Justyn winked. “Alchemia has a certain old-fashioned charm.”
Nissa pondered the idea, and at the same time, felt the maddening brush of Justyn’s fingers again. Not a mistake this time. A deliberate touch that traced along her left shoulder blade. She shrugged to break contact. “I still can’t see Mackon wanting the Constitution.”
“Believe me, the guy would think it the ultimate irony to have the damn thing hanging in that floating fortress he calls home.”
Nissa stood and turned. “We’ll consider it, but for now focus on Remala.” She glanced at her team, waited for their nods of agreement.
A chime sounded from a console. Gavin tapped at the screen then looked up. “Solomon’s ship’s been spotted by a Patrol scoutship.”
“Where?” Nissa said sharply.
“At the Rimla Science Station. Near the galaxy border.”
Justyn flashed her a smug grin. “Only a few hundred million kilometers from Alchemia.”
Nissa used all her self-discipline to stay in control. Damn, she wanted to smack that grin off his face. “Fine. Lieutenant Allard, send the coordinates to navigation and set course for Alchemia.”
“It won’t work, Nissa.”
Justyn watched Nissa, all spit and polish in her navy-blue uniform, outlined by the large, floor-to-ceiling windows in her office off the ops room. Damned if he didn’t itch to strip that uniform off her, slowly, and find out what she wore beneath it.
She spun and he saw those stunning eyes with their elongated pupils were hot.
“That’s Captain Sander to you.”
Fuck, that whiskey-smooth voice of hers drove him crazy. “Fine. Your plan is asinine,Captain Sander.”
She slashed a hand through the air. “I’ve been chasing criminals quite a long time, Phoenix.” A pointed look.
She sure liked to point out his criminal status. All the time.
“My plan is sound,” she said. “Take an armed security team down to the Alchemian capital, Cirrus City, find Solomon, and acquire the Constitution.”
Justyn pressed his palms against her glossy black desk and leaned forward. “As soon as a uniformed Patrol team sets foot on the floating city, Mackon’s men will be all over you. Remember, you don’t have jurisdiction there. He can slaughter your team, and no one will blink.”
He could see her chewing on that. He loved that clever mind. She’d almost outwitted him so many times, and he knew, for allthe spit and polish, she was an expert at strategic, outside the box thinking.
“We need to go in quietly,” he said. “Dress like the locals. Ask discreet questions about Solomon’s whereabouts.”
“How many people?”
He knew she’d see reason. “Two. Me and one other.”
She raised a brow. “You? You think I’m going to let you take the lead on this?”
“Yes. Because I’ve been to Alchemia, I know people there, and I’m your best chance.”
She huffed out a breath. “Dammit, you’re right.”
He shot her a wide smile. “I could get used to hearing you say that, darlin’.”
She pulled a face. “Dream on, Phoenix.”
He fought to keep his smile in place. He had so many dreams about this woman saved up. He’d gotten used to falling into his bunk every night and seeing her face in his sleep.
“Tell me who you’re assigning to come with me and I’ll organize some disguises. I’ve heard you have a pretty kickass goods printer on board.” Allard had told him about it. Justyn could code in whatever he needed and the printer would create it.
“I’m coming with you.”
