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THIRTY-FOUR
Thirty minutes later, Renna had stashed her bag in one of Aldani’s guest rooms and was sitting on a hard exam table as he flashed a light into her eyes.
“Why would you protect Navang?” she asked. “We could have stopped this days ago if you’d just told us the truth.”
Aldani sighed and looked her in the face. “I needed to know how much Navang knew about Myka and the drugs before I went after him myself. And if you were captured, it was better that you knew nothing.”
“You’re a doctor. What exactly did you think you were going to do with him?” Renna frowned.
“I was going to offer a trade. Offer to work for him. Whatever he wanted in exchange for the boy.”
“Blackmail never works out. You’ve been around long enough to know that. Navang would have killed you eventually or turned you into one of those hybrids.”
He rubbed his eyes. “I know. It was stupid. But he killed my brother and sister-in-law. I wanted revenge, and this was the only way I could think to get close to him.”
Renna’s jaw dropped. “I thought they were killed in the attack.”
“No, they were killed before the attack. Navang wanted them out of the way so he could get Myka and the formula. He’s been searching for the boy ever since.”
“I had no idea.”
“I should have told you. Trusted you.” Aldani shook his head. “I can’t do anything to fix what Navang did to you, but I will do whatever I can to make you comfortable.”
“Just make sure Myka is okay. I’ll deal.”
Aldani shook his head. “You’re an amazing woman, Renna. We’re lucky Dallas hired you to help. I can’t think of anyone else who would have rescued a perfect stranger.”
His gratitude made her uncomfortable, so she jumped down from the table to study one of the holopads on the counter. “Myka’s not safe yet. And you need to get out of here. Have you gathered your research?”
“Downloaded and ready to go. Pulled a few things into a bag. Can’t take too much or they’ll get suspicious.” Aldani’s lips curved into a smile. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, Renna, but I want you to know I’m in your debt. And if things get too bad…” He opened a drawer and pulled out a medipatch. “This will put you in a peaceful sleep. You won’t feel a thing. Your heart will stop, and you’ll drift off. Painlessly.”
Renna swallowed and took the patch. “Thank you, Doctor. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I appreciate it.” Right now the pain in her head wasn’t too bad, but it could change any second. It was nothing more than a ticking time bomb.
He squeezed her shoulder. “Enough of that. You’re a strong woman, and I know you’re going to save us all. You already have. And in the meantime, I’ll do my best to work on something to save you.”
Together they walked back to the hangar. Myka spotted his uncle and ran down the gangplank. The older man caught the boy up in his arms and kissed his head. “Glad you’re feeling better, my boy. Now let’s get back on board. We’re leaving.”
Myka frowned. “Is Renna coming with us?”
She shook her head. “I’m going to stay here for a while, but you’ll have Captain Finn and your Uncle David and even Viktis to protect you. It’ll be fine.” She hugged the boy before stepping back. “I’ll see you soon, kid.”
“Promise?” His dark eyes shimmered with tears, and she nodded.
“Promise.”
Aldani and Myka disappeared into the ship, leaving Viktis behind to fiddle with one of the tech panels.
She walked over and leaned against the ship. “Hey.”
“Hey,” he said, closing the door and turning to face her. “How are you feeling?”
“Doc gave me something for the pain. I’ll be okay.” She shuffled her boot against the cement. “Thanks for doing this.”
He pulled her into a hug, and she inhaled his familiar scent of cedar and starfuel. “I figure I owe you one after trying to kill you. I’ll keep your men safe.”
She grinned at him. “I’m going to hold you to that. You know you’re included, right?”
“I was hoping. Maybe I have a chance after all.” He winked and squeezed her hand. “Looks like the captain wants to say his goodbyes, too. Take care of yourself, love.” Viktis retreated back into the ship as Finn came down the gangplank.
“Everything all set?” she asked. Her gaze traveled across his broad shoulders to the cleft in his chin. Memorizing him. This could be the last time she saw him.
“As much as it can be. Gheewala’s changed the Athena’s signature; I’ve had Keva take care of the ship’s registry. Once Viktis finds us a place to hide, we’ll be invisible.”
“Good. He and I have an old merc trick we’ll use to communicate. I’ll send the all-clear as soon as I can. Stay out of trouble in the meantime.” She smiled up at him. “And don’t kill the pirate. We need him.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Finn stepped closer, and butterflies danced in her stomach. He trailed a finger down her cheek. “Rain check on that shore leave?”
She nodded. “It’s a date. Don’t go falling for any sexy mercenaries while I’m gone, or I’ll have to track you down.”
“Well, if that’s all it’ll take…” He smiled sadly. “I promised myself I’d never go back to that life, Renna. And here I am about to turn traitor.”
She shrugged. “I promised myself I’d never get caught, and here I am handing myself in.”
“If it helps, just remember that I caught you first.” Finn pulled her to his chest, kissing her hard and deep. A goodbye kiss she’d remember.
“Promise me you’ll be careful,” he said.
“I can’t promise that. Could you?”
He frowned and shook his head. “Probably not. But try, for me.”
“Hey, you’re talking to the Star Thief. Covering my ass is what I do best. Now get out of here before MYTH arrives.”
He kissed her again, one last time, holding her for an extra heartbeat. And then he turned and walked back into the ship, not looking back.
The Athena’s engine’s roared to life, and Renna backed away as it lifted off through the roof.
Her implant spun up as soon as she thought about contacting Major Larson. “Help me,” she whispered. “They’re escaping with the boy.”
