Investigation in Blood Madeleine Oh All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2008 Madeleine Oh
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Investigation in Blood Madeleine Oh In this next to the last episode, our crew sets course for Frannin, Zadde’s home planet, in search of some clue as to Gelda’s origins. Ferda commits a galactic felony by stealing Zadde’s business records, and Rand discovers bounty hunters never give up…
Chapter One “We may not succeed,” Drake warned, stroking Ferda’s hair in an oddly uncharacteristic gesture of tenderness. She wanted to ask him if he was feeling himself. She was perfectly aware this was a wild goose chase, but since he and Rand had humored her determination to learn something about their inadvertent stowaway, Gelda, it would be churlish to snap. And getting smart mouthed with a vampire wasn’t exactly a brilliant idea. Instead she kissed his belly, just a centimeter or two above his cock, and smiled. “I know the odds are we’ll never learn anything, but given Zadde was tortured and murdered just after he palmed Gelda off on us, there must be something going on.” “Undoubtedly, given his standards of doing business, but I doubt we’re the only ones wanting information.” Wasn’t every lover who discussed business ethics in the afterglow of passion but the discussion wasn’t deflating Drake’s ardor. The reverse almost. But when she kissed up to his navel and then started down again, he put his hand on her head. “Ferda, I can’t fuck you without taking your blood and any more today and you’ll be fainting at the console while you’re on watch.” She should be insulted at the suggestion she wasn’t as hale and strong as she’d been at seventy, but didn’t. He was right. “Shame that.” “My dear, you are insatiable.” Nice thought, but she was actually a bit sore from the second time when he’d really been enthusiastic. “Maybe. But I can contain myself.” She eased herself to sitting. “Want to sleep?” “Soon.” Funny how they knew exactly when Terran sunrise came, even from half a galaxy away. “Stay a little while.”
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“Something bothering you?” “Yes. Not really. It’s like this…” Men didn’t change when they became vampire. She waited. He’d cough it out in his own good time. “Something I overhead, on the Hub, while Rand and I were waiting to interview applicants. Didn’t get the significance at the time but given what we know now,” Drake paused. He’d better get a move on or he’d be out cold before he finished. “There was a group across the bar. Looked like roughs so I decided to keep my ears open.” Not a hard thing to do with vamp hearing. “Most of it was banal, mortal gossip but they made mention of someone they called the Z-trader.” Didn’t take much imagination to connect that to Zadde. “What did they say?” “That his nasty end was his own fault for trying to double cross the Bayrans.” “Who are the Bayrans?” It wasn’t a name she’d ever encountered and she’d traipsed around the galaxy most of her life. “Nasty characters, apparently.” “Doing their own dirty work, or being paid by someone?” It was a rhetorical question and he treated it as such. “Would be nice to know.” “With luck, we will,” Drake replied. Was she barking up the wrong tree? Racing across space to find out about a cryogenically preserved woman on a distant planet? Probably. But she’d given her word and she’d do her darnedest to succeed. “Better get going.” Drake would be out for the day soon and she had things to do. She made to stand, but Drake held her. “I’m very glad you didn’t stay on Damphir IV,” he said, after a long pause. Now what? Tell him it had never been within the realms of possibility? That there was no way she’d have committed to stay with Julius Roma? Maybe not. Drake had an ego the size of a colossus as it was. No point in encouraging it. “I made a commitment, Drake. I stick by my word.” “Yes.”
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Not much to say after that. Ferda stood and he let her. She pulled on her discarded zipsuit, and gathered up her ship boots, socks and smalls. Her hair was no doubt all on end, but vamps’ cabins didn’t come with mirrors. “See you, Drake,” she said as she closed the door behind her. He’d be deep in day sleep soon and she had a day’s work ahead of her.
*** Ferda was stepping out of the drying compartment in their shared cabin when Kalid walked in and darted back out with a startled apology. She didn’t do too well holding in her chuckle. Honestly! From the look on his face, you’d think she was strolling the bridge stark naked. It was their shared cabin after all. Maybe he was scared stiff of old ladies. “Give me two minutes,” she called at the closed door. Odd really. Most people got over modesty pretty fast in the close confines of a ship. She pulled on clean clothes and zipped up her suit before opening the door. “Come on in.” The lad was red as a Terran sunset. “Frightfully sorry…” he began. She brushed him off. “No need. We live in close quarters here. I’m used to sharing the cabin.” He obviously wasn’t. If anything, her assurances made it worse. Heaven help her! She was not up to all this. First Drake gets sentimental, now Kalid goes all coy. He also looked downright peaky. Had Rand overdone things in his ardor? Not impossible. “Look. I’ll take first watch on the bridge. Why don’t you get something to eat, then take a nap?” Damn! She was sounding like a granny. “Food’s in the galley. I’ll be on the bridge. Don’t underestimate how much you need to replenish after a vamp’s feeding.” And she’d better not underestimate Kalid’s level of discomfort. Heaven give her strength! If keeping a randy vamp happy wasn’t enough, she now had a blushing virgin to cope with. All right, not exactly a virgin. Still, life in the space lanes was full of surprises. Like the loose spinning clepometer she discovered once she ran the routine checks. And she’d told Kalid to take a nap. Oh well. Best get it fixed. They hadn’t
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needed it since she’d been on board but it would be just their luck to drive slap into a meteor shower if she didn’t take care of it. Job done, Ferda gave the cargo a quick check, not really expecting to find another frozen body, but one never knew. She stopped in the galley for a mug of javabrew before returning to the bridge and finding Kalid ensconced in her chair. “Hello,” he said. “Thought I’d keep an eye on things. Been busy?” He had transformed from the blushing youth of a few hours earlier. Why did he irritate her so? She’d get over it eventually, but for now she’d indulge herself just a little. “Not really. Had to recalibrate the clepometer and check the cargo moorings but other than that, just routine stuff. See anything up here?” He shook his head. “Not so far. I was just looking over the panels and controls. Making sure things are as they should be.” Heaven give her strength! “They will be. Vamps run this ship.” Let him chew on that one. His brow furrowed and he shook his head. “They only run it when they’re awake. Right now they’re helpless and we’re in charge.” What was going on between his ears? “Hardly.” She took a sip of her javabrew, and swung Drake’s usual seat out and settled down. “You haven’t been around vamps much, have you?” “What makes you say that?” Prickly wasn’t he? Along with good looks and technical competence, Kalid added a total lack of common sense. “You think they’re helpless when they sleep?” She paused to let that sink in. “They may look dead to a casual observer but let me tell you, it’s not a wise idea to disturb a sleeping vamp. They rouse in an instant, reflexes kick in and they can get a bit… aggressive. One of your predecessors learned that the hard way.” “Oh, my God!” Now he was ashen rather than blushing. “He killed him?” She was tempted to lie but she’d only get caught out eventually. “Not exactly, but Adlet won’t ever forget the experience.”
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Kalid’s eyes widened. “No, I guess he wouldn’t.” She let that register while she tasted and inhaled the glories of javabrew. She was no doubt addicted, but it hadn’t killed her yet. “By the way, just wanted to ask. What experience have you had with armaments?” The lad was never going to forget this trip. He gasped. “Armaments? We’re a freighter, not a mercenary ship!” “True, but it’s not unknown for freighters to get attacked. We were attacked by pirates a couple of trips ago. Never hurts to be able to defend the ship. Let’s see how good you are with a laser cannon.”
Chapter Two “Wonder where they are,” Rand said as he walked onto the bridge to find Drake the lone occupant. “Kalid’s showering,” Drake replied. “Ferda had him practicing marksmanship with the laser cannon simulator and then made him take the real one apart and reassemble it.” “What the hell did she do that for?” “Seems our very competent engineer is trained in unarmed combat but has no knowledge of armed defense and attack. Given what happened on the way to Vansan, Ferda thought he should be able to do his bit if we have another pirate encounter.” “In the shower, you say? Better check and make sure he’s all right.” Drake smiled as Rand dashed out. Seemed the prospect of a naked Kalid was irresistible.
Kalid was in the narrow shower compartment. Rand stood in the cabin doorway, watching Kalid’s pale outline through the translucent panels. Not half bad. The lad was adventurous in bed, a trained navigator who actually knew how to strip down and fix an engine, and thanks to Ferda’s no doubt persistent and precise tutelage, now could fire a laser cannon when needed -- something Rand hoped didn’t happen any time soon. If it hadn’t been for Ferda’s old buddy on Damphir IV fixing the ship, he’d be facing a big debt for repairs instead of the prospect of some hot and heavy sex with Kalid. Just thinking about it had his gums itching and his fangs emerging. Damn it! Why stand here propping up the door frame? He crossed the cabin and yanked open the door.
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“Taking long?” Rand asked, thoroughly enjoying the sight. Kalid looked darn sexy and nicely firm for a mortal. Firm in all the right places too. Impossible not to appreciate his rapidly hardening cock. Good. Nothing like a lover ready to oblige.
Bright blue eyes met Rand’s. “You’re here!”
“Yup.”
Kalid’s Adam’s apple bounced. “You want to… er…”
He was going to have to learn to be a bit more direct. No doubt Ferda would take
care of that. As for right now… “Yeah. I’m here, and I’m hungry.” “But we… just a few hours ago…” “I’m vampire. I get hungry. Especially for your ready cock.” Rand grabbed it, wrapping his fingers around the hard, damp flesh. Damn, he wanted it. Needed it. And Kalid was ready to share. His cock actually twitched between Rand’s fingers. “This was what you signed on for. Come on out and earn your pay, lad.” Kalid stepped out. Didn’t have much choice since Rand moved back, keeping his grasp tight on Kalid’s cock. Not that Kalid had any complaint, if the grin was anything to measure by. “Want me, do you?” Kalid asked.
“Not just you, lover. I want your blood and I want your jism.”
Damn it, Kalid’s cock almost did a jig at that prospect, but Rand remembered
Drake’s dictums about taking care of mortals. “Better dry off first.” He opened the door to the drying compartment and picking Kalid up with one arm, being sure to keep hold of his prick. He deposited the rather damp lad inside and let go of him, shutting the door. “Come out when you’re dry and ready.” Didn’t take long. Rand rather doubted the man was completely dry but now was not the time to quibble. He had Kalid sprawled on the lower bunk, holding him down with a hand on his shoulder. “Ready?”
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Silly question. His cock answered that. Come to think about it, Kalid did have a fine erection. Quite stupendous in fact, and Rand had seen quite a few cocks in his time. Dozens. No, that was coyly conservative. Not that any of that mattered now. Besides, he couldn’t remember a single one that was quite as impressive. Not the longest he’d come across but what it lacked in length, it more than made up for in circumference. Kalid was uncut. Nice. As Rand played with the pale foreskin, Kalid moaned and Rand held him more tightly, pulling back the foreskin to reveal the smooth, purplish head. “Hey, the door’s still open.” Probably was. Rand didn’t remember shutting it. “Never mind about that!” “What if someone goes by?” Grief alive! He’d known less shy virgins. “My crew mates have better manners than to come and watch.” And just to be sure that Kalid abandoned this line of conversation, Rand bit the inside of his thigh, then moved his mouth up, a few centimeters, to swallow one of Kalid’s balls. It worked. Kalid let out a long, slow groan that seemed to originate just above his cock. A little swirl of the tongue turned the groan to a long drawn out moan. Nice. Rand kept sucking until Kalid begged him to stop. “Too much, too much!” he gasped. “I’ll shoot my wad.” Exactly what Rand had in mind, but might as well let him last a little longer. He eased off his mouth, let Kalid relax just a second, then Rand pressed his thumbs into the soft flesh either side of Kalid’s balls, gently moving back and forth until Kalid moaned again. “What are you doing? Don’t stop! It’s marvelous.” He arched his shoulders, bringing his hips up. “It’s too much. It’s -- oh! God, ah!” Not sure if that was demand for more or a plea for cessation, Rand plumbed for more. He needed more -- a taste of mortal life. “Like this?” Rand asked and took the head of Kalid’s cock in his mouth, feeling the burgeoning mortal life beneath the skin. Brushing the smooth head with the tip of his tongue, Rand listened to Kalid’s racing heartbeat and his gasps. He was happy and soon to be happier. Rand nipped,
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just a grazing of fangs against tender flesh, but Kalid responded with a shudder and a jerk of his hips that pressed his cock up and deeper between Rand’s teeth. Rand swallowed him to the root. Kalid let out another gasp, and grabbed Rand’s head. Rand drew out the fun by easing his lips up and down, almost in concert to Kalid’s grunts and groans. When he sensed the mortal really couldn’t hold out much longer, Rand swallowed him deep again. Holding the base of Kalid’s cock tight between his lips, he felt the tightening and tension, and the pressure of jism beneath the skin. Rand bit, just as Kalid began to ejaculate, and Rand drew on the blood and jism. Life and mortality flowed in abundance as Rand milked him slowly, his cries and gasps echoing in the small cabin. Rand sucked Kalid dry, drawing a last taste of blood before easing his mouth away and smiling down at the gasping mortal. “No one watched,” he said, with a smile. “How the hell would you know?” “And why the hell would either of us care?” That seemed to get through. Kalid smiled. A bit of a weak smile but it was enough. “That was good.” “Yeah.” Rand wouldn’t argue. For all his odd notions of coyness and modesty, Kalid was warm-blooded and willing. And not bad looking into the bargain. It would be no shame to wander into a space bar with Kalid on his arm. “I’m off to the bridge. Come as soon as you’re dressed.” “I thought this was our rest time, while you and Drake are awake.” “It is.” Surely Ferda had explained all the on-ship workings? “But Drake wants to talk things out before we land.” “We don’t reach Frannin for three Terran cycles.” “Drake is our strategist. He knows what he’s doing. If he wants to plan in advance, we plan in advance. Don’t be late. He won’t have any tender lover’s feelings to excuse you if you keep him waiting.”
***
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“How’s the new lad shaping up?” Drake asked.
Very good question. “I think he’ll do. As long as Ferda keeps bullying him.”
Her laugh was closer to a cackle. “I don’t think he’ll ever forgive me over the
laser cannon.” “Think you were being a bit hard on him?” Rand asked. “Maybe a wee bit, but honestly, Rand, if we get another attack while you two are getting your beauty sleep, I can’t cope single-handed. He’s got a good aim actually. Once he got over the scaredy wobbles at the thought of being under attack.” “Scaredy wobbles?” Drake wasn’t grinning. Didn’t have to. “Yes!” she replied, sounding a trifle acerbic despite her smile. “It’s what mortals get when they realize they might die in the next few minutes.” She looked at Rand. “I imagine you experienced it when facing those bounty hunters a little while before I signed on.” She had a point. Usually did. “I called it scared shitless.”
She shrugged. “Same thing, different name.”
“If you’re through discussing mortal insecurities, could we get down to
business?” Drake was in a testy mood. “Something the matter?” Ferda asked. “Trouble?” “Maybe more curious than trouble, but I was catching up on galaxy newscasts I’ve missed over the past few months and discovered that over the past four or five Terran years, Vansan has been colonizing several uninhabited planets.” “Did the news segment name specific planets?” Ferda asked. Drake nodded. “They are all currently uninhabited, some with old mining workings or possible sparse resources, but all abandoned. Seems finally the Galactic Council has taken notice but given they are all uninhabited, some very small, no one’s really bothering.” “Any of these uninhabited planets once had trade in calf fetuses?” Rand asked.
“Or excelled in cryonics?” Ferda added.
“Could be interesting,” Rand said.
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“What’s interesting?” Kalid asked from the doorway.
“Just a bit of ancient history,” Drake said. “Now you’re here we can get started.”
They spent the next half hour talking about duty rotations, cargo checks and the
need to conserve water since they’d taken on less than usual to save fuel on the voyage. Rand looked at Kalid. He must think vamps were fussier than old women. Good thing he hadn’t said that aloud. Ferda would have had a quick riposte or three. “So, any questions?” Drake asked, glancing Kalid’s way. “Everything clear?” “I bet Kalid’s wishing he stipulated hot water in his contract,” Ferda said, with a bit of a smile. She looked across at him. “Don’t sweat it. We’ll get there, even if we arrive as the great unwashed. But we’ll get there and land our cargo.” “We’d better,” Rand muttered. “So.” Drake stood. “Rand, you take first watch, I’ll take second. I need to have a word with Ferda first.” Ferda chuckled and stood. “A long word?” Drake just lifted one eyebrow. Rand wouldn’t mind mastering that trick. It was so vampish. Particularly with the half smile that revealed the edge of a fang.
*** “Is all that true? About the hot water, I mean,” Kalid asked. Rand nodded. “We had a little trouble over payment on our last cargo. Part of the reason why we’re going to Frannin is to see if we can get what’s owed. As a result, we bought fuel first, then food for you two mortals. Water was cut, but we’ll manage.” “Does that happen often?”
“You mean limiting showers or not getting paid?”
“Both, I suppose.”
Rand put his arm around his shoulders. “No, or I’d be out of business. We just
had a spot of bother. Ferda’s going to sort it out.” She had the vamps on Damphir IV eating out of her hand after all. “Bet she will. Who’d say no to her!” Yup. She’d scared Kalid witless.
Chapter Three “Honestly!” Ferda said, as Drake closed his cabin door behind her. “What was all that for? We’re not that low on water. I know. I ordered our supplies.” Drake took the pull of her zip between his finger and thumb. “I thought it necessary to remind our young crew member that we’re in space, not on planet. You were the one said he didn’t know his way around a spaceship.” Had she said that? Not precisely. But right now, with Drake easing her zip down to her waist, she wasn’t about to waste brain space on Kalid. Drake brushed her suit off her shoulders and cupped her breasts until his cool hands had her nipples firm. Once he fastened his mouth on her right nipple, she all but forgot her fellow crew members’ names. She threw back her head and let out a long sigh as sensation flooded her. Hell, who needed mind, brain or conscious thought when they had a horny vamp in very close proximity? “I’m hungry, mortal,” Drake whispered in her ear. “Hungry for your warm body and your sweet blood.” The sigh morphed into a moan that he all but muffled with a hard kiss. Kissing him back, she ran her tongue over the points of his fangs. Soon they’d be in her flesh, seated deep, with his cock inside her. “Ready for me, Ferda?” he asked, stroking the side of her neck. “You smell as though you are.” Right giveaway that was. But she’d be a fool to deny it. “I think I might be,” she replied. “What are you going to do about it?” Kiss her nipples for starters. She shut her eyes and exhaled. “Ready to give what I want, mortal?” he asked.
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Her mind was in such a sensual fog, it took her a moment or two to process his question. She smiled up at him. “Only if you can give me what I need.” “Only?” His voice came deep and gravelly. “Only? Let’s see if this is enough for you!” He literally tore her suit down her legs and lifted her out of it. Or would have if her ship boots hadn’t been in the way. With a mutter he whisked her up, crossed his cabin in a flash and deposited her on the bunk as he yanked off her boots along with the shreds of her zipsuit. Her under-things went -- somewhere. Talk about showing off how fast a vamp could move. Was he out to impress? Heck, he didn’t need to. She knew what he could do to her. So did her body. She wasn’t exactly panting for it, but… “So, you have me naked. What next?” What next was Drake threw back his head and roared with laughter. “Does nothing intimidate or scare you, Ferda?” “Lots of things scare me, but you’re not one of them. I know what you can do to me, and I’m waiting.” “Maybe I’ll make you wait a little longer,” he said, as he ran his cool hands down her body, very, very slowly. “Maybe I’ll dally around until I have you begging me for it. Perhaps I’ll play your warm, mortal body until I drive you insane with need and desire.” He could. Quite possibly. But he wasn’t going to. That she knew from the glint in his eye, and the pressure of his cock against the fabric of his suit. Smiling, she reached up and lowered his zip to give herself a nice eyeful of his splendid chest. She’d always had a bit of a weakness for a nice male torso, and the dark nipples against his pale skin were particularly enticing. “What are you staring at, mortal?”
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She opened her mouth and made a licking motion with her tongue. “Just thinking how you’ll taste.” She ran her hands over his chest, letting her fingertips brush his nipples. They went hard under her touch and his cock moved, just a little, under his suit. “What are you playing at, Ferda?” “Same as you a few moments ago. I thought you wanted to make me wait.” “The idea has some merit.” “While you’re deciding, how about you get naked for me?” That took mere seconds. Rather blurred seconds as he moved at vamp speed, but once he stopped, the sight was delicious. She deliberately ran her tongue over her lips. Drake, just as deliberately, spread her legs and settled between them, running his hands up and down the insides of her thighs. Very, very slowly. Smiling as she let out a little gasp, positively grinning as she rocked her hips with need. He let out a great cry of triumph as he moved fast, pinning her shoulders to the bed and driving in deep. Her scream came from sheer ecstasy. He was incredible! Wondrous! Pressing deep and slowly, he pulled her with him as he drove them both to climax. She was yelling, calling his name as her body soared into climax. As she almost reached her peak, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, lifting her toward him, and bit. It took her over the edge. Way, far over, the wild rush of climax flooding her mind and body and taking her up and over time after time, until she sunk into the narrow mattress gasping, sweating and smiling. She managed a very feeble “Thank you” as he gently licked the bite and sent another wild rush through her. “I thought you were going to make me wait,” she said, as his cock softened inside her. “Next time,” he replied, “then I’ll…” The room went dark around her, and whatever he planned for next time remained unheard. Ferda came to in Drake’s arms as he carried her down the hallway to her cabin. He’d wrapped a blanket around her and was holding her close. She almost commented
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on his recent tenderness, mixed with their customary wild passion, but was too worn to form a sentence. She shut her eyes and relaxed into his strong embrace. He must have put her in her bunk. She awoke in it some hours later, delightfully sore deep inside and her body still limp with pleasure. These voyages got better and better. And there were three more Terran days ahead on this one. Days that went far too fast, but she wasn’t about to forget her reason for insisting they take on cargo for Frannin. Drake seemed to want to downplay the whole issue in front of Kalid. Interesting. Seemed Drake didn’t trust him one hundred percent, either, but then, neither of them were sleeping with him.
*** “We need to offload cargo as soon as we land,” Drake said as they approached the planet. “The sooner we unload and deliver, the sooner we get paid.” No one argued with that. Water had lasted due to careful conservation, or perhaps Drake’s deliberate miscalculation, but Kalid was a hearty trencherman and supplies were getting skimpy. “Ferda and I have business on planet to take care of, so we’ll go ahead. You two take care of the cargo.” Rand nodded. Kalid looked questioningly from him to Drake, but seemed he took Rand’s agreement as his own. Drake and Ferda left in one of the two ground transporters waiting at their mooring. Despite being a trade hub, Frannin had no mono or bi rails and all transport was by road. A bit backward really, but the place was run for trade, not tourist attraction. “Let’s get going,” Drake said, as they punched the address into the direction finder. “This place gives me the willies.” “Didn’t realize vamps got the willies.” Maybe that was a bit much. The look cast her way suggested that pretty strongly. “Any sentient being can get the willies and this place is strange.” He shook his head.
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“Never been here before? I agree it’s odd. Nothing but spaceports and endless warehouses. Not much in the way of clubs, bars, sleazy dives and the other refinements of life you find on the Hubs.” “You knew it was like this?” “Look at it this way. There’s nowhere for Rand to get into trouble. We’ll learn what we need from Zadde’s partner, or brother, or whatever he is, pick up another cargo, and be off planet before the next rotation.” “Did anyone ever tell you you’re sickeningly optimistic at times?” “Noticed, did you?” She cast a grin his way. Tenderness in bed, now teasing. What was happening with him? If this was what a bit of jealousy brought out, it might be fun. The transporter stopped in front of a vast gray warehouse, boringly similar to every other one they’d passed. Drake was clearly unimpressed. “Just doesn’t fit the flamboyant Zadde’s image, does it?” He was right there, but Zadde’s image wasn’t her concern. Zadde’s business dealings were. “Dull, isn’t it? You’d think they’d liven things up with window boxes or something.” “The place doesn’t have any windows.” “True.” The door opened into a small, dingy office. Aside from stacks of dusty boxes, a battered desk and a wide visiscreen, the place was deserted and silent. “Anyone here?” Drake called. “Coming!” a voice replied from the half open rear door. “I’ve got everything ready. Now…” Seeing them, the man broke off in surprise and blinked at them. “What do you want?” “To speak to Bram Burrown.” The man gave Drake a searching look. “And what might you want from him?” “Information,” Drake replied, looking his most vampiric.
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“You and half the planet,” he replied. “The boss said to say ‘no’ to everyone, so I’m saying ‘no’.” Hardly helpful, but interesting. He hadn’t been refusing the person he’d expected. “Saying ‘no’ before you know our business?” Ferda asked. “I know what you want: same as every galactic investigator, debt collector and agent in the fucking universe. We’re taking inventory and suspending business temporarily.” They’d definitely picked an interesting time to arrive. “We came to settle an outstanding account.” His beady eyes blinked at Ferda. “That’s different. Sorry. Boss told me to turn everyone away. He didn’t expect anyone to come and pay us.” They weren’t, but they’d get around to that in a minute. “Things a bit difficult?” Ferda asked. “You wouldn’t believe. The galactic investigators sealed our bank credits. You are bringing cash credits, right?” Not exactly. “Just dealing in cash credits these days?” Drake asked. The man nodded. “I could give you a discount.” He gave a sly wink. “Not necessary.” “Eh?” Understanding crept into the man’s eyes. Seemed he’d finally twigged they were not here to pay an account. “What do you want?” “To speak to Bram Burrown.” “He isn’t here. Off on business.” “Attending his brother’s funeral?” Ferda asked. “What’s it to you?” “We have his ashes.” As an attention getter, that was effective. The man gaped. “Who are you, then?”
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“I’ve known Zadde for years,” Ferda said, avoiding the question. “I happened to be coming to Frannin, so I offered to convey his remains to his brother. Bram is here?” Surprise gave way to wariness. “He’s temporarily off planet.” Really? “So he can’t take possession of his brother’s remains.” Seemed a shame to hand them over to this twerp. Not that Zadde would know any difference. “I’ll take them.” Drake plonked the small casket on the scratched counter. The dull clunk made the man jump. “Oh! Yes, good. That’s all then?” Not quite. “We still need to settle our account,” Drake said. The man gave the casket a nervous glance. “Right. Payment in cash?” Drake smiled. “We’d prefer that.” He handed over a credit wand. “Put this into your computer and see what’s owed.” Brightening up a bit, the man, whom Ferda was more and more convinced was Bram himself, slid the wand into his workstation and entered a sequence into the key pad. As the information scrolled up, he scanned the screen, scowled and glared at them. “So, you…” he began. Then froze as he met Drake’s eyes.
“What have you done?” she asked.
“I’m holding his mind. Get in there fast and see what you can find out.”
Brilliant. Assuming the password he’d entered unlocked the entire system.
It did.
The first few screens made very interesting reading. They weren’t the only ones
owed. Sheesh! No wonder the galactic banks had frozen Zadde’s accounts. He had outstanding invoices from independents like themselves, large trading syndicates and… she stared at the screen as she recognized the names of three prominent crime clans. The man had a death wish! Certainly made sense of the comment Drake had overheard about Zadde’s murder being his own fault for trying to double cross the Bayrans. Had her wondering if Zadde’s murder might have been unrelated to Gelda. Not that Ferda had time to
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worry about that now. If she had three weeks she might find what she needed among the account folders and files. How long could Drake hold a mind in his thrall? Nowhere near long enough for all this. Damn! It had to be here. Nothing for it but to copy the lot. A couple of dozen keystrokes later she’d accessed the ship’s computer and started downloading -breaking umpteen galactic laws no doubt, but needs must… according to the old Terran proverb. “Any luck?” Drake asked.
“I believe so. Can you hold him for another fifteen minutes?”
“That long?”
“If possible. I’m downloading everything to the ship.”
“You’ll get us arrested.”
“Only if they catch us. Just keep our pal under your spell.”
Half an hour later, leaving the clerk -- Bram, warehouse attendant, or dogsbody,
dozing at his work station and likely to sleep a good bit longer, they headed back to the ship. “That was almost too easy,” Drake said. She agreed. “We might change our minds when we sift through years of records.” “You really hope to find her origins, don’t you?” Did she? “It’s a very long shot, but I promised her I’d try and I will.”
Chapter Four “That’s all done,” Rand said. “Cargo delivered, or on the way. Credits arriving or about to. I suggest we secure the ship and take a spin around the environs in the transporter so thoughtfully provided.” Kalid nodded. “Ever been here before?” “No, but Ferda has, and she told me about two bars that cater to transients.” “She goes to bars?” Rand chuckled. “Ferda has been around the galaxy a few times. She suggested we avoid the Blue Nova as it’s a bit rowdy.” “Oh?” “So we’ll head for that one. I like Ferda, and she’s a good one to have around when you’re in trouble, but a bit of an old aunt at times.” “Whoopee, the Blue Nova it is.” Parking on the roof of the Blue Nova, alongside a selection of rather elderly transporters, Rand and Kalid took the airlift down to the bar. Ferda had scored one on him. On both of them. Yes, it was a bar. Just. But one catering to superannuated octogenarians. As he and Kalid entered the door, they were carefully watched by several pairs of rheumy eyes. “Bet they hold wakes here,” Kalid muttered. “Nah! The excitement would give the customers heart failure,” Rand replied. Before they could back out of the door, a white-haired old codger approached. “Can I help you young lads?”
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“Yes,” Rand replied, telling himself vampires kept control and presence at all times. “I think we’re lost.” So much for dignity, control and presence. “We were looking for a bar a friend recommended. Didn’t mean to interrupt.” “Bet you young-uns were looking for the Blue Moon. More to your speed than the old Nova, I bet!” Couldn’t be less. “Or perhaps it was the Bright Nova. Now that’s a right lively place of a Saturday night.” And with a bit of luck would still hum a little on a Wednesday afternoon. They left with directions to the Bright Nova. “Just a couple of turns,” the octogenarian assured them. “Nothing’s very far away on Frannin.” Maybe not but after a good many more than a couple of turns, Kalid, who was driving, turned to Rand. “I think we’re lost.” No point in disagreeing. “Best use the GPS and forget the old geezer’s directions.” Eventually they found the Bright Nova and went into the small, dark bar, ordered the local version of unibrew, and took a small table in the corner. Two more unibrews later they’d shared a few space stories, discussed the idea of taking a short holiday together -- Rand was against the idea, unless by some miracle, Zadde’s brother paid what they were owed -- and decided it was time to eat. The barkeep suggested a cafe a short walk away. Leaving their transporter parked by the Bright Nova, they set off, found the place, and Kalid enjoyed a meal that wasn’t composed of ship’s rations. Rand enjoyed Kalid. With a bit of luck, they might even have a couple of days here and perhaps spend a night or two off ship. He suggested as much to Kalid, who greeted the idea with nothing short of enthusiasm. In a mood of mellow contentment and agreement, they strolled back to their transporter. They never got there. As they turned a corner into a narrow walkway between gray metal buildings, a figure stepped out from the shadows. “Rand Faràr?” The voice sounded as if it came from the depths of misery. “I bring a message from Harel Larg.”
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Rand pushed Kalid behind him. A mortal was no match for an assassin with a laser weapon. But this time it was a charge shooter. With a flare of light, the charge hit the air where Rand had been standing. Rand rolled and made a dive for the assassin’s legs. The nimbus of a second charge caught him on the shoulder. Hellishly painful, but it wouldn’t kill him. Not much could now. Afraid the next charge might reflect back on Kalid, Rand moved fast, ready to take the assassin down for good. Only the man was already on his way down. The shooter fell from his hand as he grabbed for the knife embedded in his chest. As he collapsed on the ground, Rand turned and gaped at Kalid. Kalid smiled. “Not very friendly, was he?” “Long story,” Rand replied. Could they get away fast enough? Should they? It was self-defense, after all, but hanging around would only complicate things. “Let’s leave.” No point inviting attention on an unregulated planet. “Too late I think.” Shit! A militia vehicle pulled up at the end of the street and dark uniformed figures ran out. “Don’t move! Police!”
*** Drake looked up from the console. “Something’s wrong.” “With the ship?” Couldn’t be. She’d double and triple checked everything. “No, with Rand. He’s in trouble.” She didn’t ask how he knew. He’d made Rand hadn’t he? “Should we look for him?” His look suggested she was nuts to even ask. She agreed. “Kalid is with him.” “He’s probably the one who caused it.” Not entirely true. Rand was pretty good at finding trouble all on his own, but now was not the time to debate the point. “The transporter. Doesn’t it have a homer?” It did. Following the signal, they found it. Parked legally in a public space. What now? They could hardly wander aimlessly. “We’d better contact the planetary police.”
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“We’d better get a move on.” Drake was always instinctively aware how close sunrise was. The officer on desk duty was polite, professional and utterly unhelpful. Aside from confirming that a Rand Faràr and a Kalid Marant were awaiting further questioning in reference to a murder, they got nowhere. Drake seethed, doing his best to control his fangs, while debating grabbing the officer by the throat and informing him he was irritating a vampire. Ferda interrupted. “Excuse me, would you please tell Superintendent Janis that Ferda Wallace wishes to see him?” “I can’t do that!” he snapped. “The superintendent is busy. He doesn’t deal with minor disturbances like this.” A minute ago it was suspected murder, now a minor disturbance? Interesting. “He will,” Ferda replied. Drake knew her well enough to recognize the tone of voice. The desk officer didn’t. “Look here…” he began. “I assure you, if Tamothy Janis learns I was here and you refused to tell him, he’ll be put out.” The implication that the officer might be demoted to sweeping out the cells wasn’t lost on him. Especially since the address board on the wall hadn’t even given the superintendent’s initials. “I’ll inform him. Your name again?”
“Ferda Wallace. Aunt Ferda.”
That got attention. He sent the message through.
Not ten minutes later, a tall, blue-haired mortal walked through an inner door.
“Auntie Ferda!” He stepped in, grabbed her off her feet and kissed her. The desk officer almost popped a gasket. “Tell me,” the superintendent said, setting her on her feet. “Have you been bullying and harassing my officer?” “Only when he needed it,” she replied. “I’m so glad to see you.” “Mutual. Never dreamed you were on planet.”
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“Never dreamed you were running the show here!” “Only the law and order end of things. What’s the matter? Troubles? I’ll fix them. Who’d pester a nice old lady like you?” Drake had to admire her tactful way of filling in the salient details. “I’ll see what’s going on,” the superintendent said. “Why don’t you wait in my office and I’ll get with you as soon as I can.” They settled in his tidy but functional office, provided with javabrew by a now almost obsequious desk officer. Drake waited until they were alone to ask, “Is he really your nephew?” Her eyes twinkled. “Yes, really. I was married to his mother’s brother for several years. Four of my children are Tamothy’s cousins.” “Do you have relatives and connections on every planet in the galaxy?” “No, but on quite a few. Didn’t even realize Tamothy was in law enforcement. You’d never guess after knowing him as a lad. He was quite a tearaway.” “Seems he settled down.” “So did Ralke. They were best friends as boys. Went off to university together and both almost got expelled. Now Ralke is administrator of the Praeden Colony and Tamothy Superintendent of Police on Frannin.” She shook her head. “Makes me feel old.” Made him feel relieved. With the Superintendent of Police on their side Rand had to be all right. Didn’t he? Took long enough but eventually Tamothy returned with a rather worn and bedraggled looking Rand and Kalid. “I’m releasing both on bail on their parole and your recognizance, Auntie,” Tamothy said. “We’re overcrowded. Need the cells.” He turned to Rand and Kalid. “You need to present yourselves to the magistrate in fortyeight hours. Don’t worry too much,” he added to the room in general. “Seems the dead man was a professional assassin. We were watching him since he landed, just after you did. Seems he slipped our surveillance. Sounds like self-defense to me.” Rand swallowed. “So we’re free to go?”
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“As long as Aunt Ferda is willing to take responsibility for you.”
“I will,” Ferda said.
And that was that.
Less than an hour later, after picking up Rand’s transport on the way, they were
back in the ship. Drake and Rand were dead to the world and Kalid bursting with questions. So was Ferda. She traded answers one for one. Not many surprises for her. Kalid was pretty much gobsmacked.
Chapter Five “Well?” Rand asked, after he and Drake awoke and all four of them gathered on the bridge. “What now?” “What now,” Ferda replied, “is you two stay on the ship until you leave for the magistrate’s and I’m asking Tamothy to provide an escort.” “Why?” Kalid asked with a pout. “To keep us alive,” Rand replied. “But I killed the assassin, didn’t I?” “You killed one,” Drake pointed out. Leaving the rest unsaid. Kalid looked confused. “They work in teams,” Rand explained. Kalid’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped. “They’ll try again?” Drake let out an impatient bark. “They get paid for results.” “They’ve been after me for over a year,” Rand said. “Ferda’s right. Now they know I’m here -- and I’d like to know how the hell they arrived so soon after we did -they’re hardly likely to pack up and go home.” He paused. “Wish we could just hop off planet.” “I gave my word you’d present yourselves at court,” Ferda reminded him. Even Kalid didn’t argue with that. “We still need to get some sort of cargo,” Rand said. “Ferda and I will see to that,” Drake replied. “You two make the hold ready and spring clean the ship.” Ferda almost laughed at the look on Kalid’s face but managed to restrain herself.
***
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“So, we troll for cargo?” Drake asked as they left the ship in one of the transporters. “Might as well, I suppose. Although…” “Although what?” “I’d like to get off planet the minute we can. I’ve this horrid feeling that sooner or later Bram Burrown is going to notice his records have been tampered with, add two and two together and come up with our names.” “Can he prove anything?” “If he’s good with records, yes.” “Did he strike you as good?” She laughed. “No, but one never knows and I’ll be happiest when we’re off planet and in some quiet spot where I can sift through those files.” It was more than just her promise to Gelda. Ferda suspected this had become a crusade. She wanted to expose Zadde’s illegal trading. Not that it would do him much harm now. Unfortunately it seemed no traders were desperate or daring enough to commit a cargo to a ship whose crew member was about to face an enquiry for murder. Damn, news traveled fast. After hours of catching gossip in trading bars and commerce pits, they heard of a bankrupt warehouse auction. “Let’s see what we can find there,” Drake suggested. “You want to buy stuff?” “We still have credit. If we can pick up saleable bargains, why not?” They’d never done business that way, but made sense to her. “Why not? Anything in particular?” “Let’s see what they have that’s nonperishable, reasonably light and saleable just about anywhere in the galaxy.” Ship’s rations. Crates of them. Something the planet based traders had little interest in, so they scooped the lot up at bargain price and arranged delivery.
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On their way back, Ferda insisted on stopping so she could eat. A meal off ship was very welcome, plus she needed a break from Kalid. He was getting to be hard work. So unlike his father. “What are you smiling at, mortal?” Drake asked. “I’m thinking how glad I am I grew up.” She grinned at him. “And that I can get a break from the bright young things.” “The trouble is, some aren’t that bright.” He was right there. “At least Kalid was there for backup.” Drake snorted. “Backup to a vamp? Either Rand is losing it, or Kalid is more than he says he is.” He caught the look on her face. Had to have. “What the hell do you know I don’t, Ferda?” “I know Kalid uses an assumed name. I knew his father. He was caught up in a nasty fraud affair a while back, and Kalid doesn’t want his parentage generally known.” “Sounds fishy to me.” “Not altogether. There are several planets where he’d be denied landing under his real name.” “Who’s his father? Rajeh Graem?” At Ferda’s nod, Drake gaped. “Christ! No wonder the lad keeps it mum. I would.” “And please don’t let on you know. He’s young and annoying, but he’s in a jam because he took up for Rand.” Drake met her eyes. “He won’t hear anything from me.” She smiled. “I know. Wouldn’t have told you otherwise.” “My silence comes at a price, Ferda.” “Indeed?” “Let’s discuss that on our way back to the ship.” “What’s your price?” Ferda asked as Drake headed their hired transporter toward the spaceport.
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“Watching you strip, then tying you to my bunk so I can have my wicked way with you.” How delicious. “Would it really be wicked?” “Yes.” His voice went deep and gloriously sexy. “The ultimate in wicked. Think you’re up to it, mortal?” She laughed. Why not? They had a cargo, enough credit left for fuel, and they could leave just as soon as Kalid faced the magistrate. She never doubted Tamothy’s assurances that he’d be acquitted. Still, it would be good to be safely off planet. She had a feeling that wholesale theft of business records couldn’t be explained away as selfdefense. Meanwhile, nice, hot, heavy vampire sex was just what she fancied. After all, she bet Rand and Kalid hadn’t spent the past few hours cleaning the hold. Basking in a delightful haze of anticipation, Ferda leaned back in her seat, closed her eyes and anticipated. Life on this ship was good.
Kalid had pretty much come to the same conclusion. Ten minutes after they swished the suction cleaner over the hold, Rand grinned at him. “That should do the job. Don’t want to waste good fucking time cleaning the damn hold, do we?” “Hell, no!” With a grin, Kalid held out his hand. “Your cabin or mine?” “Why go that far? Lots more space around here.” “It’s a bit barren.” Rand laughed. “You want velvet hangings and soft carpets, lad?” He lowered his face to Kalid’s. “Forget soft furnishings. I’m thinking of a good hard fuck.” Kalid’s laugh was downright charming, and sexy into the bargain. Just made one want to rip the clothes off him. And why not? “Come over here, mortal.” Rand crossed the hold to a broad ledge that concealed the atmosphere controls and part of the thrusting system. Pretty damn appropriate for what he had in mind. He turned. Kalid stood a meter away, watching and breathing hard. Lovely what anticipation did to a mortal.
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Rand closed the space between them, put his hands on Kalid’s shoulders, drawing him close, and kissed him. The lad opened his mouth to him, and Rand kissed hard, relishing the warmth of his lips and the mortal heat of his tongue. Damn good tongue it was too, and the little groan that went along with it settled things for Rand. He’d sort of had a slow teasing seduction in mind but damn it, now he wanted it fast and hard. Maybe not too fast. He stepped back, still keeping hold of Kalid’s shoulders. “Listen to me, lad. See the ledge behind me?” Kalid swallowed and nodded. Bright lad guessed something was coming his way. “You’re going to strip for me, then lean on that ledge, presenting your luscious arse for my fucking. You’re to rest your chest and head on the ledge, and stand legs apart. I want to be able to grab your cock and balls when the mood takes me.” Wide eyes met Rand’s as Kalid’s Adam’s apple bounced. “Now?” “I sure as hell don’t intend to wait.” “No!” Kalid whipped down his zip and had one arm out of his suit when he paused, giving a sly smile. Then, darn the lad, he as good as froze. “Want me to take this off, do you?” “Yeah.” Joining in the game, Rand crossed his arms and nodded. “I want it in a heap on the floor.” “In a minute.” Was more like five as he sat on the floor and unfastened his ship boots with tantalizing slowness. Taking each one off, he stood and shimmied out of his suit, doing a rather fun and definitely sexy hip wiggle to shift his suit over his erection. Rand resisted the urge to yank it down. Might as well enjoy the show. The high point of the exhibition came as Kalid stood naked, preening, flexing his muscles in the style of ancient body builders in the history vids. All very nice and enticing…
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“All right, lad, you’ve had your fun, now get yourself in position and make that arse of yours available.” Kalid complied, but not without showing off his shoulder muscles and his hard butt. Matched his cock in that respect. Damn, it matched Rand’s too. This wasn’t going to take too long. Just long enough. Kalid followed directions well, and looked downright enticing to boot, bent over, braced on his forearms, giving his arse a little wiggle as he settled himself. Rand smiled. He couldn’t help feeling tender toward a lad so eager to oblige. He stood behind Kalid and ran his hand over the firm planes of his back, stroking the line of his spine and giving his arse cheeks a little squeeze -- then a harder one as Kalid moaned. Nice. “Not long, lad,” Rand whispered. “Let me check you out first. Cock nicely ready, is it?” It was, not that Rand had entertained any doubts. He closed his hand over the warm, hard flesh and eased the foreskin back and forth. Kalid grunted. Just the signal Rand wanted to play with Kalid’s balls. Just enough to get him nicely wound up. Very wound up to judge by the damp at the end of his cock. Couldn’t be better. Moving even closer, Rand rubbed his own erection up and down Kalid’s back, then slipped lower and lodged it between his arse cheeks, rubbing gently back and forth. “Want it?” he asked. “Want my cock?” “Yes!” It came out as a little moan. “Yes!” “Where do you want it? Tell me or you don’t get it!” Kalid’s shoulders and back heaved up and down with a couple of deep breaths. “Tell me.” “Up my arse! I want it hard up my arse. Please!” “Who could resist such nice manners?” With a laugh that had the lad gasping with anticipation, Rand parted his cheeks and positioned himself. And stood there. No
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point in hurrying things too much. He pressed just a tad. Enough to elicit another groan. He paused, then drove in hard. Kalid came in an instant, shooting his wad. Shame that. Rand hated to see all that mortal life force wasted, but damn, there would be other times. For now, pumping in and out with all his power and desire was pleasure enough. Kalid was spent and limp under him as he came, but the lad had strength enough to arch his neck for Rand’s fangs. He didn’t take much, remembering Drake’s dictums about mortal frailness, and soon lifted his mouth and licked the wound to help heal it. “Satisfied, lad?” he asked. “God yes!” Seemed a bit of an effort for him to even speak, so Rand picked him up and, carrying him over his shoulder, took him back to his cabin. The lad was out for the count. Nice for him. Now Rand had better go back and see to the hold. Ferda would have a thing or two to say if she saw the state it was in right now. Wouldn’t take long. Then he’d come back and share Kalid’s bunk.
*** “Crap almighty!” Drake snapped, before muttering something in Latin. Ferda’s eyes snapped open. “What’s the matter?” One glance and she knew. Rand’s hired transporter was no longer parked in the bay in front of the ship. “If Kalid’s gone off ship, I’m going to spiflicate him,” Ferda muttered. “Only after I have my turn. Has to have been him. Rand would have more sense.” They both hoped. After all, one did not expect recklessly imbecilic behavior from a vamp. But both Rand and Kalid were on ship, and, much to Ferda’s amazement, the hold was spotless. But neither Rand nor Kalid was too enthused at having a tender encounter interrupted by news the transporter was missing. “We haven’t used it,” Rand said. Ferda believed him. “Someone has, and they haven’t brought it back.” “What the hell!” Rand was out of bed and picking his zipsuit off the floor. Kalid was less uninhibited and yanked the bedclothes up to his chest.
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“Sure it’s gone?” Rand asked, racing down the hallway. Neither of them bothered to answer that, but they followed Rand, leaving Kalid to his modesty. The view down the gangplank was clear enough. The second transporter was nowhere to be seen. “Stolen. Has to have been,” Rand said. “Shouldn’t we call the cops and report it?” “Better let Ferda,” Drake replied. “They eat out of her hand.” Not quite, but when she mentioned her name to the dispatcher she got a quick response. “Commander Wallace? We had instructions to patch any communications straight through to the superintendent. Just a minute.” “Hold on. No need for that. It’s just a routine theft.” At least that’s what it looked like. “He did insist, Commander Wallace.” Darn, she hadn’t been addressed as “Commander” in decades. “Very well, but how about you take particulars first?” That he did, rather reluctantly, but then insisted he patch Ferda through. “May take a minute or two. He’s not in. Was called out to view an act of sabotage.” And who would bother to sabotage anything on Frannin? A disgruntled trader who hadn’t been paid? “Thank you.” Tamothy joined the link in a couple of minutes. “Aunt Ferda, what’s wrong?” The sudden switch from “Commander” to “Aunt” was interesting to say the least. She explained. “I hate to bother you with trivia like a transporter theft when you have sabotage on your hands.” “No trouble at all, Auntie. Tell me, what model was the transporter? Color? Any identifying marks?” He made it sound like a lost dog. “It was dark red, almost maroon, a Vegamach two-seater. I can get you the reg number if you hang on a tic.” “Please do.”
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This was impressive service, but really carrying family obligations a bit far. She checked the computer for the rental agreement. “75962VMH. We got it from the spaceport authority.” “Don’t go anywhere, Auntie. This may take me a few minutes.” Several, she imagined, especially with a sabotage on their hands. “All right.” She looked up at the others, Rand and Kalid now both clothed, but Kalid looking rather disheveled. “I’m waiting. Tamothy seems to be investigating it himself, but I do think he might as well delegate this. It’s not even our own transporter.” “Don’t argue with the cops,” Kalid said. He should know. It was a good fifteen minutes. Only the odd crackle on the line and background noises indicated the connection was still open. “Aunt Ferda, you still there?” “Of course.” “In your ship? Or out on the streets somewhere?” “In the ship.” “Everyone there with you?” What was he doing? Checking up on Kalid and Rand? “All present and accounted for.” “What about the second transporter?” “Parked in the bay. Or least it was fifteen minutes ago.” “Good. Please listen.” Urgent was not the word for his tone. “All of you stay put. Don’t any of you leave the ship or go for the other transporter. And don’t, whatever you do, open any hatches or admit anyone, not even if they’re wearing uniforms. I’m on my way. Don’t let anyone into the ship until I get there.” “All right.” If he was worried, she probably should be. “Something wrong?” “I’ll explain when I get there.” Which obviously meant “yes.” She cut the connection and let out a long sigh. “What’s happening?” Rand asked. She told him, or at least as much as Tamothy had told her.
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“What the fricking hell’s going on?” Rand muttered.
“Interesting,” Drake said.
Kalid just looked worried. She didn’t blame him. Something was definitely off.
“Any idea when he’ll get here?” Rand asked.
“None, other than he said he’s coming right over. Since he didn’t say where he
was, we can’t make much of a guess. This is quite a large station. Could be anything up to an hour. I’m getting some javabrew.” She stood. “And Kalid, you might want to brush your hair. Looks as though you just got out of bed.” Not a nice thing to say. His blush as he bustled out caused her a twinge of guilt, but darn it, she was worried. Did Tamothy think Kalid and Rand had broken their parole?
Chapter Six They had almost an hour to worry and speculate before Tamothy appeared in their visiscreen. “Commander Wallace? Mind if you let us in?” “Us” was Tamothy and a tall woman in combat uniform. “Inspector Brance,” the superintendent said. “My aunt, Commander Ferda Wallace of the Kyrian Wars and the Rescue from Arrand.” He smiled, obviously making the most of ancient historical connections. “Honored,” Brance said, offering her hand. “We so seldom get celebrities here.” “And Drake Varna, Rand Faràr and Kalid Marant.” She nodded. “Good to meet you.” “What’s happened?” Drake asked. “Long story,” Tamothy replied. “Can we sit somewhere?” “The galley.” It was cramped, but close to the javabrew machine and it looked as both Tamothy and the inspector needed caffeine by the quart. “You’ve had trouble, I gather,” Ferda said, as Kalid took her silent cue and handed around steaming mugs. “Yes,” Brance agreed, with a glance at Tamothy. “We have.” “Go ahead,” he said to Brance. “It’s your show.” “Well…” she began. “We’d have been here sooner but we stopped to verify a few details. Your transporter was stolen,” she nodded at Rand and Kalid. “Seems the station control saw it leave. About thirty minutes later, it blew up in a narrow alley in the warehouse district.” Rand stared. Kalid went pale and swallowed. “I was called in. First impressions, after the fire crew did their job, was that a bomb had been placed on the right of the front drive. When it detonated they happened to be in a narrow alley between two warehouses and it took a fair chunk out of each
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building.” She paused. “Would have been downright nasty near a bar or trading pit. The warehouse owners aren’t happy, but the only casualties were the driver and his companion.” “Who were?” Ferda asked. “We’re running identification,” Tamothy said. “But at a guess, members of a gang that have been stealing transporters all over the station in the last couple of weeks.” “Then you have two less thieves to worry about,” Drake said. “Yes,” Brance agreed, “but other difficulties present themselves.” She glanced at her superior. “Want to go on with the next bit, sir? This is your bailiwick.” He nodded. “We checked the background of your victim,” he said with a look at Kalid. “Confirmed he was a professional assassin. We’re still looking for his partner. But that’s not the really interesting part.” He paused for a taste of javabrew and looked up at Rand and Kalid. “Within three hours of your release two more assassins arrived on planet. One known for her expertise in explosives.” Ferda wasn’t sure if it was the “her” or the “explosives” that shot Kalid’s eyes wide. “Christ!” he muttered. He looked at Rand. “They set the bomb for you!” “Yup.” Rand nodded. “Will the bastards never give up?” Brance coughed. “We really don’t care to know why you have such intense interest from hired assassins but if Commander Wallace will speak for you, that satisfies us. What happened elsewhere is not our concern. Stability on Frannin is.” Ferda hoped she wasn’t blushing. What would Tamothy have to say about stealing business archives? “Thing is,” Tamothy said, taking over from Brance and looking directly at Rand. “They came to kill you here. Something we’re not happy about. When the first attempt failed, they sent reinforcements. The reinforcements’ bomb was more successful and we have two casualties.” Ferda followed his reasoning. A glance at Drake showed he got it too, though Rand and Kalid hadn’t. Yet. “As long as no one sees you on planet, they must surely conclude they succeeded.”
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Rand got it, right after as long as no one sees you… Kalid didn’t, but twigged something was good when Drake barked out his odd laugh. “Good one! Death by proxy.” Kalid got that. “You mean you’ll tell them it was Rand and I who got killed?” The lad had no tact. “Planetary Police can’t possibly make official statements they know to be patently untrue,” she said. “Oh!” Now he looked confused. Ferda wanted to give him a good shake. “It will take some time to determine the identity of the two victims,” Brance said. “We may never make a firm identification.” “Meanwhile…” Tamothy said, “in my official capacity I recommend Drake and Ferda leave planet immediately. Understandable after all. Must be a terrible shock, losing vital crew members like this.” “Thank you,” Ferda said. “Both of you.” Tamothy might run the show but Brance was no lightweight and she’d agreed to go along with this. “Two hours enough?” Brance asked. “Are you refueled for takeoff?” “We can be,” Drake assured him. “Just one thing. We have a bonded cargo we just purchased for resale. Took most of our spare credit.” “Where is it?” Tamothy asked. Drake told him. Tamothy and Brance exchanged glances. “Should be safe enough. I’ll send a police crew to pick up and deliver. It’ll add to the charade of your immediate departure.”
It did, after a few curious communications with control, and the arrival of a team of burly cops manning the delivery pallets. Ferda and Drake secured the cargo in the hold, after threatening to leave Kalid behind if he so much as let anyone hear him breathe. Rand needed no encouragement to ensconce himself in his cabin. Cargo laden, clearance given, and a last farewell to Tamothy, they were ready. It felt odd leaving like this, but they were leaving with all of them alive. Ferda spared a thought for the dead thieves. Crime really had not paid for them.
Madeleine Oh
Investigation in Blood
- 43 -
“Any idea where we should head?” Drake asked, as they primed the engines for take off. He was asking her? Nice of him. “Praeden.” “Praeden?” “Why not? The blockade’s been lifted, and I bet they could use some supplies. It’s a nice quiet backwater.” “Why not?” Drake let out the throttle and started the clearance codes. Ferda smiled to herself. Meeting young Tamothy after all these years had rather spurred a yearning for her own offspring. Yes. Praeden was the ideal destination. Drake seemed willing to go along with her, and as for the other two, they couldn’t complain - they were now officially dead. Well, Rand was sort of dead anyway, but for now they could all get busy examining Zadde’s business records.
Madeleine Oh Madeleine Oh is a woman of mystery. Some claim she is the granddaughter of an odalisque from the Bey’s harem in Algiers or that her father was a direct descendant of the line of Welsh princes. Others say that her parents met whilst working for the French Resistance during WW2, and there have even been rumors that she was born on a ranch in Patagonia (an alternative version says a farm in Ohio). Perhaps all of this is pure and utter fiction. But truth or fiction, readers love her wildly imaginative erotic tales. For excerpts and contests visit Madeleine’s web site: www.madeleineoh.com. For news of new releases, join Madeleine’s yahoo announcement list:
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