One corner of Rayn’s mouth went up. “You certainly have asked me for quite a bit tonight, haven’t you?”
“Well, it’s the first time you haven’t been an uncooperative, arrogant, son-of-a-bitch,” she countered, smiling.
“Touché, little girl. I’ll talk to Kindyll and Rae, but I doubt they’ll refuse you. It’s getting late. You’d better be on your way.”
They both stood, but Dina made no move to leave, contemplating instead the soft vest that hugged Rayn’s torso. At the open neckline, the oval pendant glowed even in the darkness, as if it needed no other light source but Rayn. She idly fingered the leather lacing and fringe that hung down the middle of the vest.
What now? Trying to think of yet one more thing you need from me? came the soft whisper into her mind.
She shuddered, closed her eyes, and once again felt the physical yearning that bloomed when she heard his Voice. She opened her eyes and raised them to his. She thought to hold his eyes, but felt caught instead by the amber gaze, open and vulnerable to him as she had never felt to any other man. It was a disquieting feeling at the very least. She was sure he knew exactly what she was thinking, and yet she wasn’t at all sure what was in his mind. She knew he was aware of her desire and need for him, yet his needs were a mystery to her. It was exasperating.
“Damn you. Tell me, am I forever to be at the disadvantage with you?”
“Your skills will increase with practice.”
“But I’ll never be your equal, will I?”
“Does that bother you?” he asked softly, a brow lifted.
“Of course.”
“Well, think of it this way. You’re one up on me in the looks department.”
She smiled, her hands still on his chest. His talk about destruction had worried her, and she was glad his lighthearted repartee had returned. Her questions about the second dens answered, she felt like teasing him again. “Can a dens make love without burning his partner to death in the process?”
He laughed. “You don’t orbit an issue, do you?”
“I’m an investigator, remember? We’re trained on how to conduct an effect investigation.”
His laughter abruptly died, and his eyes seemed to burn into her. “Love making without the ingredient of trust is a dangerous concoction.”
“Maybe I do trust you. Are you going to answer my question, or not?”
He studied her for a moment. “No, I don’t think I will. I’d either disappoint you or ruin the anticipation of discovery.”
Dina pouted. “You were right before. I don’t trust you. I don’t even know if I like you.”
His mouth twisted, and a small grin crinkled the corners of his eyes. “You like me. Come on, time for you to go. But it wouldn’t be fair to let you leave without a little of what you want.” He took her face in his hands, bent forward, and kissed her lightly, slowly deepening the kiss until she could feel all the heat she had seen in his eyes. “Tomorrow, then.”
She fought to keep from shaking as he released her. Somehow, her teasing always backfired. “You’ll contact Jon right away?”
“Yes, and I’ll talk to Dyll and Rae. They’re legal, so they can come to the city to see you.”
Rayn . . . thank you. She kissed him quickly once more, then turned and wove her way through the crowd to the door, fully expecting to hear a parting admonishment in her mind to the effect that it was not the B’haratan way to thank someone. But all she heard on her way out was the rhythm of the music and the underlying heartbeat of the crowd.
RAYN SAT ALONE at the bar for a quarter hour and ordered another Desert Rain. He had done it.
When she’d first told him her nightmare had been about him, he had feared something new had happened to cause her to suspect him. Certainly she’d bristled at his display of power the day before. His body had tightened in frustration at the thought of slowing things down with her, until the details of her nightmare assured him that the seeds of trust were still there.
And just now she had accepted everything he had told her. Surprisingly, she’d embraced the idea of the ‘bond’ with little argument. Her doubts would mean nothing now. From here on in she’d be ruled by more than just her logical mind. Much more.
He scanned the crowd, both visually and with his mind, and picked up a rainbow of colors and emotions, but no danger. Rayn downed his drink, slung his jacket over his arm, and unobtrusively threaded his way through the press of bodies.
Outside, the night air hugged him with cool arms, and he sucked in a long breath. She was his. And she was ready.
Thirteen
Revelations
THE FOLLOWING morning, Dina was gliding over the rippling sands of the Albho Mar next to Jon. True to his word, Rayn had left a message for Jon to the effect that if Jon was willing to come to Bhel Kap, Rayn would give him information regarding the identity of the killer. Bhel Kap was the storage cavern Rayn brought all would-be Dailjan to for interviews. Since the location was already known to the AEA, Dina knew Rayn was not disclosing anything new by bringing them there. Although the invitation included both Jon and Dina, it had been delivered to Jon’s room at agherz.
As the bands of sunlight and shadow passed beneath Dina’s skimmer, she wondered how Rayn would divulge the killer’s identity without disclosing his own. Jon was sure to ask questions. Maybe Rayn would use the dher on Jon so he’d remember only what Rayn wanted him to. Funny how she had would have been outraged at that idea only a few days ago.
Bhel Kap was east of Kathedra Kap, where the gray spires of the Chayne melded with the white dunes of the Wiara, but Dina kept that information to herself. As they approached Bhel, slowing their skimmers, Dina felt Rayn’s presence inside the wide cavern entrance. Jon, always aware of the possibility of ambush, signaled to stop their skimmers some distance from the entrance, using a long ridge of rocks as cover. He scanned the area with a life detector and picked up one signal at the cavern entrance.
“Is he there?” Dina asked innocently.
“It would appear so,” Jon replied. “DeStar. Show yourself,” he called.
Rayn stepped from the cavern, and sparks of sunlight flashed off the narrow sunshield he wore in place of a hood. Dina and Jon approached him slowly on their skimmers, and at the entrance, parked the machines, removed their hoods, and stepped into the shade of the cave mouth. Dina looked around, but the cavern housed only one hugger, one skimmer, and a few supplies.
“Help yourselves to water,” said Rayn, removing his jacket and sunshield. He wore only a cooling vest above his trousers, and his hair was tied back with a leather thong. The sharp widow’s peak was thus accentuated, and seemed to rivet Dina’s attention to his face. His eyes were narrowed, and a day’s growth of beard made his face look dark and forbidding.
Dina, what I tell your partner may shock you. Even if it doesn’t, remember to look appropriately surprised.
Gods, Rayn, what . . .
“All right, DeStar, let’s get to it. Your message said you know the identity of our killer.”
“And so I do. He’s my brother.”
Dina, perplexed, looked at Jon, who hadn’t so much as raised an eyebrow.
“Literally, or figuratively?” asked Jon.
“Does it matter?” Rayn’s voice was already betraying a boredom with Jon’s questions.
“It matters.”
“Very well. Figuratively, then. He’s my countryman. His name is Gyn T’halamar, and he’s a B’haratan, from the Deorcas Tron system, what you so derisively call the Dark Star.”
“He’s a dens, then. I thought so. As are you,” Jon stated.
Dina didn’t have to pretend to be surprised. What was Rayn doing?
Jon turned toward Dina. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Before she could formulate an answer, Rayn spoke. �
�Don’t be too hard on your partner. She had no way of knowing. She’s a telepath, yes, but a mere child in the telepathic world of the dens. She could no more read me or T’halamar than she could fly.”
Jon spent a moment more looking at Dina before shifting emerald eyes back to DeStar. “And how do you know T’halamar is the killer?”
“He and I have been in this desert a long time, and our paths have crossed on numerous occasions. He’s a cold, remorseless man. It’s well within his ability and nature to do what was done.”
Jon barked a short laugh. “That’s no proof. What would be his motive?”
“He wouldn’t concern himself with what he would consider to be lower life forms if there wasn’t some considerable profit in it,” said Rayn, eyeing Jon steadily while he emphasized ‘lower life forms.’
Jon ignored the insult. “What does he need out here with money?”
“He has power. Wealth is second only to that which he already has. You think he plans to stay on this rock forever? You forget—we have long life spans. A few years on this sand heap is like a blink in time for us. With enough of a fortune and his considerable endowments, he can go almost anywhere in the galaxy.”
“Everything you’ve said about this man applies just as well to you. What is there to prevent me from believing you’re the killer and that this T’halamar is a myth?”
“Absolutely nothing. You’re free to believe as you wish,” came Rayn’s cold reply.
“Am I?” Jon stared at DeStar, all traces of his casual, easygoing demeanor gone. His handsome face was hard, and his eyes, squinted, glowed like green ice shards. DeStar returned Jon’s stare just as unflinchingly, his full mouth untouched by derision or arrogance, his brown eyes as dark as day-old mocava.
Dina looked from one man to the other, and a chill passed through her. Her life had become so tightly interwoven with these two men that she felt every word between them almost as a physical blow.
“Your mind is your own and will remain so, as long as you don’t cross me. I’m not your enemy, but I can be a formidable opponent. It is best for all concerned,” Rayn said, his eyes resting on Dina’s, “that you remember that.”
Jon’s eyes fairly blazed at the implied threat against Dina. “I won’t be so veiled in my speech. Touch her, and you’re dead.”
Dina could stand it no longer. “Jon, DeStar, please . . .”
“You’re right. He’s not worth it.” Jon grabbed Dina’s arm and quickly turned her to the cavern entrance. “Come on. We won’t find out anything more here.”
Rayn . . .
Trust, Dina. It’ll be all right. I’ll come to the city later with Dyll and Rae. Until then.
Outside the kap, Jon pulled his hood over his head. “Arrogant bastard,” he breathed, loud enough for Dina to hear.
“Hey, I’m the one who has no love for the dens, remember?”
“Yeah, well, all I can say is that it’s no wonder they’re universally despised as a race. You’re not to see him alone, understand?”
“I know. You told me that already.”
“Just reinforcing the idea.”
“As if it’d need reinforcing after that cheery meet.”
They rode back to the city in silence, thoughts of Rayn stealing from her concentration. She hoped he knew what he was doing. He had asked for her trust. It seemed she had no choice now but to give it.
Back in Aeternus, Dina and Jon met in his room after a quick clean up and change of clothing. As Dina entered the room and sat down, Jon handed her an iced mocava.
“Well, what do you think? Is DeStar our killer, or you believe his story of a second dens?” asked Jon, sitting opposite Dina.
“His arrogance irritates me no end, but I’m inclined to believe him. DeStar is right. I can’t read him or the killer the way they can read me, but when I was attacked at the mine, I could sense a blackness, a darkness of the soul I didn’t feel the times I was with DeStar. I don’t have any proof, Jon, just instincts. My instincts tell me that DeStar is telling the truth.”
Jon sighed. “All right. We’ll leave it at that for now. Assuming this T’halamar does exist, any ideas on how we can apprehend him?”
“No. And since we don’t trust our resident expert on the dens, Mr. DeStar . . .” Dina let the thought trail.
“No.”
“No, what?”
“The man is dangerous. Never mind he’s egotistical, manipulative, and overbearing. He’s downright dangerous. He’s got his own agenda, and you can be sure it doesn’t match ours. He’ll spin you a web of lies and half-truths and have you believing every word of it. You’re not to contact him.”
Dina raised her hands in a gesture of surrender. “Hey, I agree with you. One hundred percent.”
“Let’s forget about him for now. We seem to make more progress on this case when we’re not wasting our time on Rayn DeStar. What are your plans for today?”
“I’m interviewing two ex-miners. I think you’re right about Mother Lode being at the heart of all this, and I’m hoping that ex-miners will be more forthcoming with inside information. Current guild members haven’t been very helpful. They know if they say the wrong thing their job and guild status are in jeopardy.”
“Sounds like a good idea,” Jon remarked. “I haven’t had any luck arranging for a new independent survey of the mines. It appears there aren’t any qualified surveyors on Exodus now. Mother Lode apparently ships them in only when they’re needed, and we don’t have time to do that. Have you started on the company financial records yet?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Keep at it. Meet back here at the usual time. Where are you having your interview with the ex-miners?”
“I don’t know yet. I’m waiting for a message from them.”
“All right. Let me know. I should be here.”
Back in her room, Dina was anxious to talk to Rayn. She wanted to ask him about the morning meeting with Jon, and she wanted to ask him about Gyn. Gods, there were a thousand things she wanted to ask him.
Rayn?
I’m honored you’re still speaking to me.
Dina sighed. First she had had to put up with Jon’s display of loathing and anger, and now she had to put up with Rayn’s attitude. What are you talking about?
Your partner has a strong, how shall I put it? Dislike? Distrust? How about good old-fashioned ‘hatred.’ Your partner has a ‘hatred’ for me. I thought he might influence your feelings.
He tried. My feelings are my own.
You don’t have any doubts about that?
No.
He hesitated, as if he had been about to say something. When he did speak, it was on a new subject.
Dyll and Rae are on their way. They should arrive at the city within the hour. They’ll wait for you at the Oasis. They’re legal, but they don’t have any security clearance. However, if you can think of a better place for the interview, let them know. I’m sure they’ll willingly follow you anywhere.
Rayn. You’re not jealous of your own men, are you?
I should be. I trust my men, but I’ve seen how you pick up men and dangle them from your fingertips.
She steamed. Somehow, as always, he had taken her thrust, parried it, and riposted.
Now don’t sputter, little girl. I trust you, even if you don’t trust me.
The ‘little girl’ is not sputtering. She hated it when he called her that, but even piqued, she felt an overpowering need to see him. When can I see you?
For the first time that day a smile was reflected in his Voice. When your interviews are over. Until then.
Dina tried to redirect her thoughts. If she thought about Rayn all the time, she’d go crazy. While she changed clothes for her meeting with Kindyll Sirkhek and Raethe Avarti, she thought about the questions
she wanted to ask them. She put on the rose-beige desert suit she had worn the day she had first met Rayn. Strange that she thought more about Rayn than the attack when she recalled that day. Almost absentmindedly, she fingered the suit, which had been repaired and cleaned, and remembered how his Voice had felt inside her mind, so intimate, yet so chilling, like the stroke of a cold hand. She sighed. So much for trying not to think about Rayn. She left a message for Jon regarding her destination, and in twenty minutes was on her way to the Crown.
As she entered the Oasis, she tried reaching out with her feelings to see if she could detect the presence of others the way she could detect Rayn’s presence. Nothing. She walked slowly through the rooms and saw the fountain she had sat next to the night she had tried calling Rayn, the night he was poisoned. The seat was unoccupied, and she continued on until she saw the two men sitting in a secluded corner. Both rose upon seeing Dina.
“Thank you both for coming. Please sit,” greeted Dina in her most professional tone.
“It’s our pleasure to help you any way we can,” replied Kindyll. The words might have sounded rote coming from someone else, but Kindyll’s forthright hazel eyes and genuine smile told Dina the words came from his heart.
She told them she preferred to question them separately regarding the mines and the surveys, and they agreed without question. Raethe rose, stated he would wait in the Mocava Cave until Dina sent for him, and took his leave.
“Kindyll, how long ago did you leave Mother Lode’s employ?”
“About six months. My contract ended just after Dais was killed. It was the perfect opportunity to get out without breaking my contract. Others weren’t so lucky.”
“Were you a friend of Dais’?”
“Sure. All the desert rats knew Crazy Dais, and everybody liked him. He’d been working the mines here longer than most, so he had a lot of know-how. He was respected. When he was killed, it was more than just a shock.”
“How rich is the gem-bearing rock? Are the mines playing out sooner than expected?”
A frown drew Kindyll’s golden brows together. “How did you manage to find that out? It’s Mother’s best kept secret.”
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