready if he needed to fight. “My wife seems to think it’s all about shopping.”
Danlen’s smile was bemused then, after a moment, he shrugged. “Beautiful wife who clearly enjoys fine things. New house.” Danlen tilted his head. “It looks like you’re overextended, friend.”
Jolar’s heart hammered with relief. “I’m doing all right.”
“No, you aren’t,” Danlen said genially. “I’m willing to bet that you’re losing sleep over it.”
“Everyone has problems.”
“I have a solution to those problems. I can offer you a deal that will not only end your current financial difficulties but that will provide you and Arissa with a luxurious future.”
“All to give you the contract?” Jolar suddenly felt as awake as if he’d been drinking caf instead of brandy. “Excuse me if I’m a little skeptical. It could hardly be worth it to you to pay me that much uh—consideration. Providing us with a luxurious future would leave you without any profit at all.”
“Profit isn’t everything and it’s worth it to me,” Danlen returned. “Worth it enough that you could likely name your price.”
Jolar gave a short laugh. “Now I really am skeptical. And the price I’d name would likely floor you.”
“Try me.”
“All right.” Jolar lifted his glass. “Ten million credits. And that sparkly necklace my wife’s been eying in Tano.”
Danlen gave a nod. “Done.”
“You’re joking.”
Danlen stood and opened the wall safe. He counted out the rainbow hued credits and placed the pile in front of Jolar.
“That’s one million credits. You’ll get another four when the contract is signed. Another five after the crystals have been delivered and accepted. I’m afraid you’ll have to point out the necklace. Tano has a lot of jewelry shops.”
Jolar stared at the pile of money in front of him. This contract couldn’t be worth that much to anyone. “Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.”
What the hell is going on here?
“Why is it so important to you?” Jolar asked bluntly.
“Do you care?”
“I care if you’re going to leave me twisting in the wind over it,” Jolar said sharply. “I need to know why.”
Danlen shrugged. “I want my crystals on Fleet ships and nobody else’s.”
“Why?” Jolar demanded. “Are they set to detonate or something? I was in the military, I’m not going to help you kill any Fleet personnel.”
Danlen laughed. “You really don’t know anything about astuk crystals, do you? No, of course not. Nothing in my crystals that could damage the ships or kill anyone.” Danlen hazel eyes were sharp. “Do we have a deal?”
I have to get to Arissa. We have to figure out what’s going on here.
But right now I need to buy us some time.
“Well,” Jolar said slowly. “I’ll have to hear any other offers, just for appearance sake.”
Danlen smiled. “Sounds like we can find the ladies and open a bottle of sparkle wine.”
“Absolutely.” Jolar stood to offer his hand to Danlen and heard a terrified cry in his mind just as the wall behind him blew apart.
Twenty-three
Someone was scre
aming his name.
Jolar came to, coughing. Black smoke stung his eyes and he could hear intermittent blaster fire nearby.
He frowned, trying to recall his objective for the training simulation. He fumbled about unsuccessfully for his pulse rifle then his hand went to his blaster but he found that weapon—and his hip holster too—missing.
Ah, frack, that’s going cost me at the eval.
Groaning against the throbbing in his head, Jolar rolled over and started crawling toward her. Her panicked cries vibrated so loudly they were making his teeth ache.
“Give me a minute, damn it,” he muttered, wishing he could tell whoever it was she wasn’t helping matters by screaming at him like that.
He bumped up against someone lying in his way. Jolar raised his head and moved a little closer. Whoever it was, he was out of uniform.
And dead.
“Wait,” Jolar murmured, frowning as he realized the blaster sounds were outside his head and her terrified screams were inside it.
Arissa!
The bloodied body was Danlen’s. Jolar’s gaze darted around, taking in his hellish surroundings.
Danlen’s study, what’s left of it anyway. She and Cenon . . . the kitchen! Which way to the festering kitchen?
He’d given over his holdout blaster and half this room was already a smoking ruin. The wall where the windows had been was gone, leaving the room open to the warm southern Sertarian night. He’d already found the schematic of the mansion that Bruscan provided inaccurate and the power was out. He’d been through this house all of once and never to the kitchen.
Danlen’s money was scattered around the room, some of the rainbow-hued bills blowing about.
Anyone with that much cash in his house is going to have a fracking blaster on him somewhere!
Jolar quickly ran his hands over Danlen’s body, ignoring the slickness that could only be blood as he patted the man down. He was about to give up and go without it when he found the small blaster in Danlen’s boot.
The mental screams suddenly ceased and left an echoing silence inside his mind that froze his heart.
The Seer Page 20