Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Starport Cruzeno

T he M3 settled onto its landing pads in the outer bays of Starport Cruzeno, inconspicuous amongst the other nondescript small freighters.

Cilla put the collar and lead onto Maahes and straightened her jacket. "The first thing I'm going to want is a decent shower and a change of clothes."

"I'll second that." Yrena wrinkled her nose. "I bet we all stink."

Darius grinned. "We won't be too bad. At least we had a shower." He opened the hatch and extended the ramp. Outside, large white clouds drifted in a sky with a slightly greenish cast. At least it wasn't overcast. He'd had enough of uninterrupted gray.

He led the way down to the ground, Yrena behind him.

"Yuck. It stinks," Yrena muttered, her nose wrinkled.

"You'll get used to it. Every planet has its own smell." He looked past her to Cilla. "Okay?"

"Sure." She slipped on dark glasses purloined from Yrena's cabin and whined, "I'm a girl with very poor eyesight. I need my companion to look after me."

He laughed. "Don't overdo it. Arrivals is up here." He pointed to a gateway into the starport's terminal. "You'll be going through scanners, checking your implants. I expect they'll stop us because of Maahes."

He was right. A Starport official, flanked by a uniformed guard carrying an X-18 weapon approached them. He looked nervous.

"Ah… the animal?"

"Maahes is my service companion," Cilla said. "I can't do without him. He carries his own ID. Your scanners should have picked it up."

The big cat sat beside her, unconcerned.

The official checked his screen and nodded. "Yes. Of course. It's just…"

Cilla smiled at him. "He's harmless, despite appearances. He's trained to look after me. He won't attack anyone." She fondled Maahes's ears and he looked up at her.

Darius noted the look the official exchanged with the guard. He very much doubted that Maahes wouldn't attack anyone. Especially if they threatened Cilla.

The official made an entry on his screen. "You may find that not everyone is so understanding, even though it is a registered companion."

"I understand. We're used to it." Cilla headed off to the exit into the street without a backward glance.

Darius waited until she was a few steps away. "We hired a skimmer?"

"Of course." The official stopped watching Maahes and handed over a keycard. "Press the button and the keycard will take you to the vehicle. Enjoy your stay." He returned to his desk screen.

The keycard directed Darius out of the building and along a walkway to a line of parked skimmers, most of them older models, then beeped when they arrived at their hire vehicle.

Yrena turned her lip up. "I asked for a good one. I certainly paid for a good one."

Darius slipped into the driver's seat. "It's probably the best they've got. Anyway, it'll do. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves."

She sat down beside him, not impressed. "I'll be glad to get out of here."

"So will I, believe me." He entered the address of their rented accommodation and let the vehicle find a route.

"Shouldn't we be picking up Cilla and Maahes?"

"Yes. But not straight away. We'll meet them down by the ocean."

Yrena snorted again. "Shower? Decent food?"

Darius set the vehicle in motion, directing it to take the tour programmed into its systems. "Get the bad guys off our trail? Buy a change of clothes? Maahes is a cat. He needs to stretch his legs. And it gives them a bit of personal time together."

Darius turned down the sound of the AI's commentary. He didn't much care about the history of the local palace. Yrena stared at him, a strange expression on her face. "She adores him, doesn't she?"

He could swear she looked… what? Jealous? No, sad, or longing, as if it was something she would have liked. "She does. And he adores her. He looks after her." He might have been a little jealous himself. When he tried to look after her, her reaction wasn't the same at all.

The skimmer turned a corner, idling its way through a shopping mall as the AI quietly told them all about it. " Here you'll find goods from all over the Confederacy. And Stavia's offers a selection of Ptorix jewelry unrivalled …"

"I thought maybe I could buy him." Yrena chewed her lip.

He shook his head, trying hard to swallow the laugh. Maahes himself wouldn't let that happen. "Not everything's for sale."

"I don't think he likes me much."

No, he didn't. "He's bonded to her. It's his job to look after her."

Darius was aware of Yrena staring at him. "He doesn't trust me, is that what you're saying?"

What could he say? Darius lifted one shoulder. "What do you think?"

She had the grace to laugh. "I suppose that might have been fair enough. What will you do when this is over?"

He shrugged. Somehow, limping into retirement had ceased to appeal. "Go back to Fleet."

"I was serious about the job offer. You and Cilla and Maahes could be together."

That sounded so good. He could imagine waking up next to Cilla in the morning, doing something else with that hard-on. Maybe Maahes wouldn't mind. But that was a problem, wasn't it? Was there room in her heart for … another male? Would she be interested in a wounded warrior like him? Probably not. And then there was Maahes. Would he allow something like that?

He shook himself. Right now, he had to get Yrena back to her dad and Cilla to Malmos. And then he'd move on. He'd been looking for a parking place and was ready when another vehicle lifted into the air.

"Nice to have a bit of luck." He parked the skimmer. They'd agreed that he and Yrena would shop for a change of clothes for all of them. Clothing, it seemed, was Yrena's area of expertise. "Remember, casual, simple—"

"Don't stand out. Yes, I know." She gestured at a shop with a large sign reading 'Strides'. "They're a mid-range chain which should suit." She headed for the store. "Under normal circumstances you wouldn't catch me in here in a fit."

Darius swallowed a grin. He didn't think he'd ever go so far as to like Yrena, but she'd changed since he'd first met her on the Galaxy Adventurer . Getting kidnapped might have that effect on most people.

To his surprise, Yrena didn't spend much time making her purchases. She bought simple, dark colored pants and shirts for all of them, along with serviceable underwear. She paid a little more for boots that would mold to the buyer's feet.

She paid the bill, leaving Darius to carry the parcels, and led the way back to the skimmer.

Darius stowed their purchases in the trunk and directed the vehicle toward the beach where they'd agreed to meet Cilla a short distance from the town. Waves rolled onto a rocky shore and birds wheeled in air that smelled of ozone with a hint of seaweed. The area wasn't deserted but the few people were some distance away.

Cilla sat under a gnarled tree. He couldn't see Maahes. Cilla rose as the skimmer approached and then Darius saw the big cat when he moved, perfectly disguised in the nearby undergrowth.

"Has he had a run?" Darius asked.

"He has. He had a wonderful time, rushing around like a cub," Cilla said. "Can we have that shower now?"

"Yes, we can. And a change of clothes. You and Maahes get in the back seat and keep down."

Cilla nodded and lay on the seat, Maahes cuddled alongside her. Darius felt a pang. How could he be jealous of a cat?

The bungalow they'd rented nestled in a hollow beside a lake.

"What a pretty spot," Yrena said as the vehicle stopped outside the front door. She made to exit the skimmer but Darius stopped her.

"Let's just check for hostiles," he said, drawing his gun.

" Anything to worry about, Maahes? " Darius asked as he slid quietly out of the driver's seat.

" Are there any strange people nearby ," Cilla translated.

" No. Just us ."

Even so, Darius kept his weapon handy as he unlocked the door and moved inside. The place was clean and neat, in keeping with the price they'd paid. Two bedrooms opened out from a central passage and a central living room and kitchen held comfortable chairs, a couch, and an entertainment system. It was a pity they wouldn't be staying here.

"I'll have this room," Yrena said from the nearest bedroom. "I'll be in the shower."

Cilla exchanged a smile with him. "She's nothing if not predictable. Um… I guess the other room is ours."

"I can sleep on the couch."

She shook her head. "I'd prefer it if you didn't. You know, in case of nightmares. We've already shared a bed without…" She shrugged, blushing.

They had, but the very thought conjured up urges he was finding it difficult to suppress.

"Okay, we can share. I'll behave myself." He smiled and she grinned.

"Do we know which clothes are hers?" she asked. "She'll need them."

Darius holstered his gun and brought the packages inside. Cilla sorted out which were Yrena's and put them on the bed in her chosen room, then went for her shower. Darius waited until the two women had finished before he took his turn in the washroom.

When he returned to the living room delicious smells drifted from the kitchen's replicator. Darius hadn't realized how hungry he was. Both women smiled at him, clearly just as happy as he was to be showered and dressed in clean clothes.

He wasn't surprised when Cilla did the serving, heaping a simple stew onto their plates. Darius was sure it was the best meal he'd eaten in months. He also wasn't surprised to see Cilla's eyelids drooping. Yrena wasn't much better.

He stirred himself to help tidy away the dishes, reminding himself to empty the recycler before they left. He'd better tell them the good news. "Have a good night, ladies. We'll be moving on tomorrow morning."

Yrena's eyebrows almost hit her hairline. "What? But it's great here."

"Until the Kuznetsov boys find us."

She scowled. "How? We've dumped the spaceship, changed our IDs—"

"Landed from an M3, hired a skimmer, rented an apartment. They're not stupid, Yrena. We need to keep a step ahead of them until your father's people find us."

Cilla nodded. "It's best if anyone who follows us thinks there's just you and Yrena. We'll have to tidy away our dishes and take our old clothes with us and throw them away somewhere else."

Good girl. She was thinking like a fugitive. Maybe she'd had practice.

Yrena wrinkled her nose. "I can't wait for this to be over."

"That makes three of us," Darius said.

"You get in bed," Fletcher said. "I'll wait in the washroom. Tell me when you're ready."

Cilla waited until the door closed and stripped quickly down to her underwear. This was going to be hard. No, that wasn't a good word. At least for him. To be honest, she wouldn't mind if he… if they. It had been a while since she'd had sex with anybody. She'd needed a few drinks to relax enough to let it happen and even then, it hadn't been wonderful. In fact, she hadn't been with a man since she'd had Maahes. The thing was, she'd grown to like him, admire the way he did things, how he handled Yrena. And Maahes liked him. That mattered. The big cat had curled up in a corner, his chin on his paws, the golden glow of his eyes no more than a slit.

" You are safe with me. And with him. "

With him? Cilla's heart jolted. Maahes wouldn't mind? "I'm ready," she called.

Darius came in, stripped down to his jocks, and slipped into the other side of the bed. "Goodnight." He rolled so his back faced her and turned out the light.

That was disappointing. Which was silly. She'd thought back on the Galaxy Explorer that he was interested in her as a woman. She'd made it clear back then she wasn't available. But that was a defense mechanism, wasn't it? Keep your distance, I don't trust you. The thing was, now she did trust him. And so did Maahes.

He'd put his arm over her the other night in the ship. Maybe she could do that? She edged closer to him.

A whiffling snore stopped her.

Damn it.

She rolled over and settled herself to sleep.

#

She woke with a start, suddenly aware of a presence beside her, an arm draped over her body. She sat up before she realized it was Darius.

He opened his eyes, instantly awake. "Sorry." He withdrew his arm and moved away from her.

"No, it's okay. Don't." She reached out, put her hand on his bare shoulder. The touch was enough to cause heat coursing through her body. "Darius."

A hint of a smile stretched his lips. He reached for her…

"Come on you two," Yrena said, banging on the door. "If I have to be up, so do you."

Darius squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head, then rolled out of bed. "Coming".

Cilla sighed. Great timing, Yrena. Thanks very much.

***

Serg showed the customs official an image of Yrena. "Have you seen this woman?"

The man glanced at the image and shifted his gaze to Serg. "I'm sorry, I can't release private information without a very good reason.

"She's a family friend. There's been a death in the family and she needs to know. Besides…" Serg shifted his hand showing the fellow a credit chip.

"Well, if you put it that way." He waited until Serg had placed the chip on the counter, then checked through the arrivals records. "She came in two days ago with a man."

Serg slipped another credit chip onto the counter. "Do you know where they're staying?"

The customs officer pocketed the chip and checked his records. "They hired a skimmer, and an apartment for a week." He showed Serg the address.

The big man's lips shifted into a grin that Forsyth would have called predatory. He was beginning to think Serg might be even more dangerous than Demtri.

"A week," Serg said as they walked away. "Maybe Cornelis has a long way to come."

"Maybe," Forsyth said. "But I wouldn't count on it. The sooner we get her the better."

"Agreed."

Serg fed the address into their skimmer's navigation system. It wasn't far, a bungalow by a lake. "Use manual control," he told Vlad. "We want to come in above the place, scan for people."

Vlad nodded. The skimmer rose to cruising height and headed toward the lake, a patch of blue in the near distance. As they approached the building Vlad slowed so that Georgi could deploy the scanner.

"Looks like they're not in," Georgi said.

That might be lucky, Forsyth thought. They could set up a welcoming committee for when they came back. "Let's have a look inside."

Georgi and Vlad made short work of opening the door and searched the premises.

"Nothing here, boss. Two rooms used, no clothes here, no skimmer. They've moved on."

Forsyth snarled. That would be Fletcher. Yrena wouldn't have the brains.

Serg broke into his thoughts. "Any ideas?"

"The skimmer's not here. Can we track that?"

"The ship can." He contacted Valkyr and explained what he wanted; location of a skimmer rented on this date from the space port.

Forsyth drummed his fingers on the skimmer's console. Time was ticking by and with every minute Cornelis's people were a bit closer. It felt like hours before the ship reported the location of Yrena's skimmer.

Georgi entered the ID into the skimmer's tracker. "Looks like the other side of town."

Serg grinned as he strode toward their skimmer. "Let's find them."

Vlad skirted the city, flying over suburbs until they picked up the track in an industrial suburb.

Their target was moving, slowly at first, idling down a street. It stopped for a few minutes, then shot off at speed, heading out of town.

"Get level and shoot it down," Serg said.

Georgi drew level and Forsyth caught a glimpse of a grinning youth gesturing at them before the skimmer raced ahead. Vlad sped after him while Georgi leveled his pistol. The second shot hit the skimmer's stabilizers and it bucked, going down from side to side billowing smoke before it crashed and ploughed a furrow as it ground to a halt in an empty field.

Vlad and Georgi ran to the vehicle, their weapons drawn. Forsyth got out with Serg, knowing it wouldn't be Yrena and Fletcher. Two scared kids clambered out of the wreckage, their hands up.

"Where did you get the skimmer?" Forsyth asked, pointing his gun at the driver's chest.

The kid swallowed, his gaze flicking between Forsyth and the gun. "Found it. In the parking lot at Mewson's. It'd been there overnight. We just thought we'd take it for a spin."

The other kid nodded, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"Okay." Forsyth lowered his weapon. "Bugger off before I decide I'd like to kill you."

They ran.

Serg's eyebrows lifted.

"It's obvious, isn't it?" Forsyth said before the big man could say anything. "They ditched the skimmer. Selected a location and sent it off. You can bet they're not around here." Smart. Damn Fletcher, damn him to hell. He would enjoy killing him.

"So, we've lost them," Serg said, scowling.

Probably. But if they had, old man Kuznetsov would not be happy. And he wouldn't get his pay day. He had to think like them, think like Cornelis. His daughter was here, being hunted. What would he do? Grab her as quickly as he could.

"Think like Cornelis, Serg. He'll arrive, send down a lander to wherever she is, and get out of here."

Serg cocked an eyebrow. "Sure. How does that help us?"

"We just need to get to her first. If we know where the lander will be, we can be waiting."

Serg snorted. "Huh. All we have to do is find the lander."

Forsyth grinned. "Exactly. Tell Valkyr to go into stealth mode. The Cornelis ship will be here soon. Then Valkyr can tell us when the lander leaves and where it goes. This skimmer is fast enough for us to get there first."

Serg scratched his temple. "Sounds reasonable. But I think we ought to check to see if they've hired another skimmer or gone to another city." He contacted Valkyr and ordered the traces.

It was possible, although Forsyth doubted it. Fletcher was bound to realize that any monetary transactions were traceable. Still, you never knew. Fletcher could make a mistake. "Let's move into the center of the city. Whichever way they go, we'll be in a good position to chase."

***

Yrena and Darius had hired a room at the Parkside hotel near the edge of the city. Cilla waited in the park over the road until they had been inside for ten minutes before she and Maahes joined them. Darius opened the door for them and stood aside to let them in.

Cilla took in the scuffed and worn furniture, creaking air conditioning, and threadbare carpet. It certainly wasn't five star, not the sort of place Yrena would be used to.

Yrena must have noticed her expression. She sniffed. "You're right. It's a dump."

"Doesn't matter," Darius said. "There's a park over the road. Rhapsody will be able to land a shuttle. It won't be much longer." He lounged in a chair, long legs extended, crossed at the ankles.

Yrena sat on the couch, her fingers playing a tattoo on her thighs.

Cilla tried sitting in a chair, picking at the arms. Then she paced, circling around the coffee table.

No one spoke.

Maahes's tail slashed from side to side where he crouched next to Cilla's chair. " What's wrong? " Cilla asked him.

" She is nervous. He is nervous ."

Well, yes. She was nervous, too. Surely Yrena's people couldn't be too far away. But then again, maybe the Kuznetsovs weren't too far away, either.

Yrena sat bolt upright and lifted her hand, her expression changed from nervous to expectant. "Yes."

Cilla straightened. Someone had called her.

Yrena pressed her fist to her mouth for a moment, relief lightening her expression. "They're here. They're putting a lander down in the park over the road. We're to head over there in fifteen minutes. Or at least, I will." She licked her lips. Glancing between her and Darius. "You don't have to come. You'd be safe here, pick up a commercial flight or something. I'll give you the credits."

Darius had already taken out his gun, checking it over. "Oh, I think we'll come. We've come this far. I won't feel comfortable until I know you're safe."

Yrena blinked.

Cilla would bet it wasn't the response the gangster's daughter had expected. But Cilla wasn't surprised. He hadn't wanted to be involved in the search for Yrena but after he had committed, he was going to see it through. It was one of the things she lo —. It was just a word, something she loved about him. It didn't mean anything else. Of course it didn't.

"Cilla and Maahes, too?" Yrena asked.

Darius shot her a glance. "We stay together. And Maahes will give us an edge in case anything goes wrong." He turned to look at both of them. "Have you checked your gun?"

Cilla did as he asked, making sure it was ready to fire with an unconscious ease drilled into her by her father's instructors. Maahes's tail had stopped slashing. He stood, his ears alert, only the tip of his tail shifting. He was ready to go, no doubt picking up on her own feelings. She felt his reassuring mental hug as she took off the improvised collar.

The minutes crawled past, every second an eternity. At last, Darius said, "It's time."

Yrena nodded, her expression stalwart. "Let's do it."

An empty elevator arrived at their floor. Cilla connected with its circuits and made sure it was an express to ground.

The park was bathed in the golden glow of late afternoon, burnishing the reddish foliage of the trees. A path started directly opposite the crosswalk from the hotel, winding its way under the trees.

Cilla's heart thudded, recalling the mist in the jungle but Maahes pushed against her thigh. " I am here. "

Her fingers dug into his fur and her pulse rate evened out.

An engine whined, not far away. Cilla caught a glimpse of something before it was obscured by the trees.

"That's them," Yrena hurried forward, ignoring Darius's call.

"Damn it," he grated out, frowning, even as he picked up his pace. "Do you sense people, Maahes? Other people?"

" Yes. Two beside the hot machine. Four coming from the right ."

From the right. Cilla's heart went into overdrive. "Kuznetsov?"

"Maybe." Darius had his gun out. Cilla did the same.

Shots whined. Yrena stopped, dodged behind a tree and fired to the right. Farther along someone cried out. Cilla hung back, watching the movements. It looked as though they were trying to hem Yrena in. One was circling past her. Cilla tried a shot but he dodged behind a tree. Somebody else had flanked around, coming at Yrena from behind.

" Take down that man, Maahes ," she said.

***

Forsyth congratulated himself. It had worked. The Cornelis shuttle was down and Serg's boys had quietly taken out the two at the ramp. She was running well ahead of Fletcher and the other woman. He and Serg could grab her and drag her into the cover of the trees while Vlad and Georgi took care of the other two.

Something leapt out of the bushes onto Vlad. His scream was cut short. Fletcher had reached Yrena and they'd killed Georgi.

Forsyth slowed. Damnation. So close. So damnably close.

The other woman must have heard something. She turned and looked straight at him. She took a step backwards, her hand pressed to her mouth.

And suddenly he knew her.

"Serg, don't worry about Yrena. Grab her. Grab her ."

Serg had almost reached her when he was struck from the side. Oh great heavens. A bloody great cat. Forsyth fired blast after blast at it until it slumped beside Serg. The woman stood there, shrieking, shouting something. He flipped his pistol to stun and shot her before she could shoot him.

He slung her over his shoulder and ran for the skimmer, aware of Serg beside him, damaged but alive.

***

Darius heard her scream, cut off short. Cilla. He sprinted toward the sound.

He found Maahes lying on his side, holes in his body where he'd been hit. No wonder she'd screamed. Maahes hadn't been able to save her from what had come for her. She would be heartbroken. He felt the loss himself. The cat had saved his life out there in the forest. But he had to find her, rescue her, for Maahes and for himself. If they knew who they'd captured…

***

Cilla came to, aware of jostling, voices. Maahes. Oh Maahes, Maahes. Tears welled. He died trying to save her.

" I… will… find… you ."

Maahes! He sounded distant, in pain. But he was alive.

She was draped over someone's shoulder. He stopped and tipped her to the ground. She fell on her face and scrambled to her knees, weak with relief. The man beside her grabbed her shoulder and pulled, his fingers digging hard into flesh.

"On your feet, Isabella."

She stiffened. She knew the voice, she knew his face. Forsyth. For a moment she was thirteen again, back there, pushed out of the front door in front of her parents. The panic rose, a scream working its way up her throat.

No. No. It wouldn't help. Think. She'd escaped before, she would escape now. She had Maahes and she had Darius. She staggered to her feet, swaying as the stun agent began to wear off. The muzzle of a gun pressed cold and hard against her temple.

" Maahes ?"

" I am coming ."

" Not too fast. Wait until I tell you ."

Behind her something exploded. Forsyth jerked. "Damnation. How did they do that?"

Another voice, deeper and in pain, replied from beside Forsyth, "Cornelis's shuttle. We're finished."

"Maybe not. She's as valuable to the Cornelis family as she is to you."

So. He wouldn't be in a hurry to kill her. Maybe she had a chance. Her father's security people had trained her well. She knew how to escape the grip he had on her, how to calm herself. She needed a diversion.

" Maahes, attack the man beside the one holding me. Come quietly, don't let them see you before you strike ."

The reply was a short rumble.

***

Darius gazed ahead, searching for where they'd taken her. Maahes would have found her... But he couldn't. Back that way, toward whatever vehicle they had.

Yrena's voice cut into his thoughts. "He's alive. Look." She pointed at the big cat's side.

The wounds were healing, growing together, sealing. Pieces cauterized by the laser had sloughed off. Maahes's paws twitched, and the tip of his tail.

He rose to his feet, groggy, his head down. In his head Darius heard the growl that would have turned him into a terrified mess if it were aimed at him.

Maahes sniffed the ground, followed for a few steps and stopped. " Gone ."

Gone? Darius got his thoughts together. The scent was gone. Somebody had stunned her and picked her up. " Is there another scent? A man? '

" Yes ."

" Follow that ."

Maahes, getting stronger by the moment, trotted off, Darius following.

"What the hell, Fletcher? What's going on?" Yrena ran behind him.

"They've grabbed Cilla. Maahes is tracking."

A shadow passed overhead, coming down beyond the trees. Darius's heart thudded. That was probably the Kuznetsov shuttle. He ran faster but he couldn't match Maahes's speed.

The shuttle must have landed. They'd be up against a few more thugs. First, he'd have to get Cilla. Beyond the trees something exploded.

Yrena, running beside him, grinned. "I asked our people to take it out."

Darius passed the last trees and slowed to a halt. Three figures stood in front of the smoldering wreck of the shuttle.

Cilla was recovering, standing on her feet, held in front of two men using her as a shield. The one standing further back nursed his damaged arm. Darius would guess he was the fellow Maahes had caught. He was lucky to be alive. The big cat hadn't messed around with the other fellow.

"No closer Fletcher, Yrena. You don't want me to kill her, do you?" The man speaking stood partially behind Cilla, his arm around her waist, his pistol pointed at her temple.

"Papa's people will be here soon," Yrena muttered to Darius.

Darius nodded. Just keep him talking.

"We'll do you a deal, Yrena. You do deals, don't you?" The man called.

"What sort of deal do you think you can do? Something to keep you alive, I assume." She held her pistol ready to fire. It was set to kill.

"We can split the ransom with you. Provided she's alive."

Yrena laughed. "Kill her and you're dead."

"Yes. But then you won't get anything out of all this but her dead body."

"I can understand you thinking you'd get a decent ransom for me. But her?"

The man chuckled. "You don't know who she is, do you?"

Yrena frowned, pausing for a moment before she said, "How about you tell me. While you still can."

Darius's heart beat a little too fast. It was obvious whoever this man was, he knew. How Yrena would treat that information… he wasn't sure. She was a gangster's daughter, after all.

"She's Isabella Ghiborien, President Ghiborien's daughter." The man poked the pistol and Cilla's head jerked away. "Isn't she, Isabella? Say yes."

"Yes, Forsyth. That was who I was."

The fellow's face twisted into a satisfied smirk. "Well, Yrena? Can we talk?"

Darius's heart thudded. Forsyth. He'd been the bastard who'd taken Cilla and her family hostage all those years ago and he was quite happy to hurt her again. Cilla sounded tired, defeated. Anger rose but he pushed it down. Rage wouldn't get Cilla out of this. And where was Maahes?

Of course. She'd know he was alive. Maybe she had a plan.

" Cilla ?" he asked.

" Not now ."

That was him told. But at least she was planning something. He hoped, prayed, that it worked. The first thing he needed was for her to be safe, alive. Darius risked a look at Yrena and couldn't work out her expression. She hadn't lowered her gun. Dealing with her could wait until he had Cilla back.

The injured man beside Forsyth screamed, trying to fight off… Maahes. Forsyth's body stiffened, his weapon switching toward the big cat. Cilla twisted, dropped out of his grip, and sent him sprawling sideways with a kick to his knees.

Yrena shot him between the eyes.

Maahes crouched beside the other man, his tail lashing.

Darius lurched forward and pulled Cilla to her feet and into his arms, holding her tight, one arm around her waist, the other cradling her head against him. Her heart hammered. Her body was tense, an overwound spring. Her fingers dug into him as though he was a lifeline. He didn't mind admitting he'd been terrified. Relief flooded through him, leaving his muscles weak. "Are you all right?"

"Yes. And so is Maahes. I thought he was dead."

So did I, he thought but did not say. "Did you know he would survive?"

She shook her head. "Not until he told me. That's when we worked out what to do."

He hugged her again. "That was so risky. He could have killed you."

She pushed away from him a little and conjured up a smile. "I didn't think so. If he killed me, he had nothing."

And neither would I . He kissed her instead, reveling in her warmth and her response. Maybe they did have a future.

Yrena cleared her throat. "Pardon the interruption. I think we'd better get out of here before the local constabulary arrives." The distant wail of approaching sirens underscored her words.

Cilla still had her arm around him. Maahes pushed against her leg, wanting a caress. " You were wonderful ," she told him.

The second Cornelis shuttle had landed and extended its ramp. A crewman stood in the hatchway, gesturing for them to hurry as the sound of sirens grew louder. They ran, Yrena first, then Cilla and Maahes. Darius followed, his pistol in his hand. He hesitated as the hatch closed. The police vehicles had arrived. They'd be busy, dealing with dead bodies and two destroyed shuttles.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Hurry," the crewman said. "We've gotta get out of here. Get strapped in."

Holstering the gun he followed the crewman to the passenger compartment. This was obviously their working shuttle, used for ferrying goods. Four passenger seats clustered around the cockpit. The crewman slipped into the seat beside the pilot while Darius sat next to Yrena and strapped himself in. On the other side of the aisle Maahes sat on the seat beside Cilla, her hand resting on his neck. What next? Now that Yrena knew who Cilla really was, maybe this was going to be out of the ice into the furnace. The president's daughter could be a valuable prize to the Cornelis family. How would Yrena handle the situation? She sat staring straight ahead, a slight frown creasing her brow.

The trip up through the atmosphere was faster than normal, with a good deal of jolting that flung Darius into his straps more than once. There seemed to be a lot of talk on the comms system in the cockpit. Darius wouldn't have been surprised if the local military had sent ships to intercept but he couldn't decipher what was being said.

"Nearly there," the pilot announced.

The shuttle had slowed. It swayed as it settled in the big cruiser's docking bay with a satisfying thump but the harnesses remained in place.

The shuttle pilot turned to them. "Apologies, Lady, but you and your guests will have to stay here until we go to shift space. The captain is anxious to leave this planet immediately. It won't be long."

As the pilot turned away, Cilla said, "I don't get it."

"It would take time to get us off the shuttle and into the passenger compartment. This way the captain knows we're safe in here and he can make a clean getaway." Yrena chuckled. "Between us and the Kuznetsov crew, we've left quite a mess behind."

Darius had no doubt this was going to signal the beginning of a gang war.

Nobody spoke. The ladies would feel as drained as he did, and his leg was starting to ache. Considering all the running he'd been doing it was hardly surprising. In the cockpit the crewmen leaned together chatting in low voices.

After half an hour the pilot straightened. "We've made shift space. We'll be out soon. They're airing up the docking bay."

Darius stretched his shoulders as the harness retracted. He'd be glad to get some circulation back into his legs.

Yrena disembarked first. She was greeted with suitable deference by somebody Darius guessed would be the service manager. "We've informed your father you're safe, Lady, but he would like to talk to you."

"I'll do that later," she said. "Refreshments? Please?" She grinned noticing the man's reaction to Maahes. "That's Maahes. He's quite safe… usually. He'd like some water."

"He'll stay here, then?"

Yrena shook her head. "He's my friend's companion. He stays with us."

The man's eyelashes fluttered but he managed a smile. "If you'd wait in the lounge?"

The lounge would not have been out of place in a first class hotel, tasteful and elegant, with subtle lighting and flowing lines. Darius sat next to Cilla on a lounge that molded to fit him. Staff arrived with cold drinks and finger food, and a bowl of water for Maahes. The servant's steps faltered as she approached the big cat. Cilla took the bowl from her and put it down for Maahes who was clearly as thirsty as Darius was.

Yrena lounged in a chair opposite them, her legs crossed, a wine glass in her hand. When the staff had gone, she said, "Okay, can you two tell me what happened down there? They were after me and then they weren't."

Darius swallowed a smile. Maybe she didn't like being second prize. "I can't tell you all of it. I'm pretty sure the big guy, the one Maahes mauled, was Serg Kuznetsov."

Yrena nodded. "As much of a bastard as his brother, Demtri, who is in jail."

"I think he wanted to swap you for Demtri." He had to be careful here. "I think they thought your father had enough influence to get him out of jail."

Yrena's lips twitched. "Yes. A few people in government owe my father a favor. But then they went for Cilla. How did they know who you are?" She directed a glance at Cilla.

"Remember I said I'd been a hostage once?" Cilla waited until the other woman nodded. "I was thirteen. The other man, the one you shot, his name was Forsyth. He held me and my family hostage. I don't think he knew I was here." She swallowed. "Until he recognized me." Her fingers flexed in Maahes's fur.

Yrena nodded. "And realized he had a very direct means of influencing the Government." She shifted her gaze to Darius. "How do you figure in this?"

"I was part of the rescue crew that resolved the hostage situation — with some help from thirteen-year-old Isabella. I recognized her on the Galaxy Adventurer ."

"That was coincidence? Or were you looking after her for her father?"

Cilla giggled. "That's what I thought."

Darius shook his head. "Coincidence. Really. I was badly injured in a fight. It didn't look like I could go back to active service. I was told to report to Fleet Headquarters on Malmos, where I figured I'd be given a choice of early retirement, or maybe some desk job somewhere. My wealthy aunt treated me to a first-class passage on a cruise liner instead of economy class on a planet-hopper. I came across Cilla, after which you were kidnapped."

Yrena's brows lowered and she nodded.

"When Cilla decided to rescue you…" He shrugged. "What could I do?"

Yrena huffed. "And now you've gone and fallen in love. Both of you. Ah well. Good luck to you. Where do you want to go? Malmos or back to Santara?"

Darius couldn't believe it. As easy as that? She was just going to let them go? He'd think about that… lo… word in a minute.

Yrena was smiling but it wasn't a nice smile. "Taking hostages isn't actually a good idea. From the time I was grabbed they were dead men walking. I've inherited more than my father's genes. Hurt my family and you'll pay. Go out of your way to help me and I owe you. Now, Malmos, or Santara?"

Darius exchanged a look with Cilla, who looked as stunned as he felt. In his head she said, " Malmos ?" He nodded and said out loud, "Malmos."

"Okay." Yrena stood. "I don't know about you, but I need to sleep in a comfortable bed. You'll have to share a cabin. This way."

She led them down a corridor in the accommodation section and opened the first doorway. "This is yours. Sleep well. I'll see you tomorrow." She walked away.

Cilla, who had stepped into the cabin, gasped.

What now? His heart pounding, Darius joined her. His jaw dropped. This was a suite with a huge bed, a small sitting area, and a view screen like the one on the cruise ship. His brain registered understated elegance, a simple neutral color scheme with splashes of green and blue. He'd bet Yrena had designed the room herself.

"This is hers," Cilla said. "She's given us her suite."

Maahes had already made himself comfortable on the couch, sprawling along its length.

Cilla stopped gazing around the room and looked at Darius. She licked her lips. "So… what happens now?"

Good question. What he'd like to do was kiss her. Then kiss her some more and take her to bed. And do a few other things. He already knew Maahes wouldn't mind.

Cilla smiled. "I 've got a good idea. While you're thinking about it, why don't we do this?" She put her arms around his neck and pulled his head down, her lips already parted for the kiss.

He'd been longing for this. He pressed her against his body as his tongue explored her mouth. He drew away, his arms still wrapped around her. "Let's talk about that L word."

She swallowed. "Love. Have we known each other long enough? But I know I feel safe with you, I trust you. Maahes does, too." She smiled. "And I love kissing you."

He nodded. "That's a very good start. I want you in my life, Cilla. HQ has offered me a promotion to commodore, and a position at the Fleet Academy. I thought it was almost like being shunted off to a retirement home. I resented I'd never be a field commander again. But I can do something useful, training the next generation." And I could have you.

Her eyes lit up. "You'd stay on Malmos?"

"Yes. We could live together… if you wanted, of course." His nerves tingled. Maybe she didn't want to. That it all made sense to him didn't mean it made sense to her. He'd already been through the disappointment when his first wife left him for another man.

She flung her arms around his neck again. "That would be absolutely wonderful."

After another long, breathless kiss, she gazed up at him. "I think it's time for bed, don't you?"

He smiled, devouring her with his eyes. "Sounds good to me."

***

Darius and Cilla had a last dinner with Yrena on board Rhapsody as it approached Malmos's main space station. The chef had produced a wonderful meal and Darius had relished every bite. The waiter made to refill his glass but Darius waved him away. "I have to present at Fleet HQ tomorrow. I need to be at my sober best."

"Have they arranged accommodation for you?" Yrena asked.

Darius glanced at Cilla. "Fleet has booked us into a hotel for now."

Yrena glanced between them, her lips quirked in a knowing smile. "Remember, you've both got a job with me if you want it. Anytime."

Cilla shook her head. "Not our style. As you know."

"Ah well. I'll miss you. All three." Yrena grinned. "I'd like an invitation to the wedding."

Cilla laughed and glanced at Darius. "Early days. But we'd be happy to have dinner with you sometime."

The ship shuddered as it was brought into its bay at the space station.

Darius stood. "Time to go." He extended his hand to Yrena. "Thanks for your hospitality. We appreciate it."

Smiling, she returned his grip. "The least I could do." She turned to Cilla. "Will Maahes let me give you a hug?"

Cilla stepped forward. "Of course."

But Darius had heard Cilla tell Maahes not to react. He still didn't trust the crime boss's daughter. It was a genuine, friendly hug. "Best wishes, Yrena."

Yrena came with them as far as the exit hatch and waved them goodbye.

Darius slipped his arm around Cilla's waist. "Would we invite her to the wedding?"

She nodded. "Yes. After all, without her, this wouldn't have happened at all."

The End