by Anna Hackett
As her fingers moved over it, the orb glowed a brilliant blue. The next second, a holographic star map projected into the air above the sphere.
Her gaze went straight to the golden planet glowing on it. The location of the Atocha Treasure.
An ancient Terran motherlode of gold and silver coins, artifacts, and fabulous jewels. Once, it had been lost under Terran seas on a shipwreck. It had been recovered, displayed, and then taken off Earth on a starship during the Great Terran War, never to be seen again.
Instead of being lost under the waves of Earth’s oceans, it was now lost in the depths of uncharted space.
And Dakota Jones was going to find it.
She stared at the planet. It was a shame the star map was currently undecipherable. It matched no known star maps. She touched the orb again, and the projection faded away. But she’d done her research and she had some hunches. And Dakota was pretty good with hunches.
Finding the Atocha Treasure would be everything to her. Her heartbeat sped up. She’d started life with nothing and since then, she’d gone from job to gig to scam throughout her entire thirty years. People had tried to swindle her and hurt her, and repeatedly stolen from her. Her jaw tightened. All she wanted was to live in luxury for the rest of her life. No hunger, no worrying about where she’d sleep, worrying who was going to take advantage of her next.
The Atocha Treasure was the key to that dream. And nothing—and no one—was going to stop her from finding it.
Chapter Two
“Prepare to push away from Galaxy’s Edge, Captain Phoenix,” Dare said.
“Preparing now,” his sister-in-law, Nissa, replied from the captain’s chair.
Dare stood on the Sky Nomad’s spacious bridge, feet shoulder-width apart, hands clasped behind his back. He was flanked by his brothers. He watched Nissa and the crew working competently. He felt the faint vibrations of the ship’s engines beneath his feet.
Nissa turned the captain’s chair a little. She had some reptilian heritage and it showed in the golden skin that covered her bald head, and the patches of bronze, diamond-scale pattern on her forehead and cheekbones. “Galaxy’s Edge Docking Control, this is the Sky Nomad. We are ready for departure.”
“Acknowledged, Sky Nomad.” The rough voice of the space station’s controller came through the loudspeakers. “Prepare for docking clamp release in ten.”
As the controller counted down, Dare saw Justyn grinning from beside him. Dare’s youngest brother was a trader with the heart of a smuggler. He loved the adventure of each new journey they embarked on. Rynan stood on the other side of Dare, his arms crossed over his chest. He had a faint scowl on his face. Ry considered each new journey the opportunity for things to go wrong.
“Docking clamps released,” Nissa said. “Sky Nomad is underway.”
Through the viewscreen, Dare saw them move away from the space station. Behind him, he heard excited chatter.
He looked back and saw his passengers watching the pushback. All their faces showed eager excitement.
Except for Miss Johns’.
As soon as she saw him looking, she turned her head and looked at the very uninteresting control panel beside her.
His gaze narrowed. Something about the woman rubbed him the wrong way. The plain looks didn’t attract him, and she appeared uninteresting and unlikely to cause any problems. He stared at the surprisingly smooth curve of her jaw, and wondered what it was about her that seemed off.
“Galaxy’s Edge, we are free and clear,” Nissa said.
“Good travels, Sky Nomad. Docking Control out.”
Dare shook his head, and focused back on the viewscreen. The Nomad came around, and ahead lay the black of space, pinpricked by stars.
The vastness of uncharted space.
He looked to the screens showing his six convoy ships pulling away from the space station. He touched his earpiece. “Phoenix Convoy ships, fall into convoy formation.” He’d already met with all the ship captains and prepped them. He’d also warned them that he didn’t give second chances. They followed his orders, or they were out of the convoy.
Beyond the edge, everyone’s lives depended on sticking together and following the rules. His rules.
“Nissa, confirm all ships have correct course coordinates set,” he said.
She nodded at her navigator and the woman tapped on her screen.
Soon, they cleared the space station’s outer boundary beacons, and Dare was satisfied that all the ships were in line.
“Okay, we are officially on convoy.” He inclined his head at his crew, then looked at his passengers. “We have two hours until we cross into uncharted space.”
The passengers all clapped.
“As it’s our first night, we’ll have a group meal in the dining room to celebrate the start of our journey.”
There were more excited exclamations. Except, of course, for Miss Johns. She stayed silent.
“I’ll see you all there.” Dare watched as they all left.
Ry followed. “I’ll be in my office if you need me.”
No doubt fiddling with some new security device or program he’d invented. Ry was happiest alone, tinkering with something. “Don’t miss the dinner.” Ry hated them, and tried everything he could to avoid them.
Justyn gave Nissa a quick kiss and then slapped Dare on the back. “I’m heading to my office, as well. I have a few trade agreements I want to work on for planets along our route.”
Dare waited on the bridge a bit longer, to ensure everything was running smoothly, before he headed to his cabin. After a quick shower and a change of clothes, he was ready for the dinner.
He tied his damp, shoulder-length hair back absently, and then hit his palm to the door lock. His door opened, and as he exited, he almost collided with one of his passengers.
The blonde smiled at him. She’d changed into a short dress made of a shiny fabric that shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow. She licked her lips. “I got a little turned around.”
Right. The guest cabins were several decks below the crew quarters.
He held out an arm. “I’ll escort you to the dining room, Miss…?”
“Amber Lynn is fine.” She shot him a flirtatious smile and put her arm through his.
She was attractive, and he liked it when a woman was forthright about what she wanted. He was happy to take a woman to his bed—for the duration of the convoy, and no more. It’d been several weeks since he’d indulged in sex. But, so far, the lovely Amber Lynn wasn’t sparking his interest past mild.
When they reached the dining room, the other passengers and his brothers were already there. They were all milling around, sipping drinks and talking. Justyn was behind the bar, shaking up some sort of cocktail. He caught Dare’s gaze and grinned. When the lovely Amber Lynn didn’t relinquish her hold on Dare’s arm, Justyn rolled his eyes.
The long table was already loaded with dishes from around the galaxy. As Dare moved toward the head of the table, he saw that Miss Johns was seated to the left of his chair. When she saw him and Amber Lynn coming, she stood, her chair scraping on the floor.
“This spot is right beneath the ventilation outlet,” she muttered, looking at her feet. “I’ll catch a cold.” She hurried to the opposite end of the table.
Amber Lynn took Miss Johns’ vacated seat, while her friend sat beside her. Ry sat to Dare’s right. Dare knew his brother would eat and disappear as soon as he could.
As Dare sat, he watched Miss Johns pull her large coat around her, then hunch over her plate. He frowned. The temperature in the room was pleasant, so why the giant coat?
“It usually takes a few days on convoy before you get that unhappy look on your face.” Ry took a sip of his drink.
“Everyone, enjoy your meal,” Dare said, ignoring his brother.
His guests leaned forward, ladling soup and fragrant dishes onto their plates. Amber Lynn and her friend started chatting.
Dare broke off a hunk of bread. “Wh
at do you know about Miss Johns?”
“Miss Johns?” Ry’s eyebrows rose and he lowered his voice. “Thought you’d be more interested in our two lovely roses.” Ry discreetly tilted his head at Amber Lynn and her friend. “And not our…”
“Weed?” Dare supplied dryly.
Ry winced. “I was going to say plarid daisy.”
Dare snorted. Plarid daisies had brown petals the same color as Miss Johns’ hair. “I’m interested as convoy master. There’s something…off about her.”
Ry shrugged and spooned some soup into his bowl. “Nothing interesting. She’s from the planet Nufrinda. Worked at a textile factory. Paid for passage to Sierra. Assume she’s looking for a new start.”
Sierra was a frontier world near the end of the convoy route. It was hungry for skilled laborers, and had a shortage of women.
Dare grunted. It all fit. She looked and acted exactly like what she was. So why wasn’t he satisfied? He shook his head and decided to focus on enjoying Amber Lynn’s flirtation.
Everyone appeared to enjoy the food, and Dare fell into an interesting conversation with the older couple—Mr. and Mrs. Tanali. The couple were budding astronomers and planned to chart unknown star systems.
The monk, Davarr, was quiet, and only spoke when someone engaged him. Miss Johns didn’t talk at all.
Soon, Davarr excused himself with a swish of robes. Once the meal was finished, Amber Lynn, her friend, Carla, and the Tanalis moved toward the lounge area.
Dare set his napkin down and was about to follow, when he saw Miss Johns leave.
Go to the lounge, Phoenix. Have a Kelton brandy and relax.
But that little feeling in the back of his head was still nagging him. The same feeling he got when something was about to go wrong. The same feeling that used to warn him that his stepfather was about to descend the basement steps to beat the hell out of him.
A muscle ticked in Dare’s jaw. Ignoring the others, he followed Miss Johns out of the dining room.
She was already at the end of the corridor. He paused and waited. She hesitated, then turned.
Away from the guest cabins.
Interesting. Not many parts of the ship were off-limits to the passengers. She was probably just taking a look around.
Dare waited a beat. Then he followed her.
***
Dakota wandered the ship. She wanted to get the lay of the land. She liked being ready for anything.
On her mental checklist were the escape pods, the engine room, and the shuttle bay. But all in good time. She didn’t need to be caught in the engine room during her first few hours aboard.
She turned a corner. Stars, the dinner had been stressful. She’d been hyperaware of Dare, and everything he’d said and done. Thankfully, he’d been occupied with Amber Lynn’s relentless flirting.
Dakota snorted. The woman should have just hung a neon sign around her neck saying “ready and willing.” Dakota tried to remember the last time she’d taken a man to her bed. A while. A long while. Men were just so…bothersome. They needed time and attention, and they demanded stuff. She usually stuck to anonymous, one-night hookups when the urge got too bad. She’d grown up on a planet where accepting a man’s claim was tantamount to letting him rule your life. She shrugged. She didn’t have time for, or interest in, men.
Spying some double doors at the end of the hall, she headed that way. The word Arboretum was inscribed on the metal.
Why not? It might be nice to breathe some real air made by trees rather than recycled ventilation for a change.
The doors whispered open and she walked inside. Wow. The space was quite large for a ship of this size, with a large, synth-glass window overhead. It showcased a beautiful view of the stars.
Dakota breathed deep. Stars, it smelled so…green and fresh. She kicked off her shoes, and sank her toes into the lush grass. One tall tree dominated the center of the space, surrounded by grass and other smaller trees and shrubs. A pretty stone bench sat under the branches of the large tree. She took another breath. Something was blooming, and the lush, perfumed scent was intoxicating.
One by one, her tense muscles relaxed. For the first time since she’d pretended to join the craziness that was Golden Nova to get close to the map, she felt pretty safe. She wished she could take off her coat and wig, but she couldn’t risk it.
The lights were low, and she figured that they were on a timer. The trees, no doubt, got a heavy dose of simulated sunlight at certain times of the day to ensure they stayed healthy.
She headed toward the bench. Maybe she’d take a few minutes and just chill out for a little bit. Then she’d continue her exploration of the ship.
She’d almost reached the bench when the hairs on the back of her neck rose. Instinct kicked in, and she forced herself to stay relaxed, her steps slowing. She strained to hear or see what had set her senses off.
The crime-and-gang-ridden world she’d had the misfortune to grow up on had honed her instincts to the sharpest edge. If it didn’t feel right, she didn’t do it. Facts be damned.
She pretended to fiddle with the sleeve of her coat and slowly turned her head.
All she could see were tree branches, green leaves, and shadows. Her view of the door was blocked by a bush. Had someone entered after her?
Time to go. Dakota headed back toward her discarded shoes.
A body came barreling out of nowhere, and slammed into her. Dakota landed on the grass with an oof and all the air was squeezed from her lungs.
She exploded into action. She slammed a punch at her attacker’s head. He dodged, and in the muted light, she saw Davarr the monk’s face.
He no longer looked patient and kind. His expression was now focused and intense. He raised an arm, and light glinted off the knife he was holding.
Shit. Dakota shoved at him with all her strength. He grunted and lost his balance. He fell off her, and she instantly rolled.
Jumping to her feet, she took two steps toward the door, before something tugged on the back of her coat. She was yanked backward.
A hand fisted in her wig, pulling her head back viciously.
“Where is the map?” the man rasped.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about! Why are you doing this?” She utilized every one of her acting skills. She thought her fearful voice was pretty darn impressive.
“You can save the theatrics, Miss Dakota Jones.” He yanked on her wig again. “I am Golden Nova, and you stole from us. You will die tonight.”
Damn. She snorted, trying to buy some time. Plan, Dakota. Think of a plan. “Kill me, and you won’t get your precious map.”
He pulled her head back even more, making her neck ache. “Kill you, and then I can search your dead body and belongings in peace.”
“Oh? You think I’m dumb enough to just have the map hiding out in the open? And you really think the Phoenix crew will just wave off a dead passenger? I doubt Dare Phoenix is the kind of convoy master to let the death of a passenger slide.”
The assassin’s voice lowered. “They’ll never find your body.”
Dakota turned her head as far as his grip would allow. “You know what? I don’t like any of your options.” She rammed her head back.
She felt the back of her head collide with his face. He roared in pain, and his grip slackened. She scrambled free and spun. She aimed a well-placed kick between his legs.
The man groaned, but didn’t go down. He swung his arm again, the knife aimed at her neck.
Damn. Dakota ducked, then slammed her forearm up against his.
Pain radiated through her arm and shoulder. Dammit. He was strong.
He slashed the knife at her again. She barely leaped back out of the way and the blade sliced into the fabric of her coat.
“Screw you,” she bit out. She slammed a fist into his gut and when he grunted, she shoved her elbow up at his jaw. His head snapped back.
The Golden Nova attacker swung wildly with his other arm, and his hand cracked
against her cheek.
Gritting her teeth, she pulled back to land another kick, when suddenly, a tall, shadowy figure raced into the fight.
The newcomer slammed into the assassin, tackling him to the ground. The knife flew through the air and landed in a nearby bush.
Dakota stepped backward, her chest heaving. As she watched Dare Phoenix—his lean, intense face scarily empty of emotion—pummel his fists into her attacker, her eyes widened.
“You like to hurt people smaller and not as strong as you?” Dare said, voice low.
Dakota took an involuntary step back. His deep voice carried a dark edge that made her shiver.
Chapter Three
Dare stared down at the bloody face of the monk. The man was groaning, and Dare wasn’t sorry about it.
Then he heard a sharp intake of breath, and he glanced over at Miss Johns. She was watching him with those pretty blue eyes. It was a direct gaze, and he saw no fear, no anxiety. He frowned at her, and noticed something else. Her hair was…crooked?
“Are you all right?” he asked.
She nodded, her hands clasping her coat.
“You’re sure he didn’t hurt you? He hit your cheek pretty hard.” Even in the dim light of the arboretum, Dare could see her skin was pink.
She reached up and probed it. “I’m fine.”
“Why did he attack you?”
Her gaze dropped to the ground. “I don’t know.” Her shoulders hunched, her hands fidgeting in her coat. “But I’m glad you arrived, or he might have killed me.”
She was lying. Dare was sure of it. Staring at her now, she looked like a completely different woman than a few minutes ago. Her posture was different, her demeanor had changed. He’d seen her during the attack. Miss Johns had been giving as good as she got, fighting back with balance, strength, and a plucky courage.
Now she was all hunched submission and anxiety. He looked down, and saw her feet were bare. She had small, narrow feet with toes painted a bright, nebula red. He frowned at that splash of color.
