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Elara nodded. “That’s right.”
“Good timing. We’ve got new intel on your, ah, situation,” Laux hinted.
I crossed my arms expectantly. “Let’s hear it then.”
“Over here, boss.”
Elara stuck close as we gathered around the table. Laux tapped the console, bringing up a dense holographic data projection.
“We’ve compiled all known information about the mystery plant,” Sakkar explained. “Looks like a lot, but most is hearsay.”
“The facts are here,” Ryrik added. “Most interesting—we know someone else is searching for it, too.”
I tensed. “Who?”
Ryrik swiped through the files, enlarging a surveillance image of a human woman.
“A human named Jocelyn Callister.”
“A human?” I repeated incredulously. What could she want with the bizarre plant? I expected the usual underworld heads as suspects, not another of Elara’s kind. A glance her way showed she seemed just as bewildered.
“Laux is still investigating how she learned of the flower,” Sakkar continued.
“Got it now,” Laux announced, transferring a new file to the holo-display—the scientist’s credentials from a respected research institution.
“Seems legitimate,” I mused.
“Until she went rogue conducting unauthorized experiments on live subjects,” Sakkar said darkly. “Dismissed for unethical practices.”
I swore under my breath. “Not good at all.”
“It gets worse. Our sources say the flower holds immense power, though its nature is unknown. But if a scientist is after it...” Ryrik trailed off ominously.
“Do we know her current location?” I asked sharply.
“She’s been spotted around Thodos recently.”
“Damn it all,” I growled, rounding on Elara. “Have you seen this woman near your shop?”
Elara’s gaze darted between us, naked fear in her eyes. Suspicion flared within me.
“Well? Do you recognize her?” I demanded.
Elara sighed heavily. “Yes. She came into the shop once.”
“What?” I snapped. “What happened? Tell me everything.”
“She just seemed interested in a bouquet, I think. But she left without buying anything.”
I sensed her holding back. “Is that all? We need the full truth.”
Elara hesitated before mumbling, “She glimpsed the flower.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose, swearing vehemently. This situation spiraled further out of control by the minute.
“I asked if anything happened and you never thought to mention her?” I spat.
“Well how was I to know she was some suspect?” Elara shot back, anger flashing in her eyes. “She seemed perfectly nice, so I trusted her as a fellow human!”
