She smiled. “Thank you. And please, call me Avril.”
She really was a cute thing. In a different lifetime, he would have been interested in talking history with her…and coaxing her into bed. “Avril, I’m not interested in whatever the Institute has to say. Even if they picked someone attractive to pass on the message.”
She blushed prettily. “I have a job for you.”
“I left the Institute’s employ. Surely you know all the sordid details.” He wondered if she was up to her pretty neck in it all, too. He hoped not.
“He was fired,” Dathan added unhelpfully.
Nik shot his brother a scowl.
“I don’t care about the past. The Institute needs your help.” Her expression turned serious. “I need your help.” Her voice lowered. “I need someone I can trust with…precious pieces of history.”
Dammit, his interest was piqued. He knew she was alluding to the dark elements within the Institute who didn’t give a damn about protecting history.
He drew in a breath but stayed silent.
Buoyed by his lack of pushback, she kept going. “I’m mounting an expedition.”
Don’t go there, Niklas. The past was the past, and often it was best left buried. He knew that better than anyone. “Not interested. Sorry.”
She kept going like he hadn’t spoken. “I’ve hired outside help…some retrieval specialists.”
He arched a brow. “You mean treasure hunters.”
“Right.” Her mouth twisted slightly, as though he’d said a bad word.
“Still not interested.” Although he had to admit, he was curious what would motivate the Institute to hire treasure hunters.
She smiled. “Even in an expedition to Earth?”
Nik stilled. He heard Dathan and Zayn gasp. Everything inside him went quiet. Earth had been a long-held dream of his. One he’d given up on when he’d left the Institute.
“An expedition to Earth would be too expensive. It’s a hell of a long trip and there’s nothing left there.” Destroyed by a war and the ravages of millennia. “And it’s protected.”
The Galactic Ruling Council let no one near the planet.
Dr. Luma-Smythe straightened and smiled again. “I have the permits already.” She reached out and touched his arm. “It’s been kept very quiet, but a new space-time distortion appeared recently. One that forms a bridge right into Earth’s star system.”
He felt like he’d been hit in the gut by a hard punch.
“I’d really like you on the expedition,” she said.
Temptation. He stood there, aware everyone was staring at him. Dathan’s gaze was moving around like he was having a seizure. It was clear he didn’t like the idea.
“I know Earth is a radioactive mess, and there have long been rumors that it’s…dangerous, thanks to those early expeditions. Well, the ones that returned. This trip won’t be easy or anything like a regular Institute dig.” She spread her hands out. “That’s why I fought to be able to hire treasure hunters who are more experienced with…expeditions like this.”
Nik assessed the facts. He had the knowledge of Earth’s history and the treasure-hunting experience. The chance to see Earth, to hunt for her treasures, versus working with the very people who destroyed his career. Finally, with a heavy heart, he shook his head. “The Institute cannot be trusted. Sorry, but it’s a no.”
The astro-archeologist’s shoulders sagged, the light going out of her eyes. “I understand. But if you change your mind, let me know.” She motioned to her agents who headed back toward their shuttle.
“Excuse me?” Dathan swaggered forward. “Our treasure. It was seized legally under Statute 700-135 of the Artifact Retrieval Act.”
Nik ran his tongue over his teeth. Dathan hated quoting statutes.
Dr. Luma-Smythe smiled. “Of course. Agent Ryant, please return the idol to the Phoenix brothers.”
Galen did not look happy, but reluctantly handed the idol to Niklas. Their eyes met, and Nik forced the pain of looking at his former friend away.
