Justyn realized what the jerk was about to do. “Nissa, watch out?—”
The man slammed her in the side of her head.
She tumbled to the floor. Solomon sprang to his feet, hitching the document holder securely over his shoulder. Then he pulled out a wicked-looking electro-knife. Blue electricity crackled along its blade.
“Stay back.”
Justyn breathed through his nose, fighting the urge to deck the man. Ignoring Solomon, he knelt beside Nissa. Blood flowed down her temple and right cheek. “You okay?”
With a wince, she nodded and looked at Solomon. “No!”
The treasure hunter had just cut a long slit in the side of the tent and was climbing out.
“Go!” Nissa urged. “Catch him. I’ll follow in a second.”
Justyn helped her up. She was unsteady on her feet, but her eyes were clear and focused.
“Go. That’s an order, Phoenix.”
Damn, she was sexy when she was tossing orders. He spun and dived through the opening.
He barreled through the market. Ahead, he glimpsed Solomon’s red waistcoat. Justyn jumped, and dodged, and bumped into unsuspecting shoppers, but he was gaining on the treasure hunter.
As he sprinted down one aisle of shops, he caught sight of a pair of Mackon’s guards in the distance. They spotted the commotion of the chase and with a few shouts, started in Justyn’s direction.
Great. He hurried on, racing around a corner and into another aisle. He paused, searching the crowd.There. A flash of red ahead.
This area was cleared of tents. Instead, there were stacks of crates and boxes piled high. It looked like some sort of marketstorage area. Solomon slowed to a walk, reaching the edge of the platform. He leaned over the black railing and glanced down.
Justyn slowed as well, his heart still pounding. “It’s a very long drop. Not much chance you’d survive the fall, but if you did, the native sharks, genetically-engineered kraken, or Mackon’s mechanical giant squid would get a tasty little snack.” Justyn gestured with his fingers. “Hand it over.”
Solomon raised a brow. “Why the hell would I want to do that?” He jiggled the holder. “This is going to make me the most famous treasure hunter in the galaxy.”
Justyn snorted. “I think that title is taken, and I have the unfortunate duty of being related to Dathan. He won’t want to give it up.”
Solomon’s face remained impassive. “You’re a Phoenix?”
“Justyn Phoenix.”
“The smuggler?”
“Ah, my reputation precedes me. Well, I’d be happy for you to take the title of most infamous smuggler on the edge.” He thought of Nissa. “It causes me a lot of hassle.”
“You’re going to take this and sell it the highest bidder,” Solomon said.
“Nope. The woman you clobbered back there—” he thrust a thumb over his shoulder “—she really is GSS. She needs to return it to the Institute.”
Something flashed in the other man’s eyes. “Is she okay?”
Justyn didn’t want to see the man’s regret or concern. He wanted to take a swing at him. “Probably got a nasty headache, which won’t improve her temperament. She won’t be gentle about throwing you in the brig.”
Solomon’s lips twitched. “Sounds like you’re speaking from experience?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” And he’d probably have the dubious pleasure of having her do it again sometime. Then he frowned.Except after this, she’d get a cushy posting back in the central systems and he’d never see her again.
“Why are you helping her? And the GSS? You’re a criminal.”
Justyn straightened. “That’s a fine accusation coming from you. Look, give the document over to me.”
