by Celeste Raye
Irene was more than doubtful about the rumor. She and Savanah had vowed to never be enticed into working at the big casino. Being that close to the big boss was dangerous. Besides, she would have told Irene if she was switching jobs, unless she really had broken her vow. There was also a chance that she was laying in bed sick. Alien's brought illnesses from their native planets that humans were very susceptible to. Sickness would explain the lack of communication after Krane's attack.
It would be easy to discover the truth for herself, just go to Savanah's apartment. There was plenty of time, so she wound her way to the street. Savanah lived in a high-rise of shoebox-sized apartments, along with most of the city's casino employees. Irene stepped onto the circular lift on the main floor of the complex and balanced herself for the quick rise to the twelfth floor. Only the doors to the surrounding apartments saved the lift from proving deadly.
Irene pushed the buzzer and heard it echo through the tiny apartment. It had never done that before. Only emptiness caused that kind of echo. She checked to see if the door would open for her. Savanah had programmed the palm scanner to recognize both of their prints. If she was sick, hurt, or not at home, Savanah wouldn't mind Irene entering without permission. Her print was denied. Fear sent tingles of trepidation up her spine. Nothing about this situation felt right.
Buzzing the neighbors would accomplish nothing. Due to their jobs, they would be asleep or at work. Sleep meant silencing earplugs and sleeping potions, so they'd never hear the buzzer. The manager was her best bet.
Back to the bottom floor she went, her worry growing as the lift lowered. At least the manager answered immediately.
"You need an apartment?" the odd little man asked. Irene didn't recognize what species he was, but she definitely knew he wasn't human. He resembled a toad with human eyes and lips. She was embarrassed to be caught staring when he asked, "Why are you looking and not answering? Do you want an apartment or not? I have two that are empty."
"I'm not seeking a place to live," Irene squeaked out. "I'm looking for my sister."
"Why look here? I know nothing about anything. I stick to my own business. It's better that way. Go away." He began to close the door.
Irene stuck her foot inside and though it hurt she kept the heavy door from closing. "My sister lives here. Her name's Savanah. She has an apartment on the twelfth floor. I'm worried about her. No one's seen her for a long time. Please, you must know something. You receive her rent every month, right?"
The toad man was studying Irene's face. "You're telling the truth. You are her sister. She had the same cat eyes as you. I'm good at remembering such things. She doesn't live here. She's been gone for days. Men came and took all her things. Hers is one of the empty apartments I mentioned. It's shameful that she didn't tell her sister."
"Where did she go? Did she give you an address to forward messages to?"
"I told you, men came for her things. I never saw her. She didn't tell me she was leaving, the same as she didn't inform you. Shameful behavior for a normally sweet creature. If you find her tell her, I have a package from Earth for her. It was released from the space dock yesterday. No, that's a bad idea. You take it. I don't want those men coming back for it. Wait here while I get it."
Men had come and taken Savanah's property? Was she unable to do it herself or were they friends offering help? Why hadn't she sent a message explaining any of this to Irene? This was really bad.
She took the package from the manager and asked one last question, "What did the men look like?"
"Pirates, child. They were pirates. I had to let them in, and it made my skin crawl."
"Wait a minute! You opened her door and let them in? Why would you do that?"
"They had the proper paperwork, orders from the building owner. I had no choice. When the big boss demands you do something, you obey."
The big boss? Had Savanah betrayed her and gone to work at the big casino? Betrayal would explain the lack of communication. Savanah would be ashamed of her behavior and not in a hurry to face Irene's disappointment.
Out of anger and spite, Irene ripped open the package. There were two hand-woven blankets inside: one green and one yellow. The note with them said, 'One is for your birthday, Savanah. The other is for Irene's. Save hers until it's time. When you wrap yourselves in them, know that it is our arms around you. Love you, Mom and Dad.'
Her parents would have spent their last coins to send the gifts. Irene soaked the blankets with her tears.
Chapter Eight
***Aisaak***
Breaking glass and hysterical screams awoke Aisaak. He dressed quickly, not even tying his boots before running down the stairs. Jimbo was right in front of him, also awakened by the noises.
Smoke greeted them in the bar, causing them to choke out a cough. Panicked customers were fleeing. A waitress was wrapping her bloody arm in a towel. The shard of glass she'd pulled out laid on a table beside a plate of nachos. She wasn't screaming or crying. She was clearly in shock. The bartender and the guards were tossing pitchers of water on the flames. Part of the wood floor was on fire, as were three tables.
"It was Krane's men. They stuck a rag into a bottle of whiskey, lit it, and tossed it through the glass window. The fire hit the spilled liquor," the bartender explained, tossing a burning table out the door. "There was no need to get past the guards for that. They're too cowardly to fight."
"We can contain it. Work from the outside of the fire to the inside. That should keep it from spreading. Make a line to pass the water down. It will be faster with several pitchers coming at once," Jimbo ordered. "Aisaak, go see to Irene. Marilyn, get to the doctor's and let him take care of your arm.
Aisaak raced up the stairs. He was angry at himself. When no retaliation had been forthcoming, he'd relaxed his vigilance. He knew better but trying to stay away from Irene had consumed all his energy. He wanted her. There was no denying it any longer. He'd barely stopped himself from kissing her sweet, red lips when he'd seen the consternation on her face at having to ask for help to the bathroom. She was so adorably embarrassed.
She was gone! Irene wasn't in her room or the bathroom. He frantically checked his room and Jimbo's too. They'd both left the doors open to run downstairs. He decided he must have missed her in the bar. It was chaos, after all.
The fire was out by the time he returned. Everyone was covered in black soot and wet, but the bar still stood, and only Marilyn had been injured. Irene wasn't in sight.
"Did she come through here, Jimbo? She's not upstairs," Aisaak asked.
"She has to be. I didn't see her down here." He stood from where he was scrubbing the floor and called out, "Hey! Did anyone see Irene? Did she run out with the customers?"
"Oh, no! I forgot to tell you with the fire and all. She left about seven. She was going to visit Savanah. Other than the bruises she appeared to be fine, so I didn't stop her. I did warn her that Krane was spreading lies. She believed he and his men would be sleeping and she would be safe so early," the bartender replied.
Aisaak's agitation exploded. Irene's lack of understanding when it came to Krane's evilness and the bartender's stupidity in allowing her to leave unescorted caused his long denied beast to rise up. The weredragon was strong and wanted to be released. Aisaak's skin turned gold and scales began to form. His breathing quickened.
"Aisaak! Stop! You'll destroy what's left of the bar, man!" Jimbo shouted. He dared to grab the bulging, scaly arm even though claws were forming. "Stop! We'll find her. This is her home and her only source of income. For her sake, don't destroy it."
The man inside the dragon could still reason, and Jimbo's words made sense. With great difficulty, Aisaak forced the weredragon to back down and leave him in control. Frightened eyes were all he could see when he was once more a man.
"I'm so sorry. The beast hasn't been unleashed in a very long time. Fear and anger are catalysts for the change. He requires some freedom. I will take him out for a flight after my shift so that
this doesn't transpire again. I will find Irene. You made her my responsibility, and I let her get away. Give me directions to the casino where her sister works," Aisaak apologized. He was subdued after the incident.
"No harm done. You listened and obeyed. That's what matters. I'd like to see you fly. I've never seen a Naga in flight or completely transformed. Would it be safe to watch?" Jimbo asked like an excited child rather than the huge man he was.
"It is only dangerous during the transformation. At that time I am neither a man nor a dragon. You stopped me just short of the time I lost all reasoning. In full weredragon form, I am as aware as I am now. I would only harm those who would seek to harm me or someone I care for. Keep your distance while I change and you may watch a dragon fly."
"That's enough compensation for the fright, then. You'll want to know where Savanah lives, too. She may be off work by now. You're new here, so I'll draw you a map. Krane's out there and separating the three of us will give him opportunities he'll happily take advantage of. Watch your back. Use the dragon if necessary," Jimbo replied.
Five minutes later, he'd made it to the casino. He smelled of smoke and wore a scowl on his face. Both had customers staring and scurrying out of his way. Good, he didn't have the time or energy to deal with unnecessary conversation. Aisaak cornered the first employee he encountered, a curvaceous alien female who was almost as tall as him. "Do you know a card dealer named Savanah? Which table is hers?"
"Savanah worked nights," the alien replied in a very deep voice. "I heard she doesn't work here anymore."
The news was unsettling. It would have stressed out Irene as well. "Has her sister been here? Her name is Irene. She has red hair, blue eyes, and her face is badly bruised."
"Night shift ended a half hour ago. If she came to see Savanah, she didn't find her. Why would her sister have bruises? Did you hit her? I hate abusers. I wouldn't tell you if I had seen the girl."
"I wasn't the one who hurt her. I'm her bodyguard and she slipped out without me knowing it. She's in danger. It was Krane who caused the bruises. You know him?" Aisaak asked.
"So, she's the one he's been ranting about. The fool thinks we believe she started a fight with a man like him. He's crazy. I don't want any trouble. Please, walk away and stop asking questions here. Trust me, if she was here and he saw her, then she's been taken. You won't find her."
He hated to admit it, but the woman was correct. If she'd made it here and discovered Savanah didn't work here anymore, then hopefully she'd gotten out without Krane spying her. He was too far behind her to waste time figuring out which scenario might be true.
Savanah's apartment was his next stop. People were rushing in. The change of shifts must have occurred at all the casinos. Workers were arriving home, seeking rest and refreshment. Aisaak thought of them as involuntary witnesses. He waylaid as many as he could and asked about Savanah and Irene. They all knew the sisters, but none had seen them lately.
One man in particular told him, "Savanah lives on my floor. We walk to work together quite often. At least we used to. She hasn't been around for a few days. At the casino, they claim she got a job elsewhere, but I should still have seen her here."
Aisaak chose to buzz the manager and got a shock when he answered. "Yes, I know. I look like a toad. I'm tired of hearing it," the little man exclaimed. "I'm the first of my kind on Delti Utopia 6. Get a good look. There will be more of us. You need an apartment, big guy?"
"I'm here about a tenant, Savanah. She's a dealer at one of the casinos."
"Yes, yes, I know who she is. Her sister was here looking for her, too. I'll tell you exactly the same as I told her. Savanah doesn't live here. Some pirates brought papers from the big boss and took her stuff. I don't know anything else. The sister took a package that had been left for Savanah. Now you know it all. Goodbye."
The door slid shut and locked. The manager needed a new tenant, not questions about one who had already departed.
Irene had been here and gotten devastating news. She'd be panicked. Where would she go? Would she return to the bar or keep searching? Aisaak was certain she'd keep searching despite the danger to herself. She'd risk going to the big casino if it meant saving her sister, so he would go as well.
The fastest way to get there was through the alley between buildings. He could see the huge building from anywhere in the city. There was no need for directions. He'd just entered the alley when he heard a scream. It was short and ended almost as soon as it had begun. It didn't matter who was in trouble; Aisaak wouldn't leave them in danger.
Running down the alley, where the bright lights didn't penetrate and dark shadows loomed, he saw movement ahead. The shapes seemed familiar: Krane and his buddies. They were standing over another form, a much smaller one. His heart told him it was Irene. The roar left his throat of its own volition. He transformed as he ran. The golden dragon he became was a majestic and frightening sight. The trio of attackers were gone before he ever got near, running and screeching in terror.
Irene wasn't moving, but the dragon could hear her heart beating. Instead of chasing the evildoers, his concern was for the woman. With a claw, he gently turned her body so that she was on her back. A dart was sticking out of her chest. The dragon knew such things well. Tranquilizer darts were used in the capture of wild animals, the ones that were taken alive. Hunters had used them in a vain attempt to capture a weredragon. They never managed to penetrate the dragon's scales, but if they had, the dragon would have returned to human form, thwarting the efforts of the hunter. The strength of the dart depended on the size of the animal. Too strong a dose and the smaller creatures would die.
Irene needed a doctor quickly. Aisaak didn't have a clue as to the strength of the sedative. Carrying a limp body through the streets was a bad idea and too slow. The huge, vicious weredragon cautiously enclosed her small body in his claw. He lifted her into the air, soaring above the skyscrapers and bright lights. It brought him unintended attention. All movement below him ceased. Tourists and vacationers froze to watch the golden sparkle in the sky. Some clapped their hands in glee, imagining the dragon to be part of the entertainment.
Aisaak didn't know where to find the doctor. His destination was the bar. His mighty wings caused a strong wind that had those on the ground moving out of his way as he landed. Jimbo's astonished gaze took in the sight. He was amazed until Irene was lain at his feet.
Jimbo assessed the situation and had already sent one of the guards to bring the doctor by the time Aisaak had transformed.
"You can't stay here. I can make a guess as to what happened, and they'll know where to find you. There were plenty of witnesses to attest to the route a golden dragon took. They'll come for you," Jimbo announced.
"Let them," Aisaak replied.
"Irene will get killed in the crossfire. I know you can take care of yourself. It's everyone else I'm worried about."
"Take care of her. I'll be back. Leaving is only temporary. Savanah's missing. Irene will insist we find her," Aisaak explained.
"We will, and I'll protect Irene with my own life if necessary."
Chapter Nine
***Irene***
"The adrenaline vaccine counteracted the tranquilizer perfectly. You'll be fine, although wide awake for several hours. Your chest will hurt where the dart hit. None of it is lasting damage. I'd appreciate it if my name wasn't mentioned as the treating physician. Trouble begets trouble."
"We won't divulge your name. You've helped us many times in the last few days, and we wish you no harm. Thanks for the fast service," Jimbo answered for Irene.
"Yes, doctor. Thank you. I know you've seen too much of me lately. Please, can you answer one question for me? Have you ever treated my sister, Savanah? She's a card dealer and looks exactly like me except she's a blonde."
"Not that I remember. There are three other physicians on the way station. Any of them could have treated her. What ails her?"
"Maybe nothing. She's disappeared. She left her job and h
er apartment without notifying anyone, including me. I just thought I'd check to see if she'd required a doctor."
The doctor frowned and hesitated before replying. "I shouldn't be saying this, but under the circumstances, it might prove relevant. Your sister isn't the first case of a young woman gone missing without a trace. It began happening a year ago. One went missing every couple of months. It's escalated in the last weeks. I blame it on the trouble at the docking station. It's possible they're taking rides off station from the pirates who come and go without sanction from the far side of Delti Utopia 6. That's dangerous. My other theory is they've moved up to jobs in the biggest casino since new arrivals are lacking. You know that other types of jobs for women are offered there, right? I was asked to clean up after some died during unattended childbirth. I refused. The women should have had care all along. They'd want replacements, and without newcomers, they'll be offering bigger salaries to those already here. I hate to say it, but she may have been tempted."
"No way! Savanah has more self-respect than that. She might take a job there as a dealer, but not as a prostitute," Irene defended.
"What about unknowingly or by force? A doctor is told many things in confidence, things he should know better than to believe or repeat. I'm afraid that I believe this particular rumor to be true, especially after your mode of attack today. There are claims that an underground organization is taking women out of the casinos and off the streets. They're forcing them into prostitution. However, they are slaves. Instead of free enterprise, they work to gain profits for their captors. They are locked away, used, and never see a penny of the money paid. Sex trafficking is what they called it."
