My mother was smart to get me a paper ticket that didn’t come with a digital tracker. But now, I’m not sure if getting it back in one piece is worth the risk of doing whatever Lingon is scheming behind his ugly red eyes. His artificially forked gray tongue swipes over a pale lip.
He doesn’t want me. He wants to punish me. And I’ve seen the bruised women that leave his ship.
I’m surprised the feds aren’t stepping in unless this is the first time they’ve encountered Lingon in such a manner. Maybe they’re excusing his behavior because he parades his humanitarian work while stealing from those he helps behind their backs.
Maybe they’re in on it.
My father used to say something about things not being a crime if it was happening for the first time. Legal crimes versus moral crimes are where we had our biggest differences.
The feds aren’t police. They’re investigators. They can detain but not jail. They’d need Spaceport security or police for that. But right now, I wish they would intervene.
“Tell me where the stockpile is, and I’ll let you go. Where did your father store his prized possessions?” Lingon asks.
“A planet called Agorak in the Cibarra system.” That was the last place I ever served him. “But I’m sure you already know that.”
“Checked there.”
“Met my brother?”
Lingon waggles his head. “Didn’t crack him, but I rattled him a little.”
Doubt that.“Cazir is probably playing you. He’s real maniacal like Dad.”He didn’t used to be.
Lingonholds my ticket in front of him and grabs another corner as if to rip it in half. “Try insulting me again.”
Panic lances through me. “I don’t know, Lingon! I’d tell you if I did because I don’t give a damn about the shit he stole! You could have it all for all I care! But I don’t fucking know!”
The pressure in my face tells me I’m probably red with rage. I don’t care. I can’t take my eyes off the paper.
“Ooh,” Lingon sings out. “She ispissed.”
“That is the last thing my mother gave me! Yes, I’m fucking pissed.”
“So am I,” a deep voice rumbles.
Lingon pales and arches. The men around us freeze.
“Give it to her in one piece. Let her go. Or my Haxgun willblowyou in two.”
The muscle in my chest races, thrusting my pulse into my ears and making me tremble with fear. I don’t know what’s happening or who has them all spooked. But I’m immediately let go. Lingon hands me the ticket but doesn’t relax. Curious, I slowly walk around him.
Someone has the balls to stand up to Lingon and every single one of his buddies. The gall, the power they must possess, but more so the heart they must have to risk it all for me and my little piece of paper, has me unexpectedly hot.
They extend a second weapon that lights up around their wrist with a multitude of shots.
Green skin. High-tech weapons. Who the hell is this guy?
I have to thank them, and yet I fear their price. In this universe, everyone works for someone.
2: Elix
It took me months to catch a break between clients and battles with the Nebulous Empire, Novarks, and corrupt Terran security, so I could track down my own target.
I should’ve never left her side.But I was a stowaway at thirteen that the police wanted to catch for their orphan corps.
The wavy-haired brunette at the opposite end of the bar sets her empty glass down with a dirty, bleeding hand that shakes. I can see it from where I sit.
Leaning back against the wall, I tune my hearing to isolate her voice among the drone of the others. She can’t afford another drink, but it looks like she needs one.
