She realized it was true. They seemed to be totally dry. “What an odd material. What is it?”
He looked down in thought. “Lysill. I do not know in your world.”
“Is your shirt the same material?”
“It is made the same but different.”
“I like the feel of it.” She reached to touch the shirt as he pulled it down over his chest, then pulled her hand back. “Sorry.” Heat flooded her cheeks. What had she’d been thinking?
“No concern.” He caught her fingers in his hand and brought them to his chest as he eased toward her. The softness of his shirt didn’t hold her attention as much as the warmth under it.
“My One.” This time the words were said out loud as his other hand touched her cheek. He tipped her head up to meet his gaze. “I would kiss you, if you are accepting?”
Her heart pounded at his words. She raised and lowered her head in answer as his head dipped. He paused, just a breath away from her lips, as if giving her one last chance to pull back, then he brushed his mouth lightly over hers.
A sound like a groan rumbled out from deep within him.
“Jerreon.” His name escaped her in response and his mouth lowered again, settling in firmly, savoring and taking her by storm. Kallie clung and accepted. Giving herself back in answer to the simple meeting of their lips, that was the promise of her heart.
The hand that caressed her cheek drifted back to cradle her head, tilting her to give him better access. The kiss remained tender, but left her trembling when he ended the kiss.
Jerreon ran his gaze over her face, then wrapped his arms around her, tucking her into him. Kallie dropped her head to his chest as her arms circled his waist. She managed a breath that filled her lungs with his musky scent. She knew him.
Chapter Six
Jerreon held his heart in his arms. He wished he never had to release her. Again, it was not time, but she gave him something to work for. When he stepped into the Syndasi, he thought his life would be over once he stopped Ptolemaios. He figured he would just have to find a place on this world to live out the end of his days until he passed on.
Now he had a reason to live. He would make himself a place in this world where they could have a future. He needed to learn of this world. He had even more reason to save it.
He released her. “Where do we go to eat?”
She laughed and took his hand, leading him to the path.
“Isn’t Melissa joining us?” he asked, running his thumb over her knuckles, enjoying the contact.
“She had to fly home last night. Her daughter went into labor and had a baby boy this morning. Melissa sent me the picture of the baby.”
“That is splendid.”
She laughed again.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“No, it’s just your choice of words sometimes.”
“I …” He wasn’t sure what to say, so shrugged. “I try.”
“Your speech is very good. Did you learn English in school?”
“No, from a translator. I will get better with time, but it is still learning.”
“It’s still learning?”
“Assimilating. It picks up broadcast and spoken language and updates.” He watched her to see how she was accepting his explanation.
“I didn’t know they had programs that did that. That’s amazing. You must be a quick study though.”
“I have a lot to learn. Where is the food place?”
“The main building there. They have a buffet. I thought you might find it to be good. You can pick what you like and eat as much as you want.”
Jerreon found it to be very good. Different from what he was used to, but better than what he’d been offered the last few days. He tried a little of everything and found the fruits, breads and meats especially to his liking.
They talked easily about their homes and jobs. He found it interesting that Kallie wrote books, though she seemed quite timid about it.
“I’m still a new author. I’m afraid it’s just a dream that someone would actually want to read something I write.”
“Do you like what you write?”
“Yes. I love writing. I don’t think I could live without doing it.”
“Then that is what’s important.”
“What about you. You said you were in security?”
“Yes. I was a Council guard. I was under direct authority of the Council.” He leaned toward her over the table and explained his duties.
“It sounds like you were more like a policeman or FBI agent.”
He waited for the full information. “Yes, very close, but I reported only to the High Council and handle their directives.”
“So, they sent you after this Lysias.”
“Yes. Lysias Ptolemaios. They issued the directive, but I would have come no matter what was decreed.”
“What did he do?”
Jerreon thought how to answer, then went for the straight facts. If any on this world had the right to know, it was Kallie, for it could affect their life together. “He planned to take over the Council. He wanted to rule. When I discovered his plot−”
“You discovered?”
“Yes. As I said I was over Council security. Lysias was taken before the Council to be judged. He caused an explosion at the Council building so he could escape. He killed two of the Council and injured many, plus many more in his escape. Life holds no meaning to him. He wants only what he can get and sees that as everything.”
“I hadn’t heard any of this.” She leaned closer laying her hand on his again. He liked that she did that, especially that it seemed without thought.
“It was recently. And the knowledge of it will not touch here, unless I fail.”
“Why then?”
“Because I believe after being in your country and learning of it, he will come here to take over.”
“I don’t think that can happen.”
Jerreon shook his head. “Do not discount Lysias. He can do things you cannot imagine. He is very strong and has no honor. He will use whatever means he must. But you are not to worry about him. I will see to Ptolemaios. Now, what did you have plans to do today?”
“I’ll help you change your money, then we’ll go shopping.”
“I do not intend to take up your day. What was it you had planned?”
“Just relaxing and doing some writing.”
“Then you shall have your time. If you’ll just get me started in the right direction?” He stood.
She followed his motion. “There is a bank just down the beachfront. We should be able to do an exchange there. I don’t know what kind of a rate you’ll get.”
“Whatever you think is best. I put myself in your charge.”
They decided to walk, enjoying the warm morning sun. “This is beautiful here,” he commented.
Kallie took over telling him what she knew about the city and the bay, pointing out the big ships. “Later we can tour the USS Midway if you’d like. It’s a museum now. I haven’t visited it yet but planned to.”
“I would like to join you on it, but it may have to wait until I see to Lysias.”
She swallowed and glanced out at the bay then back and pointed across the roadway. “There’s a bank.”
They stopped at the corner while cars sped past. When the red hand changed to the image of a man walking, they crossed the road and she led him into a building.
“All right let’s see your money.”
He reached in his pocket and pulled out several coins, placing them in her hand. She stared down at them, then up at him.
“Is it not enough? I have more.”
“Like this?” Her voice trembled.
“Yes. Is something wrong?”
“Is this gold?”
“Yes. Can they not be used? I was told it would be of worth here. Gargeli usually knows these things.”
“These look very old.” Kallie seemed to have trouble getting the words out.
“I’m afr
aid they probably are. Is there something wrong with that? They are all I have.”
She studied the coins for a moment then looked back up at him. “I think the woman was right, we’ll need a coin dealer for these. Are you sure you want to sell them? They look like they are very valuable.”
“They are for my use here.”
“All right then, let’s see about some coin dealers here in the city.” She pulled a small palm-sized object out of her pocket. He leaned in and watched her use it. Information appeared on the screen, similar to the intel device on his wrist.
“There are several listed,” she said. “One is close enough to walk, but the others we’ll have to take a taxi.”
“Then we walk if that is okay?”
“Here.” Kallie handed him the coins, then led him out of the building. She fell silent as they walked while Jerreon studied the architecture of the buildings and the area.
“Jerreon, where are you from?”
He knew what she was asking but still not sure how to answer. He couldn’t lie to her. Lying was not honorable and she was His One, so he had to be honest, but he was worried about telling her all. “The city I am from is called Lantis. It is the ruling city. It is a long way from here. I am sure you have never heard of it. My people do not leave it very often.”
She looked at him. He knew she was trying to decide if she believed him.
“Why not?”
“Mainly, it is forbidden, except under special occasions.”
“Why?”
“We were once a great race and spread out wide in our thirst for knowledge, but we let that hunger over-shadow what was right. Some of my ancestors put themselves above those they contacted. We meddled in things we should not, and in some places, a few set themselves up to be deity. Arrogance opened a way for foolishness. It took a disaster to bring us back to face the reality of what was happening. We almost destroyed your world and our own. There was much devastation. A large portion of our population was lost. It has taken a long time to rebuild what was destroyed, and we have learned to use caution in our explorations.”
“What kind of destruction?”
He could feel her mind working as she processed what he said. “Great. It was long before my time, but there were earthquakes and volcanoes. The world almost tore itself apart. The waves of it affected many other places. Many links were lost. It was a hard lesson for us. One that cost sixty percent of our people and affected greatly those left. As I said, it took a long time to recuperate and those left are much wiser. Unfortunately, not all are.”
“I … I’ve never heard of any of this.”
“We did not want others to know. Our lesson was hard. We have tried to make sure it did not repeat itself. Too much information too fast can become a dangerous thing.”
She became quiet as they walked. Finally, he couldn’t take it and reached over to catch her hand. “What I have said troubles you.”
She looked at their hands then up at him. “I don’t know what to think. I believe what you say, and I’m not sure why. It sounds unreal. I also believe there is more you are not telling, or maybe I’m denying the knowledge to myself.”
He stopped and she turned to him. “When it is right for you, you will.” He touched her cheek. She leaned into his touch, her eyes closing. He slipped his arm around her, easing her into him. “Listen to your heart, My One. Know where it leads you is true.”
She smiled. “You would laugh at what it was telling me.”
He reached out with his mind and picked the thought from her. An alien, and not the kind that just skipped over the border. He decided not to pursue the thought. “So where is this coin collector?”
“It should be getting close.” She looked at her device again. “Just up around the corner.”
They turned on the next street.
She paused. “I don’t think this is the place we want.”
“Why is that?” He looked at the building, not overly impressed by what he was seeing, but also not knowing what it should be.
“This is a pawn shop.”
“What is that?”
“It’s a place that buys things.”
“But that is what I want isn’t it.”
“They’ll not pay you as much as they are worth. You need a serious collector. I guess since we are here we might as well check it out, but do not be in a hurry to sell the coins.” She glanced at the building. “In fact, I would suggest you only show one coin. It will be enough.”
“One coin?”
“Yes, if it’s worth what I think it is.”
“All right.” Jerreon walked with her to a building with metal bars covering the windows. A metal gate was pushed back to allow access to the door, but he did not find it very welcoming. He opened the door, allowing Kallie to walk in front of him, then stopped in the doorway. An odd array of things was stacked around the room. A long glass case ran along one side. Kallie walked toward it. He followed, looking in the case.
First, he saw knives, then things he didn’t know what they were. There were intel devices like Kallie’s and jewelry. Finally, they reached where coins were. Nothing was like what he had, most looked to be silver. There were a few gold coins, but they were smaller, and he expected much newer.
They stood there several minutes before a man, slightly rounded around the middle, ambled over. He stared at Kallie, enthralled. “May I show you something, maybe some jewelry?”
“No, thank you.”
The man turned to him when Kallie did. A solicitous smile slipped from his face. “May I help you?”
Jerreon pulled one of the coins from his pocket. “I wanted to sell this.” His trans-chip pulled what he figured was a more apt word.
The man eyed it, then motioned for him to put it on a padded tray. He reached under the counter and brought out an object. Holding it to his eyes, he leaned over to study the coin. “Just a minute.” His voice sounded a touch sharper. He went over and retrieved a book from the desk.
“Do you know where this is from?” he asked.
“It is Greek I believe.”
The man thumbed through the book, looked at the coin, then back at the book. “How much do you want for it?” the man asked, he shifted side to side.
“What it is worth.”
The man scowled slightly, raising a clinched fist to his chin, and tapped it against mouth. “I’d have to do some things to verify if it is real and not stolen.”
Jerreon was surprised at the comment, then he caught an impulse from the man. Opening his senses, Jerreon probed out. It wasn’t hard to read the man’s thoughts, they were so strong.
“If that’s real, it’s worth a fortune. Even if the coins not old, it was worth a lot, but I bet it is. And the guy doesn’t have any idea what he has. The boss would never need to know.” The man shifted a little, glancing at Kallie. “He’s probably trying to impress the gorgeous blonde. Or at least get lucky. I’d like to get lucky with her myself, but that would never happen. “I can give you three hundred for the gold that’s in it.”
Jerreon didn’t need to have Kallie’s touch on his arm to know it wasn’t a good offer. “No, thanks.” He reached down to pick up the coin, knowing the man wasn’t going to be honest with him.
The man dropped his hand over his. “Four hundred. That’s all I can go without any proof of authenticity.”
Jerreon picked up the coin.
“Hey.” The man held his hand down. “Give me a minute to makes some calls to see if I can do better.
He pulled out a device similar to the one Kallie had. “Hey, I got a gold coin here. Looks pretty old.” He listened a minute. “Yeah, okay.”
He put the device down. “Sorry man. Five hundred’s all I can go.”
Jerreon looked at Kallie. She shook her head in agreement with what he already concluded. “No, thank you.” Jerreon slid the coin back in his pocket, then held his hand out to Kallie.”
“You sure you don’t want to reconsider.”
&n
bsp; “No, thanks.”
“Can I interest you in something else?” he pressed coming around the counter.
Two men walked in the door, their gaze going to Kallie with obvious interest. She must have picked it up because she reached out to take his hand, easing close. When the men’s gazes went to him, there was menace followed by calculation.
Jerreon wished Kallie wasn’t there. He did not like the feeling of malice he was getting, even when they turned their attention on a stack of wheels beside the door. There was danger.
“Do you have the number for a taxi?” She turned back to the man by the counter.
He shook his head. “You should be able to get one at the corner. They go by there all the time.”
Jerreon squeezed her fingers in reassurance as they walked out, heading to where the two roads crossed. A large man wearing a black T-shirt stretched taut over bulging muscles leaned against the corner of the building. There was another man who was much shorter than Kallie walking toward them from the corner. They were the only two people in view on the street.
Prickles of warning skittered up Jerreon’s spine.
“I don’t like this.” Kallie leaned into him.
He wondered if he was picking up her nerves, or if she his, or if they both were sensing danger. He didn’t have time to figure it out. The man walking reached them just as they drew up in line with the man leaning on the building. The walking man shifted at the last second stepping in front of them, pulling a knife.
“Down the alley,” he ordered.
The other man stepped away from the wall, moving in behind him. “Do what he says. We just want your money. No reason to get hurt.”
“I have no money.” Jerreon eased Kallie behind him and released her arm. She stepped back giving him space, but it put her in the alley.
“You just came from the shop. You must have somethin’,” the smaller man said. He closed in, waving his blade tip around. “You’re a big man, but this here pricker’s real sharp. I’d hate to see anything happen to such a pretty woman. She’s fine. If you want her to stay that way, hand over the wallet.”
“I have no wallet.”
“Then what’s in your pocket and pack will do.”
Jerreon stepped back as the big man stepped closer to Kallie. He knew he was being herded but was not quite ready to make his stance yet, then he heard a noise in the alley behind him. He didn’t look, but probed out with his mind, contacting the other two men who had come into the shop. All were accounted for now.
My Atlantian Page 7
