“It all comes back to those God damned seeds,” Nikolai spat as he wheeled around and stomped out.
Why the importance on seeds? He shook his head as he stalked to his quarters. Wasn’t everyone doing just fine with apples and fish? He didn’t comprehend how vegetable seeds warranted such risk. Jess would have understood, even supported Tatiana’s decision. And that just made him madder. Nothing good had ever come of the search for seeds.
Forty-Six
Southern California
Reid froze in the hall. The man Mia was talking to in the bedroom hadn’t seen him. He should run. He felt like a coward, but he couldn’t get caught. He told himself Mia would be fine, and he turned to flee.
A small man in dirty coveralls blocked his way. “Hey, who are you?”
“Reid, come in here,” Mia called. “This collector wants to see you.”
Reid braced himself. He wasn’t going to have the chance to act like a coward. He hoped to God he could talk his way out of this somehow. He nodded to the man in the hall, then went into the bedroom.
“That’s who I’m with,” Mia said.
“I never seen him before, lady,” said the burly man beside Mia. “He’s not one of us. You don’t know this kid, do you, Frank?”
The small man stepped in blocking the door. “Nope. He ain’t a collector.”
“I thought you said you was with a collector,” the first man said. “What’s going on here?”
Shit. Reid couldn’t think of anything to say. He gauged the distance to the door. The little man—Frank—was in the way, but Reid out-weighed him by a few. He could probably run right over him and keep going.
“You misunderstood me,” Mia said. “I said we were pretending to be collectors.”
“Pretending?” the first man said.
“Yes, I’m sure it seems silly to you,” Mia said with a self-deprecating smile. “You see, I’m visiting from Services where I’m a Ford girl.” She paused for effect and the big man did seem impressed. “I’ve always wanted to collect something. I think what you do is so interesting and exciting. Tom—I mean Director Gould—gave me permission to wander around. He said I could go wherever I want. I hope I haven’t done something wrong.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Frank said. “The Supe told me there was a girl out here. Friend of the chancellor’s. He didn’t mention nothing about a kid with her.”
“He came with me to carry the treasures I find,” she said, drawing closer to the big man. “I have to tell you, I don’t see how you collectors do it. I was horribly frightened when I saw that dead person in the living room. Doesn’t it get to you?”
“Naw,” he said, allowing her to steer him toward the door. Frank was forced backward into the hall. “You get used to it. It’s not like they smell or anything.”
“Very sophisticated, Roger,” Frank said.
“Shut up,” Roger spat. “So you like collecting, huh?” he asked Mia.
Reid followed quietly, hoping they’d forget about him.
“Oh yes, I’ve always wanted to try it. But I haven’t found anything pretty yet to take home as a souvenir.”
“I got something in my bag,” Frank said. “It’s a real nice shirt. I bet it would fit you.”
“You’re too sweet,” Mia purred. “But I was hoping to collect something myself. I know you do it all the time, but it’s a dream of mine, and now I’m afraid it will never be fulfilled.” She sighed. “Unless . . .”
“Unless what?” Roger asked, like he’d do anything she wanted.
“Unless I can collect something before I have to go back to Director Gould’s office.”
“There’s a much better complex on the next block,” Roger said. “The people who lived there must have been rich. I could help you find something special.”
“Don’t be dense, Roger,” Frank said. “She wants to do it herself.”
“Then why’s this kid with her?”
Both men looked at Reid.
“He carries things for me, remember?” Mia squeezed up to Roger. Reid suspected she pressed her breasts against his arm on purpose.
“I could carry things,” Roger said.
“I wouldn’t want to get you in trouble.” Mia swayed her hips as she went to the front door. “I mean, you’re supposed to be doing real collecting.”
“Yeah, I guess,” Roger said.
“Which way do I go?” Mia stepped into the sunshine.
“See that greenish store?” Roger pointed. “Turn there, go one block and it’s on the left. The Royal Terrace. Sounds nice, don’t it?”
“Yes, I bet I’ll find something wonderful and I’ll remember you every time I see it.”
Roger beamed.
Reid tried not to roll his eyes.
“Oh, Roger?” Mia said. “There is one tiny favor you could do for me.”
“Name it.”
“Don’t mention to anyone you saw me. When people hear there’s a Ford girl, they get curious, and they’re not always as gentlemanly as you two.”
“No problem, Miss. We won’t say a thing, will we Frank?”
“Not a thing,” Frank said. “Have fun collecting.”
“Thank you so much. Goodbye, now.” Mia waved, and walked toward the green building. She handed Reid her bag. Nice touch.
As soon as they turned the corner, Mia grabbed his arm. “All right, who are you?”
“What do you mean?”
“I saved your ass back there. Now come clean.”
“I, I . . .” What was his cover story? “I’m from up north. I’m looking for a job.”
She stared, chin down, hands on her hips. “How about the truth?”
“That is the truth.”
“Bull. Your accent isn’t like any Northerner I’ve met. From the moment you opened your mouth, I knew you were an outsider. You’re lucky those collectors weren’t real swift or you’d be headed for the Tank, and they’d be enjoying their reward.”
“Are you going to turn me in?”
“I covered for you, didn’t I? Look, when I first saw you, I was having a little fun. Now, I like you. So I’m giving you a chance. Go home while you can.” She took her bag and turned. “Don’t worry, Reid—if that’s really your name. I won’t tell anyone about you.”
“Wait.” He wasn’t sure what made him call out. “I can’t tell you everything.”
“I didn’t ask you to.”
“I can’t say how I got here, but I came to find something, and I’m not leaving until I do.”
“That’s a big challenge, finding something in a city where strangers aren’t welcome.” She walked back to him, swaying her hips again. “It would be dangerous, but I like you, and I’m willing to help.”
She was trying to play him like she’d played Roger, but it wasn’t going to work.
“What’s in it for you?” he asked.
“Everyone thinks a Ford girl’s life is glamorous and exciting. I did, until I became one. But I’m already bored. I’ve always been bored. That’s why I became a Ford girl to begin with, but turns out it’s not enough.”
“You’d risk helping me because you’re bored? That doesn’t add up.”
“It would if you knew what it was like. My life consists of waiting around and looking pretty. I don’t want to be another decoration in an elegant room. I want to explore. Lost Angeles is too small and contained. Predictable. I want adventure.”
“If you want out so bad, leave. You don’t need me.”
“Oh, you’re obviously not from around here.” She laughed without humor. “I’d never make it far enough fast enough. My last hope was the train, and I found out today it doesn’t go anywhere but around in a circle. Besides, I wouldn’t know where to go.”
“What do you want, a map to where I came from? What makes you think it’s better there?”
“Then take me someplace else. Someplace new.” She caressed his arm. “You’re different. I bet you could show me things no one else can. In fact, I’m willin
g to bet my life on it.”
She looked at him from under long dark lashes, the slightest pout on her moist pink lips. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, then trailed her fingers down her cheek and neck, along the edge of her shirt past her collarbone, stopping at her cleavage.
He could tell she was playing him, but knowing that didn’t completely immunize him from the effects.
She pulled a watch from her pocket. “I don’t have much time. The deal I’m offering is, I help you blend in and find what you’re looking for, then you get me far enough away from Lost Angeles that the Blades can’t reach me. After that we can go our separate ways if you want.”
“What are blades?”
She shook her head. “If you don’t know that, you do need my help.” She looked at the watch again. “I have to go.”
“Wait—you’re right, I need your help.” He hadn’t known he was going to take the gamble until he said it. “When can you come back?”
“I can’t. Not here.”
“Then where? When?” He didn’t want to waste time waiting for her, but it was becoming apparent he wouldn’t make it very far on his own.
“I go back to the city tomorrow. You’ll have to meet me there. The Grand Hotel.”
“Is that safe? You said everyone would know I’m an outsider.”
“You have a better option?” She pulled something from her bag and held it out to him. A card. “Don’t lose this. It’s a voucher for services. Give it to the receptionist and ask for me. Talk as little as possible. Make sure you’re dirty and wear ratty clothes so you look like the other pirates.”
“Pirates?”
“If they ask what ship, say you’re looking for a new berth. Hopefully, they won’t press.”
“Can’t we meet someplace where I don’t have to talk to anyone?”
She shook her head. “I have no idea when I’ll be allowed to leave the Grand again.”
He didn’t like meeting in such a public place, but she might be their best chance at navigating Ellay. And he wanted to see her again. “Okay, maybe. I can’t promise though. How do I find it?” He and Tinker could always decide against it.
“Go to the amusement park complex in the middle of Anaheim. The Grand is the big hotel at the south end. It’s on every map.”
“When?”
“Tomorrow afternoon.” She kissed him long and sweet. “Goodbye, Reid. I truly hope I see you again.”
Reid gripped the card. She was definitely playing him, but that kiss made him want to believe she wasn’t.
Forty-Seven
Lost Angeles, World Waste
Pascal was pleased to find Mia waiting, radiant in a low-cut dress, her hair tousled and sexy. “Mia, you look like a kiss of sunshine. Did you enjoy your adventure?”
She smiled with her eyes and clasped his extended hands. “It left me energized. Wanting more.” She raised an eyebrow.
Pascal considered changing his plans, but decided it would be shortsighted. Tom could prove a valuable ally. “You’ll be spending tonight with Tom.” He looked for any sign of reluctance or apprehension, and was rewarded with a knowing smile.
“Do you have anything in particular in mind? I can be very . . . persuasive if there’s any way I can be of service to you.”
He wanted to take her right there as he had on the train. She’d embraced the assignment and understood its implications. “Consider this laying a foundation of . . . indebtedness.”
“I’ll be thinking of you,” she whispered in his ear. She drew against him, her hand on his thigh. “Will I get to have the real thing tomorrow?”
“I have some pressing matters to attend to, so it will be a few days. Your train leaves tomorrow at nine. Take it back to the Grand, and I’ll see you when I can.”
“I’m already looking forward to it.”
An hour later, Pascal was back on the train. Leaving Mia behind was a small sacrifice for a sound investment. His focus should be on Van Hooten, anyway. The results promised to be more gratifying and long-lasting than even Mia could offer. He disembarked near the doctor’s home.
Gloria Van Hooten was visibly shocked when she opened the door.
“Chancellor Worth, what a pleasant surprise! Please come in.”
Pascal followed her into a dark paneled room with overstuffed chairs, Persian rugs, and weighty paintings. Thick drapes trapped in the heat, exacerbating the cloying floral scent. Pascal loosened his collar and visualized sparse furnishings of stainless steel and Danish teak so he didn’t suffocate.
“Lovely home, Mrs. Van Hooten.”
“Why, thank you. We like it. Upstairs I went with Victorian antiques, cabbage roses and such, but this is Jerome’s den. His haven. It’s a man thing, I suppose, reading dusty old books and drinking whiskey. Speaking of which, where are my manners? Can I get you a drink? Bourbon? Water? Bourbon and water?” She wrung her hands and attempted to laugh.
“No need. I’ve brought something special.” He indicated the bottle tucked under his arm.
Her eyes and smile grew wide. Even if he hadn’t known about her fondness, it was readily apparent.
“How thoughtful,” she said, fluttering her hands about her sallow face.
“A token of gratitude for your husband’s service. A reminder, you might say. Can I have a word with him?”
“Oh, yes, of course. I should have gotten him right away, I don’t know why I didn’t. You are so kind to bring a gift. And to come here personally. My goodness. Well, you make yourself right at home. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” She scurried away.
Pascal wondered how the doctor managed to be around her five minutes without killing her or himself. He wouldn’t be surprised if the den door had a lock and the doctor kept a large stash of booze inside.
He avoided the furniture and stood in front of a heavy-handed oil painting of a fox hunt, thinking it a violation of the laws of physics how slowly time was passing. Finally he heard the tromping of feet.
“I found him! We’re coming!” Mrs. Van Hooten’s voice had grown more shrill, if that were possible.
“Chancellor.” The doctor made no effort to disguise his displeasure at Pascal’s unannounced visit.
“Oh, silly me,” Mrs. Van Hooten cooed. “I’ve forgotten the glasses.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’m not staying. But keep the gift.” Pascal extended the bottle and she clutched it to her breast.
“I don’t know how to thank you,” she gushed.
“Give us a moment, dear?” Van Hooten shooed his wife out.
“Wonderful to see you, Chancellor! Thank you!” she called as he closed the door, which was, in fact, equipped with a deadbolt.
Van Hooten faced him, arms folded. “What can I do for you?”
“What, no offer to sit? Not even the pretense of camaraderie?”
“You said you weren’t staying.”
Pascal was half-tempted to take a seat and prolong the man’s agony, but it would also prolong his own. “I’ll get to the point. My son wishes to see his mother tomorrow. I’d like to accommodate him, but it would be inconvenient if she spoke to him. Is she conscious?”
“Uh, yes, I believe so.”
Pascal frowned. “What about tomorrow morning? Will she be conscious then?”
“I really don’t know.”
“But you’ll check on her tonight. Because I’d like for my son to have one last quiet visit with her tomorrow morning. Then we can be done with this business. Do I make myself clear?”
A flash of rage crossed Van Hooten’s face. “It’s awfully late to see a patient.”
Pascal stepped closer and spoke softly. “You have such a lovely wife. It would be a shame if her thirst got the better of her.”
It only took a moment for Van Hooten’s rage to turn to resignation. He nodded. One brief nod, but all that was necessary.
“Enjoy the gift. I’ll see myself out.”
On the stoop, Pascal took a deep breath of the fresh evening air and cong
ratulated himself. That had gone quite well.
Forty-Eight
Pacific Ocean, aboard the Emancipation
Nikolai soaked his hands in the sink. Pacing hadn’t helped. All it had gotten him was thinner boot soles and bloody palms. If anything, he was more furious now. Furious at himself for mutilating his hands and raising stubborn children, furious at his children for being as foolish as they were stubborn, and beyond furious at Kennedy and Creighton for not averting the disaster.
How had Tatiana become convinced there were seeds at the headquarters of the southern pirates? Nothing he or Jess had read suggested any such thing.
He couldn’t think of a worse place for his children to be. The northern pirates were at least human. He wondered if Will had the sense to seek their help in dealing with the southern pirates. But Nikolai knew Will lengthwise and crosswise. His son was far too cocky and independent for that. The boy could sail but lacked a healthy sense of his own shortcomings, his own mortality. His overconfidence would be the end of him some day.
If it hadn’t been already.
The thought took him by the soul.
A knock at the door brought him out of it. His children were not dead. Unless he saw their cold bodies, he would believe they were alive and wouldn’t stop trying to find them.
He pulled the plug and watched the pink water spiral down the drain, in no hurry to answer the door. His days had become an endless cycle of loneliness and boredom, broken only by the occasional knock signaling a delivery of food.
When he opened the door, he was surprised to see Olexi.
“Sorry for the delay.” Nikolai stepped aside for Olexi to enter. “I thought it was supper.”
“You’re not eating with the captain?”
“I can’t look at him now. Do you know where we’re headed?”
“I didn’t think it my place to ask specifics.”
“San Clemente.” The very name was like acid on Nikolai’s tongue.
Olexi gasped. “Voobshye?”
“I wouldn’t joke about that.” Nikolai took his father’s pipe from his pocket and turned it over in his hands to keep from clenching his fists.
Seeds Page 19
