Warrior Rogue (The Drift Lords Series)

by Nancy J. Cohen

  Outside, a motored scooter roared past followed by a rumbling truck. Food smells from cafés mingled with fumes from a bus chugging down the road. People chattered and bumped elbows as they ambled along the sidewalk.

  Despite his complaints about the assault to his senses, Paz could easily get lost exploring the sights and sounds of this great city. He glanced at the faces with their different colored skin and facial features and marveled at the diversity. He’d long felt a fondness for Earth, but now his heart swelled with warm affection for its people.

  Despite their conflicts, the citizens of this innocent world would stand fast against a common enemy. He’d studied their history. They may not believe it of themselves, but faced with annihilation, they’d come together as never before.

  It might be time to make them aware of the true threat that existed. A united front could be the only way they would expel the Trolleks for good. The American authorities had already recognized something was amiss, so it wouldn’t be hard to convince them.

  He glanced over his shoulder, his scalp prickling.

  They’d been made.

  Who was tailing them—the Trolleks or Federal agents?

  If the latter, he’d like to inform their people that his team was on the same side, but this directive must come from Zohar. His first order of business was to contact his commander. He had an idea how to go about it.

  Not wishing to alarm Jen, he didn’t mention their shadow. Besides, she was already aware they were being tracked by her wristwatch device. Ceding to her familiarity with the city, he accompanied her to a section of town called the garment district.

  “Your name is on that building.” He pointed to large lettering that said, Jennifer Dyhr Designs.

  She gave him a proud smile. “That’s where I have my showroom. We rent the first two floors.”

  “We won’t stay long, will we?” He realized it was important to her peace of mind to ensure the safety of her colleagues.

  “No. I just want to check in and regroup before we leave for Florida.”

  Jen breezed inside with Paz in tow. The receptionist, a pretty, young brunette, jumped from her chair at their arrival.

  “Miss Dyhr, oh my gosh, we weren’t expecting you today.”

  “I would have called ahead, but I just bought a new cell phone, and it isn’t charged yet. Let me introduce you to our new model. This is Paz Hadar.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Paz nodded a greeting while sniffing for cors particles. He didn’t smell anything unusual in the cool air-conditioned interior.

  Tension ebbed from him as he relaxed. He’d been half afraid a reception committee of confounded staff members might be waiting for them.

  “I’ll notify Sandi you’re here.” The receptionist pushed on her earpiece and spoke in a low tone while Jen removed her cell phone from the box and hooked it up to an electrical outlet.

  “Jen, where the hell have you been?” Sandi, the petite assistant, rounded the corner a few minutes later and rushed forward. “I was worried sick about you.”

  Jen gave her a quick hug. “You got my email from Hong Kong, right? I’ll tell you the details later.” Jen signaled for them to move on. They passed various workrooms and offices that he peered into curiously.

  Jen waved to her colleagues and fielded a few greetings along the way.

  Sandi whispered something in Jen’s ear. Jen muttered something back. They both glanced his way. Sandi giggled while Jen’s mouth curved in a sly smile.

  “Good to see you again, Mr. Hadar.” Sandi adjusted her clipboard. “I gather you’re new at modeling. I’d be, like, happy to teach you what you need to learn.”

  “We’ll show him the ropes later.” Jen laid a hand on the blonde’s arm. “What’s been going on?”

  “Omigod, we’ve been crazy busy. You wouldn’t believe the nine-one-one’s today. Denise called. She needs ten major outfits sent to London by the weekend for Kate’s press tour.”

  “You can handle it. I have to go to Palm Beach.”

  “What? You just got here.”

  “There’s a family matter I have to settle. I’m bringing Paz along. I’ll finalize arrangements for our trunk show while we’re there, plus I can introduce him to people on South Beach. He could use the connections. Is Ted around? I found some fabulous fabrics in Hong Kong. I shipped some samples here.”

  “Hey, Jen. It’s great to have you back!” A redhead approached with a sheepish grin. “Sorry to interrupt. Sandi, did you ever find where we can get silicone nipple covers?”

  “I already placed an order.” Sandi turned back to Jen. “Chelsea is due here in ten minutes. She’ll be, like, ecstatic to see you. She has five clients to dress for upcoming events and wants options. I hope you don’t mind that we’re giving her a sneak peek at the new collection.”

  Sandi’s layered hair fell over her ears as she studied her notes. Her dark lipstick and heavily mascaraed eyes made a sharp contrast to her pale skin and hair.

  Paz held up his shopping bag of electronic gear. “Uh, ladies, is there somewhere I can work while you’re talking?”

  “Sure, hon, go to the third door on your right,” Sandi instructed him. “It should be quiet in there.”

  Paz walked away—glad to escape. He was glad, too, to see the color restored to Jen’s face and the fire in her eyes. She’d been away from home, had come back to see her apartment trashed, and needed to reestablish a sense of order. Being among friends who cared about her and her work environment should help calm her.

  He entered a room with a long wooden table, obviously a conference room. Broad windows showed a view of the brick building next door. A couple of old-fashioned radiators sat by the wall, silent in the summer heat. An air-conditioning unit hummed quietly in the background.

  Setting out his supplies, he got to work. He became so engrossed that he didn’t realize Sandi stood outside in the corridor until he heard her voice speaking to someone else.

  “I meant to reach you earlier, but I couldn’t get away. They’re here, but not for long.” A pause. “Yes, I’ll try to stall them. And my kabak, they don’t suspect a thing.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “Did you get delayed by that monsoon? I heard it tied up flights from Hong Kong.” Ted spoke in his usual effeminate tone.

  The styling associate regarded Jen from behind his nerdy black glasses. He had a tall, thin frame, dark hair, and a disarming smile. Dressed in a buttoned dress shirt and bow tie, he looked like a preppy graduate.

  “Actually, we did catch the edge of it.” Jen flicked a lock of hair off her face. “Our flight was cancelled. That’s how we got stuck there.”

  “I thought you were filming in Tokyo?”

  “It’s a long story, Ted.”

  He pursed his lips. “You missed all the weather reports. There’s been flooding in Venice, a volcanic eruption in the Caribbean, and an earthquake in Mexico. Some say this season of natural disasters heralds worse things to come.”

  “Oh, yeah? Doomsayers have predicted meltdowns before and nothing has happened.” Not yet. “If I were you, I wouldn’t watch the Weather Channel so much.”

  After consulting with Ted, she called her parents to tell them she’d reached New York. Then she entered a workroom to sort through the racks of men’s clothing. She’d have to rush production of her new designs if Paz would model them.

  Could she convince him to return here once his team sent the Trolleks back where they belonged? Or would he lift off for his next port of call to resume his day job? How did he manage to take a leave of absence for so long from his telecom company?

  They must know he was a Drift Lord. Maybe giving him time off was a mandatory thing, like for jury duty.

  She fingered the soft material of one shirt, spots wavering before her eyes. Oh, no. Her mind started to segue into another vision.

  “Jen, darling, I’m so glad you’re here.” Chelsea, a celebrity stylist from LA, strode through the door and jolted her back to real
ity.

  They air-kissed and exchanged pleasantries.

  “Thanks so much for letting me in before the show. I know you’ve been out of town and have lots to do, but I’ve got so many events coming up for my clients. Give me options, darling.”

  Chelsea wore heeled boots, black skinny jeans, and a cranberry top with a low neckline. Gold hoops dangled from her ears. Her highlighted blond hair spilled in waves to her shoulders. Although her makeup was expertly applied, the bags under her eyes said she could use more sleep.

  Jen was happy to accommodate Chelsea who appreciated her designs. However, she didn’t have time for this right now.

  “I can get you started, but then I have to run. Sandi will be able to assist you.”

  The blonde walked in as though on cue. “Jen, don’t tell me you’re running off so soon. You’re the best person to describe your new line.”

  Chelsea started browsing through the racks. “I’ll take this black sequin number,” she gushed, not giving Jen the chance to make a graceful exit. “It’s like water, so fluid.”

  “It moves like liquid, too.” Jen beamed with pride. “Your client will adore it.”

  “We’re doing this campaign in LA for Hal Weissman. It’ll be a fabulous choice.”

  “We can have Rachel walk for you if you want.”

  Rachel was one of their in-house models. The long-legged young woman lounged in a corner on a white lambskin covered armchair reading a fashion magazine.

  “No, that’s okay.” Chelsea stopped at a fuschia silk dress with puffed sleeves. “This one is stunning. Do you have, maybe, a size six?”

  “Sure.” Sandi scribbled on her clipboard. She’d refused Jen’s offer of an iPad. She still liked to do things by hand.

  “Omigod, I must have this dress.” The stylist fingered a sheer black chiffon. “Can you do it in metallic? No one will see the genius of this detail from the red carpet.” She paused at the next garment, her jaw dropping. “Oh, my. I’m obsessed by this long floral gown with the drapey back. I love it.”

  Jen gave up on her plans to leave as her zeal took over. “Check out the blue gown with the beaded top. When the light hits the bead work, it’s awesome.”

  “I can’t wait to place these dresses. They’re fantastic.”

  “Sandi can show you the accessories. Be careful with the shoes. Ankle straps can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Make sure the shoe complements the dress.”

  Sandi held up a hand. “You’ll stay, won’t you, Jen? I have a hundred other things to do.”

  Before she could reply, Paz poked his head inside the room. “Jen, may I have a word?”

  “Sure, what is it?” She recognized the urgent note in his voice.

  “In private.”

  “Okay. Ladies, please excuse me.”

  She led him into their small kitchenette and poured herself a glass of water. “Want one?”

  “No, thanks. Listen, Sandi has been compromised.”

  She choked on her drink. “W-What do you mean?”

  “I overheard her speaking on her cell phone. She said, my kabak. That’s the word for a Trollek master.”

  Jen felt her face drain of color. “No, it can’t be. You must not have heard correctly.”

  His jaw tightened. “Her orders are to delay us. We must depart at once.”

  She nodded at the shopping bag in his hand. “Did you have time to assemble your equipment?”

  “Not totally, but it doesn’t matter. We have to go. Now.”

  She bit her lower lip. This couldn’t be happening. “The Trolleks wouldn’t dare attack us so openly. They’d have to take down everyone in this place.”

  “Not true. Their confounded humans will do the job for them. They’re probably outside already, waiting for the signal to come inside and snatch us.”

  “I have to get my purse and cell phone.”

  “Then do it.”

  She’d just obtained them when Sandi located her and Paz on the first floor corridor.

  “Here you are. Chelsea is filling out her order. I’ll make sure the dresses are shipped on time.” The blonde’s glance flickered between the two of them. “I thought we might go over your schedule for the rest of the week. It’s lucky you came back on a Monday.”

  “Of course,” Jen said in an airy tone. “Why don’t you go get the appointment book? I need to put the dates into my iPhone. Look for us upstairs. I didn’t finish giving Paz the grand tour.”

  As soon as Sandi left, Jen signaled for Paz to accompany her in the opposite direction. She sought out Ted, who glanced at her in exasperation from behind his desk.

  “Jen, I’m glad you’re still here. Diane just called about our runway show. I told her you’d phone her back.”

  “You deal with it. Listen, do you still have a car parked in New Jersey?” Always wary of possible disasters, Ted kept his car in a long-term lot outside the city.

  “Right on. Why?”

  “I want to borrow it. I’ll pay you for the mileage, but I need the keys and location fast. And tell no one.”

  He scrunched his dark brows. “Sure. What’s up?”

  “Urgent family business.” She smiled reassuringly at Ted. “I might be gone for several days, but I promise to bring the car back intact.”

  Ted stood to hand her the keys. Jen swung around to his side of the desk, lifted the key ring from his palm, and gave him a kiss smack on the lips.

  “W-What was that for?”

  “Insurance.” Jen winked at him. “The directions, please?”

  After Ted scribbled the location of the parking lot, she and Paz scrambled out. She’d almost forgotten the tote she’d brought from her apartment. She grabbed it from her office before they slipped out the rear exit into an alley.

  The coast was clear; no one lingered in the narrow lane filled with trashcans.

  “What was that all about?” Paz fell into step beside her as they headed toward an avenue bustling with pedestrians.

  “I wanted to give Ted some immunity, just in case. I can’t believe they got to Sandi.” Good God, what if the Trolleks located her parents? “The enemy will be expecting us to take a flight or train to Florida. Hence the car. We should be okay if Ted keeps his mouth shut.”

  “How do we get to New Jersey from here?”

  She compressed her lips. “We have to take the bus from Port Authority. That’s my only concern.”

  “I’ve assembled most of my gear. After I make a few more adjustments, I think I can block them from tracking us. My signal will create enough noise so they won’t be able to distinguish your frequency.”

  “You’d better finish your work. They may have agents patrolling the bus station.”

  “We should get disguises. They’ll be on the lookout for people of our description.”

  They bought sunglasses and baseball caps at a souvenir store along with I Love New York T-shirts. Then they ducked inside a café to order coffee. Paz fiddled with his gadgets while they sipped the brew and ate apple pie. He made quick time of finishing his new PIP from a pile of components.

  They changed into their tourist outfits inside the restroom. Catching a bus wasn’t a problem and soon they’d entered the Holland Tunnel on their way to New Jersey. Rush hour traffic crawled at a slow pace. She prayed Ted had kept their secret and not been forced into betraying them.

  After locating the parking lot as per his instructions, Jen used her credit card to pay his fee in advance so as to reserve his space. It was the least she could do for him in return.

  A fleeting worry gnawed at her. Either the Trollek agents or the Feds might trace her credit card transactions. She cast aside that concern. Too many other issues faced them.

  The sedan’s interior felt like an oven after baking under the hot afternoon sun. She settled into the driver’s seat and strapped in. The leather upholstery heated her sticky back.

  She’d drive while Paz tried to contact his team. Her plan was to pick up the Auto Train in Lorton, Vi
rginia. The Trolleks would be watching the train stations in Manhattan. They’d never think to look there. By Wednesday morning, she and Paz should be in Florida.

  Or so she hoped.

  ****

  “We have to stop in Orlando for a debriefing with my team.” Paz gripped the steering wheel, driving their borrowed Acura from the train depot in Sanford, Florida.

  He had been elated to get a response from Zohar when he’d scanned the emergency frequencies with his new PIP last night. His commander had been relieved to hear from him and had ordered Paz to join his friends for a strategy session. Their conversation had been terse. Zohar seemed reluctant to say more until they met in person.

  Jen hadn’t slept well on the train. She’d had one of her recurrent dreams, something to do with Aunt Alba in a cemetery. Nor had they had a good night on Monday, stopping at a motel on the road and worrying about the Trolleks picking up their trail.

  She cast her soulful gaze in his direction. “I thought we were going to Palm Beach. I told my parents I’d be bringing you home to meet them.” Her lower lip thrust out in a petulant pout.

  “I don’t mean to disappoint you, but it’s critical that I exchange information with my colleagues and see what orders Zohar has for me. You should come, too. Nira is in town. Besides, it’ll be time for lunch soon. We’d have to stop anyway.”

  It would be nearly noon by the time they reached the safe house in southwest Orlando.

  Jen straightened in her seat. “Will you drive me home if I go with you first? The Board meeting is rescheduled for Friday afternoon, and Dad wants to clue me in beforehand.”

  “That shouldn’t be a problem unless Zohar objects, but he might forbid me from pursuing personal issues until our mission is complete.”

  “Then we’ll have to convince him to let you go. It’s less than a three-hour drive to Palm Beach. I won’t keep you long.” Her frown deepened. “I could use your support.”

  Surprised by her admittance, he shared his concerns. “We’ve located the rifts. We have to determine how to destroy the generators keeping them open. My intel should help.”

  “Can’t your spaceship just fire on them?”

  “It’s not as simple as that. And there’s been an unforeseen complication.” He hesitated, his mind still absorbing the news. “The Protector is gone.”