In the Void

by Sheryl Nantus

  “Because you’re no good to us here anymore. You want to be with her and it’s affecting your work. Moping about and being all sulky isn’t conducive to a good working atmosphere.” Kendra finished off her wine.

  “You said she’s going into witness protection,” Sean blurted out. “Even if I muster out of the Guild I’ll never find her.” He felt lightheaded and drew a deep breath to calm his nerves.

  She gave him a knowing smile. “Sean Harrison. Have you forgotten we have a UNS marshal on call? One who is a hopeless romantic?”

  He folded up the page and handed it back to her, shaking his head. “I can’t take this from you.”

  “You can and you will.” She didn’t take the paper. “You wouldn’t let her buy out your contract because you didn’t want to feel you owed her or feel owned by her. But this is business, Sean. Cold hard business.” Her eyes narrowed. “You take it or I’ll call Grendel and tell the Guild to either transfer you out to another ship or decertify you as a courtesan for your unofficial involvement with Catherine Rogers.” She rolled the empty drink tube up into a small cylinder. “Your call.”

  “Fuck.” He exhaled. “You play hard ball.”

  “Tell me about it.” She nodded toward the hatch. “I’ve already placed a call to our dear marshal. It seems Daniel’s going to be dropping by on an inspection run. Make sure the Belle’s space-worthy and all that, blah blah blah.”

  He didn’t even try to hide his skeptical look.

  “I didn’t have to work hard to get him here.” Kendra chuckled. “He’s only going to be aboard for a few hours so go start packing. When he’s done inspecting with Sam he’ll ferry you to a transport hub with the Guild’s blessing. From there he’ll give you what you need to find her.”

  “But—” His attention went back to the screen and the tiny photo of Catherine. “What if she doesn’t want me?”

  “Sean.” Kendra swam close. She put her hands on each side of his head and leaned in to kiss his forehead. “I’ve been around long enough to know what love is. You should too, especially when it’s dropped in your lap. She’s no fool and neither are you.” Her eyes filled with tears. “It’s time for you to move on, my sweet Irish man. Your time is done on the Bonnie Belle.”

  Chapter Twenty

  When it came down to it there wasn’t much to pack. The ancient teapot went into a padded case along with the shillelagh and his clothes, barely filling the duffle bag. The Guild had already sent a message notifying him of what he would and wouldn’t be allowed to take, limiting what he could extract from years of working as a courtesan.

  He left all the fancy clothing, packing only a handful of dress shirts, T-shirts, jeans and boots—a workingman’s wear.

  He also printed out the fat file of paperwork releasing him from his Guild contract and the shorter page detailing his personal loan from Kendra Champagne.

  Daniel’s ship had docked not long after he’d begun packing. He zipped the duffle bag shut and slung it over his shoulder.

  It was still an unknown future he was launching himself into. Catherine could say no, she could—

  A knock came at the hatch.

  He opened it to see April holding out a small bamboo plant sealed in a travel case. Her eyes were red.

  She cleared her throat. “I hear you’re leaving us.”

  Sean swam out into the corridor. “You hear correctly.” He took the plant from her, choked up at her show of emotion. “Thank you.” It took a few minutes to secure it in his floating duffle bag but it fit perfectly next to the boxed teapot.

  “Wherever you end up I hope it brings you luck.” She reached out and brushed her fingers over his cheek. “She’s a good woman. Be a good man for her. Be the best man you can be.”

  “I will,” Sean whispered back.

  The other doors opened up and the other courtesans stepped out, floating to form a line leading to the landing bay.

  Bianca sniffled as Sean swam by, saying nothing.

  Harry beamed and nodded his approval, giving a thumbs-up.

  April floated beside him for the remainder of the corridor.

  When they arrived at the hatch leading to the landing bay, she patted his shoulder.

  “May you find peace and happiness.”

  She stayed behind as he pulled himself through.

  The hatch swung shut with a hollow thud.

  Kendra was waiting for him inside the landing bay.

  She was alone.

  The landing bay had changed so much from the battlefield of over a month ago. The floors had been scrubbed clean of blood and the tables replaced. It was almost impossible at first glance to see there’d ever been any sort of conflict inside the Belle.

  Almost.

  Sean stopped in front of her. His attention went to a dark crease in the metal panels.

  Rust or blood. He couldn’t tell.

  He didn’t want to tell.

  Kendra spoke, breaking him out of his introspection. “Daniel should be by in a few minutes. It seems we’ve passed inspection,” she deadpanned. “I believe part of that may be thanks to April.”

  “April?”

  As if on cue the door opened again, letting Daniel swim through with Sam close behind. He still wore his usual marshal’s uniform but Sean noticed the white T-shirt poking out from one side where it was usually tucked into his jeans.

  For the captain’s part, she looked fine other than the bright blush on her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes.

  The top button of her coveralls was undone, which wouldn’t have been noticeable on its own except for the fact that all of her buttons were one button off.

  He wasn’t going to dare a comment even if he was leaving the Belle.

  Kendra nudged him with her hip, her lips pressed together into a tight line.

  He followed her gaze to the flimsy scarf poking out of the marshal’s pocket and the tell-tale marks on his captain’s wrists.

  Kendra didn’t say anything.

  Sam released Daniel’s hand and floated over to Sean. The satisfied glee in her face dimmed a fraction. “We’re going to miss you. Just speak kindly of us, ‘kay?”

  Sean pulled her into a gentle hug. “Always.” He dropped the Irish accent, reverting to his native drawl. “As long as you do the same of me.”

  The shocked looks from all assembled was worth it, especially Kendra’s.

  Sean grinned. It wasn’t too often he got the jump on the senior courtesan and this was the perfect way to exit the Belle.

  Daniel recovered first. “I’ve pulled a few strings to get you on the same transport flight out to the colony. Couldn’t tell her anything about it and it’s up to her if she’ll take you back.”

  The question hung in the air.

  “She’ll take him back,” Kendra said. “She’s a smart woman.”

  Sean nodded, hoping her words carried weight with the unseen gods. “We’ll see. Either way, I’m done with the Guild.”

  “I took the liberty of getting you a job assignment based on your skills.” Daniel reached into a jacket pocket and handed him a folded piece of paper. “Secure job, secure income. Keep you from coming back here.”

  “That’s not going to happen.” Sean smiled. “Thank you, everyone. I hope you all find your own paths, here on the Belle or elsewhere.” He gave a short bow before turning his attention to Kendra. “I’ll drop you a line when I get settled,” he said. “And don’t worry, I won’t miss a payment.”

  “You better not.” She sniffled. “Otherwise I’ll be spending more money on a hit man.”

  Daniel cleared his throat.

  Kendra snorted. “As if I’d admit to that in front of a lawman.”

  “If I had a credit for everything I wasn’t supposed to hear—I’ll be with y
ou in a minute.” Daniel squeezed Sam’s hand. “Need to make my own farewells.”

  Sean and Kendra looked away as the couple moved to a corner of the landing bay.

  Sean moved to the hatch. He looked upward before opening the door. “Goodbye, Belle. Thank you and I’ll miss you.”

  “Happy trails, Sean Harrison,” the computer AI replied. “It was a pleasure to have you aboard.”

  Sean hoisted the bag on his shoulder and swam through the hatch.

  * * *

  The transport ship was small and smelt of potatoes. Hardly the type of ship Catherine Rogers was used to traveling on.

  Except Catherine Rogers was gone. Lost in a bureaucratic shuffle of papers that would guarantee her a new life and a new job.

  “Fiona Adamson,” she repeated to herself for the umpteenth time. She’d gone over her new identity papers time and time again, memorizing her past down to the tiniest detail. It was doubtful anyone would ask what school she attended in third grade but she had to be ready.

  A man brushed by her to take the seat two rows ahead of her. He looked back as he opened up the overhead bin to stuff a fat satchel into the small space.

  He didn’t show any clue he’d recognized her. Granted, it’d been some time since the trial and they’d promised her no one would see Catherine Rogers again but she still worried about it.

  She’d be a fool not to.

  The bad guys had blown up her yacht, murdered her friends and tried to attack a Mercy ship. They’d blown up a UNS ship and narrowly missed killing the marshal along with the rest of the Belle’s crew.

  The pirates themselves might be behind bars but she knew it’d take a long time before she felt totally safe in her new identity. She reached up behind her and brushed the short hair on the back of her neck, the near-buzz cut a refreshing change.

  Her blonde hair was gone, replaced with a dark red dye guaranteed to last a year. She thought it made her stand out but one of the detectives assigned to help her prepare pointed out that it served the purpose.

  Besides, she liked being a redhead.

  She looked out the small circular window next to her seat. It was a crowded flight, filled with families and couples eager to start a brand new life. The colony was recently settled and needed as many new arrivals as possible.

  Herself included.

  “Excuse me. Is this seat taken?” A familiar voice invaded her thoughts.

  She turned to see Sean Harrison standing in the aisle. The duffle bag slung over his shoulder was blocking the aisle and came perilously close to smacking more than one person in the head.

  “Please.” She pointed up. “I think there’s enough room up there for your luggage.”

  She couldn’t breathe. What was he doing here and what did he want with her?

  He opened the overhead bin and carefully pushed the bag in. “Got to be careful. I’ve got me a nice teapot in here.”

  “Really?” Catherine felt dizzy.

  He sat down and offered his hand. “Sean Harrison.” There was no trace of an accent in his voice.

  “Fiona Adamson.”

  Sean didn’t miss a beat at the name change. “Pleased to meet you. Guess you’re on the way out to Manhattan Ten as well?” He squeezed her hand before releasing it.

  “Yes.” She felt faint. “System administrator. And you?”

  He tapped the caduceus sewn on his breast pocket, over his name tag. “Medical assistant.” A wide grin spread across his face. “In training. I’ve got some experience as a field medic and the doctor out there’s looking for a good helper.”

  “Interesting.” Catherine couldn’t stop smiling. “We’ve got a long trip out. Maybe you can tell me what sort of things you can help with.”

  “That I can and then some. Do you like Shakespeare?” He puffed out his chest. “I used to do a bit of acting in my younger days. That, and I can make a decent cup of tea.” Sean looked at her directly. “With cookies. I assume you like cookies.”

  Catherine reached over and took Sean’s hand. “I do.” She laughed and squeezed his hand as the engines roared and the ship began to move them both toward a new life. “I do.”

  Epilogue

  “You think they’ll make it?”

  “I believe in true love. Don’t you?” Daniel pulled Sam close, tucking her head under his chin.

  “Of course.” She sighed. “I hope they stay clear of trouble. Especially when it comes to the Guild.”

  He felt her tense up in his arms, signaling her concern. “You don’t think any of this was accidental.”

  “I’d be a fool if I did,” she whispered. “Coincidence? To a certain degree but this much? I think not.” She shifted against him. “I might have been a ground pounder but I’m not stupid.”

  They floated in the zero G of The Razor’s Edge II even though it was docked with the Bonnie Belle for another visit. It wasn’t uncommon for them to steal away into Daniel’s ship for a little private time but this time was different.

  What they wanted to talk about demanded full privacy and while Belle was supposed to be eyes and ears off in parts of the ship, neither fully believed that happened.

  Neither of them trusted the Guild.

  “I think the Guild knew Catherine was on her way to the Justice base and that her ship had been sabotaged,” she murmured. “They couldn’t warn her directly and expose their contacts. It’d be a red flag that they’re associated with less-than-reputable people. They had to let the bombing happen. It was a gamble if she’d survive but if she did they wanted to have someone nearby who could pick her up and keep her alive until she could be delivered safe and sound to the authorities.”

  Daniel let out a whistle, rocking them in the sleeping hammock. “That’s one hell of an accusation. That’d mean—”

  “The Guild wanted to cover all their bases. I bet if you dug deep enough you’d find some interesting stock transactions before and after we picked up Catherine Rogers and delivered her safe and sound.”

  He shook his head. “But the odds—”

  “They knew I’d move heaven and earth to get to her while other Mercy ships wouldn’t bother. And that you’d stand by us and make sure she survived, being an honest man and all.” She reached down and pinched the little bit of fat around his middle.

  “Hey!” He rocked against her.

  “It’s only a theory,” she confessed. “But I wouldn’t put it past them.”

  “And one neither of us can prove,” he added. “I’ll keep it in mind but don’t go digging around on your own.” He slid a finger under her chin and tilted her head up. “Not everything’s a conspiracy, Sam. Not everything’s another Hub.”

  “No. You’re right.” She snuggled back into his chest.

  Daniel yawned. “Sleep. I’ll have to leave soon enough.”

  “Okay.” The whispered reply came.

  He drifted off but not before hearing one last mumbled sentence.

  “Everyone has secrets.”

  * * * * *

  Catch up on the Bonnie Belle’s maiden voyage in In the Black, the first book of Tales from the Edge!

  In the Black

  Book one of Tales from the Edge

  When Sam Keller left the military, she ran to the far end of the galaxy. Now she captains the Bonnie Belle, a spaceship full of courtesans who bring a little pleasure to hard-up men on mining colonies. When one of her girls turns up dead, it’s Sam’s job to find out who killed her, fast.

  Marshal Daniel LeClair is as tough as steel and quick on the draw. But when his vacation gets replaced by an assignment to help find the killer, he can’t help angling for a little action with the saucy, hard-charging Sam. She’s got brains, attitude and a body he wouldn’t mind investigating.

  Sam, six mo
nths lonely, might just indulge him. But the Guild that owns the Belle wants the case closed yesterday. With pressure coming from all quadrants, Sam and her marshal clash over false leads and who’s on top. But when the killer threatens the Belle again, romance will have to wait. It’s a captain’s job to save her crew, no matter the cost.

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  About the Author

  Sheryl Nantus was born in Montreal, Canada and grew up in Toronto. A rabid reader almost from birth, she attended Sheridan College in Oakville, graduating in 1984 with a diploma in Media Arts Writing. She met Martin Nantus through the online fanfiction community in 1993 and moved to the United States in 2000 in order to marry.

  She loves to play board games and write haiku, although not usually at the same time. She also spent over 15 years in private security, working at hospitals and high-security sites.

  A firm believer in the healing properties of peppermint and chai, she continues to search for the perfect cuppa.

  In 2011 she won two Second-Place Prism Awards from the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA. In 2013 she won a Third-Place Prism Award for the first book of her paranormal series, Blood of the Pride.

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  ISBN-13: 9781426899096

  In the Void

  Copyright © 2014 by Sheryl Nantus