Page 139 of Alien Burn

Then she turned to leave.

The corridor light caught her hair, silver-white against the dull metal. She passed within a few feet of Dhomhes. He could have reached out and caught her arm.

He stayed where he was.

One captured operative. At least one more person somewhere beyond this block waiting for news. He needed to see where she went before she realized the visit had been watched. The guards would follow her; she would not reach another guest alone.

Roemary turned the corner.

He waited until the sound of her steps had gone, then signaled his lead.

“Stay with her. Quietly. I want to know where she goes next.”

The acknowledgment came against his wrist.

Dhomhes looked toward Burk's cell. The male sat with his head lowered. Roemary had left him behind as easily as she had sent Sereya to another seat.

He thought of the two females beside each other on the transport. Sereya speaking close to Adryel, her face carefully composed afterward. A warning given despite what it might cost her.

Then he remembered her fingers on his sleeve.

Roemary had just told Burk to look for the person Adryel trusted most.

She had been watching Sereya learn to trust someone too.

He called the guard on Sereya's corridor as he started walking.

This time he had a very particular door to get back to.

20

DHOMHES

Sereya opened the door with a cup in her hand.

“That was quick.”

“Are you complaining?”

“I'm deciding whether to pretend I hadn't been listening for you.”

He had meant to give her a brief warning, confirm the guard arrangements, and leave her to sleep. Instead he stood looking at her bare feet, at the loose fall of her hair, at the small smile she hadn't yet taken back.

“Don't,” he said.

Her smile grew. Then she looked at his face more closely and stepped aside.

He waited until the door shut behind him.

“I have confirmed that Roemary is working with the male who attacked Adryel.”

Sereya lowered the cup.

He showed her the captured male's image. Burk. Then he told her about Roemary's visit to his cell. No imitation of her voice this time. No amusement to make the information easier to hear. Sereya listened with her fingers wrapped around the cup and her eyes on his.

“What happens now?”

“The duty authority has the recording and my request for detention. The Alliance representative has challenged the search and wants the original recording authenticated. Until that's settled, she stays in the receiving rooms under escort. No private visits, no access to the guest wing. She can ask the guards for counsel. We're watching for anyone who tries to reach her.”