* * * *
"So you live on Pluto?” Sorsha asked Kalisha as they drove to the substation on Mars. Kalisha nodded, so Sorsha went on. “So how come you're not married then?"
When Kalisha finally did look at her, she was frowning as if Sorsha was out of her mind.
Sorsha rolled her eyes and quickly went on, “What I mean is, don't most marry a Plutoan man by our age?"
"My parents split when I was fifteen. I went out one night and did something very stupid, and my father beat me for it,” Kalisha said, her eyes on the orange dusty road ahead. “My mother left with me soon after and divorced him. She moved to Pluto, but my father didn't want me there. In their agreement, I was to attend a boarding school back on Earth, and with him being on the Senate, he was able to postpone my need for the points until later on."
"How?"
"Don't know.” She shrugged. “But I did find out that a lot of fathers with daughters in that school were able to fix their points so that they never had to go if they didn't want to.” She turned, facing Sorsha then. “Money talks and bullshit walks, and when you have a parent with power, they can get away with anything."
"But you live on Pluto now?” Sorsha didn't understand. She knew that some could and would blackmail or do whatever they had to in order to keep their daughters from the planet. It didn't matter what the year was, you always had a few out there that wanted to keep their race pure. “And you're still unmarried."
Kalisha took a deep breath, and Sorsha watched as she fisted her hands over the steering wheel. “I don't live on Pluto.” She gave Sorsha a quick smile. “Don't live anywhere really.” Sorsha thought she saw tears forming in Kalisha's eyes, but couldn't be sure. “My mother just died and had me promise to see my father once more to mend our differences, since he was all I had.” She snorted softly. “Guess that reunion went well."
"I'm sorry,” Sorsha whispered.
Kalisha shrugged. “Don't be. I always knew he would break my heart. Men always do."
Sorsha thought about that last statement. Men always break hearts. It had been true in her eyes until she met Kade. Her own father seemed to forget that she was around most of the time, and only wanted her when cameras or press was around. How many times did he break her heart? It was a question she couldn't answer. She had lost count of how many times she'd cried herself to sleep wishing that someone would come along and save her.
"Not all of them do,” she whispered, glancing out her window to the sand. “Not all of them break hearts."
"Yeah, well, when you find one that won't, let me know,” Kalisha remarked. “Because I gave up on the happy ever after shit a long time ago."
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Thirteen
"Where is she?” Kade asked for about the tenth time, pacing the ground. “Damn, she should be here by now!"
"Take it easy,” Zane said. “She'll be here."
"Not if something goes wrong."
"You worry too damn much.” Jovan came around from behind the temple, hands stuffed into jeans pockets and long blond hair blowing in the light breeze. He grinned at Kade, who had his mouth open.
"What the hell are you doing here?” Kade asked, looking around for Nichelle next. “You should be home with Nichelle."
"I was,” Jovan answered. “And then she found out Sorsha went missing. So you want to tell me what the hell is going on?"
Kade filled Jovan in as much as he could. He told him about the Deity and who its main cabinet members were. Kade also let him know that the group was trying to strong arm Senator Mya into passing a law that would dissolve all marriages between Plutoans and Earth women. That was the reason Sorsha was taken. Members of the Deity wanted their bill passed, and Senator Mya was the one man who was holding it back.
Jovan chuckled, shaking his head. “And here I thought I had problems with Nichelle having another baby."
Zane also laughed. “Man, I have this strong feeling that she isn't going to let you touch her for a year after this birth. You did tell her that they sort of get harder, not easier like on Earth."
Kade smiled while Jovan gave Zane a dirty look. “No, and keep your damn mouth shut, or I'm going to fire you.” Jovan looked around. “What are we doing here?"
"Sorsha called Noah. Said some girl is with her,” Kade said. “The two of them are going to meet us here."
"Here?” Jovan indicated with a nod. “Am I the only one that sees this as strange?"
"Nope,” Zane said. “Only one brave enough to say it.” Zane grinned at Jovan and lowered his voice. “He's a bit on edge."
"Well, what the hell do you two suggest then?” Kade snapped in anger.
"How about for one, we go to the substation and wait for her.” Jovan sighed. “And if she doesn't show up, we go to Mars and bring her home."
"Ah, the logic one shows.” Zane smiled. “You were always the one to get through his thick skull.” Zane rubbed his hands together. “Okay, let's head to the substation. Maybe we'll get some action."
Kade couldn't help himself and shook his head as well as laughed. “I do forget at times how nuts you really are."
"It's not nuts.” Zane swung his arm over Kade's shoulders as they started for Jovan's hover. “It's call sexual frustration. Remember, I haven't been laid in more years than I care to recall, and the package between my legs is busting for life."
Kade couldn't help it and laughed again. If ever he needed a good laugh or something to lighten up the mood, he could always count on Zane.
The drive to the substation took only ten minutes. As usual, it was packed with people coming and going, but that wasn't what caught Kade's eye. He noticed two hovers that looked like they didn't belong in the parking lot and large Earthmen in suits, waiting inside.
"Jovan,” Kade said.
"I see them.” Jovan remarked.
"They know,” Zane added, stopping with them to look around. “Someone must have checked on Sorsha and discovered her gone.” He rubbed his hands together and smiled. “Looks like I'm going to get that action after all."
"Let's split up,” Jovan stated.
"Keep each other in sight and the first one to reach Sorsha takes her out to the winery,” Kade added.
"Got one better,” Zane said. “Take her out to my family home.” He looked at Jovan. “And have Nichelle meet us there as well. If this shit is as big as Mya said then those guys are going to need leverage, and your girls don't need to be it."
"Good point.” Jovan pulled out a cell and grinned at Kade. “You need to get one of these things."
Kade rolled his eyes and turned his back on Jovan. “So you keep telling me."
* * * *
Sorsha followed Kalisha up to the double doors of Mars substation when the girl stopped without warning, and Sorsha bumped into her back.
"What's wrong?” Sorsha asked, moving to stand next to her.
Kalisha dug into the bag she was carrying, pulled out an envelope and flipped through the papers. She brought out one, folded it and stuffed it into her jean pocket. The rest she handed to Sorsha.
"Take this,” Kalisha said.
"What is it?” Sorsha frowned, opening it up.
"Insurance or whatever you want to call it.” Kalisha answered. “It's financial records and information on the Deity.” When Sorsha frowned, Kalisha went on quickly. “They are a group that is trying to fuck Pluto out of everything they have, including marriages. I'm going to keep the list of members. You have the rest.” She smiled when Sorsha looked back at her. “Call it a partnership. As soon as we are safe, we are going to guarantee our freedom and make sure those bastards don't fuck with us anymore."
"But why are you giving this to me?"
"Your father,” Kalisha answered. “I knew I'd seen you before. You're the daughter of Senator Mya. My father has been trying to get his swing vote for years.” She took a deep breath. “It's information. Do what you want with it. I just figured that you should have it since they did kidnap you and all."
Kalisha blushed. “Come on. Let's get you home before the shit hits the fan, and they find out we're not locked in the room."
The girls walked together inside Mars substation. It was just as busy as the others that Sorsha seen and had the same procedures. She had to show her pass. Kalisha seemed to have one for each of them with fake names, as well as booklets showing they were current with all shots.
The wait to cross over to Pluto was a long one. Sorsha watched the wall clock on the wall and tried not draw attention to herself as she followed the line to go back home. The five minutes she waited felt like five hours.
When it was finally their turn, Kalisha gave Sorsha a quick smile then disappeared into the tunnel. Sorsha only had to wait a few minutes before she was allowed to go through next, and what she was greeted with on the other end was one big surprise.
Sorsha didn't have a chance to clear her head and get her bearings before someone grabbed her roughly by her arm and yanked her to one side.
"Ms. Mya.” She looked up at a man in a suit. A man she didn't know. “You're in the wrong tunnel. You and Ms. Sedgwick should be heading to Earth, not this dump."
Her eyes cleared, and Sorsha saw that another man held Kalisha. Without a word, both girls were physically forced to leave the ramp and the substation. Sorsha had a sinking feeling that they were going back either to Mars or Earth where the Senate meeting was taking place about the new law.
"My father isn't going to pass that law,” Sorsha said. “So you might as well save yourself the trouble, and let me go.” She tried to jerk her arm from his hand. “My husband is only going to kick your ass."
"After today, you are going to be a free woman,” he said.
"Says who?” They stopped right in front of Kade, and Sorsha smiled.
"Kade,” she whispered. Happiness filled her heart as well as her voice as she looked up the man she loved more than anything. He was a sight that she never wanted to forget.
Kade grabbed hold of the guy holding her arm by the front of his suit jacket. “Get your damn hands off my wife.” Kade head butted the guy so hard that he dropped to the ground, releasing Sorsha.
"Oh, God!” she sighed, rushing into his arms. “I was so worried about you."
Kade wrapped his arms around her. “Zane got your message."
Sorsha pulled out and touched his face. “Geez! Look at your face."
"Looks worse than what it is.” He grinned. “Come on. I promised your father I would call him as soon as you were safe."
Sorsha took his hand, but she stopped walking when she remembered Kalisha. “Oh, no.” She sighed. “Kalisha!"
"Who?” Kade frowned.
"Kalisha. Kalisha Sedgwick. I was taken to her house, and she got me out.” Sorsha quickly said. “Kade, we have to find her."
"Shit,” Kade mumbled, looking around. “Okay, I'll go look for her, and you go with Jovan to call your dad."
"No.” She shook her head. “I'm going with you."
Kade opened his mouth, but Jovan came up to them. “More men just came into the substation."
"Shit.” Kade looked around, and Sorsha got scared real quick. “Where's Zane?"
Jovan shrugged. “No clue. But one of those guys came out of here with a girl.” Jovan looked down at Sorsha. “Was someone with you?"
"Yes!” She looked from Kade to Jovan. “That had to be Kalisha. She helped me get away, and...” She had to stop to take a deep breath. “Kade, she has names of people that belong to something called Deity.” She pulled out the file that Kalisha had given her. “She gave me this. We have to help her!"
Jovan took the folder, and Sorsha looked around the substation. Jovan whistled and handed the packet to Kade. “Now that can start some major trouble."
Kade started to read, but Sorsha stopped him by patting his arm several times. “Kade, Kade, there she is!” She pointed across the room.
Kade frowned, and Sorsha watched as his attention left the two men who were taking Kalisha out of the substation. “What the hell is wrong with Zane?"
Sorsha also frowned in Zane's direction. The seven-foot man was standing still as a statue with his hands fisted to his sides and his chest rising and falling like he was in pain. Sorsha didn't understand everything about a Plutoan man and his sexuality, but something told her that Zane was getting hit with that sexuality right this minute.
"Kade?” Sorsha whispered, gripping his arm as tightly as she could.
Kade and Jovan both looked at each other. “She's here,” they said together.
Kade took hold of Sorsha's hand, and the three of them pushed their way through the crowd towards Zane.
"What's going on?” Sorsha yelled over the noise in the substation. She struggled to keep up with the long stride of Kade's and felt as if he was dragging her along.
"Another problem,” Kade answered.
Jovan skidded to a stop in front of Zane seconds before Kade and Sorsha reached him. “Zane, buddy,” Jovan said. He snapped his fingers in front of the man's face. “We need you here for a few seconds."
"Kade, they're taking her outside!” Sorsha yelled, hitting him on the side of his arm.
Before anyone tried to stop her, he took off running in the same direction as the men and Kalisha.
"Sorsha!” Kade yelled.
Sorsha pushed people out of her way and ran as hard as she could to the small group that was now going through the double sliding doors to outside. “Stop!” she yelled. “Kalisha!” Kalisha turned her head and looked at Sorsha over her shoulder. Once their eyes connected, Kalisha started to struggle with the hands on her arms. “Let her go!” Sorsha yelled at the men.
Everything that happened, happened fast. The guy on Kalisha's left turned, and he pointed a gun right at Sorsha. She screamed, but was quickly yanked from behind and fell to the ground, skidding to a side wall on her right as the gun went off. People screamed around them, and more shots went off. It was a few seconds before Sorsha realized Kade had pulled her out of harm's way.
She covered her ears and jumped with each loud bang, but Sorsha also watched as Zane slowly made his way to the doors, followed by Jovan. She hoped like hell they would be able to get close and help her new friend get away.
"Zane!” Kade yelled.
Sorsha watched as Zane rushed up to the guy with the gun, wrapped his hand around his arm, twisted it and break it at the elbow. The guy screamed, but Zane quickly silenced him with a fist to the face. When more men started to show up, more guns were fired at them. Zane was hit in the arm, and Sorsha screamed. She couldn't believe what she was seeing and watched helplessly as Kalisha was shoved into a hover and taken away.
"God damn it, Zane!” Jovan yelled over the noise, crawling over to him.
Kade held onto Sorsha tightly while the men that were shooting backed away, got into other hovers and sped away. That was fine with Sorsha. She didn't want Kade to let her go and clung onto him just as tightly.
The sound of sirens heading toward them was enough to have Kade move with her still in his arms, while Jovan helped Zane stand. He was bleeding, but it didn't seem to bother him. They rushed outside to Jovan's hover parked down the street.
Sorsha got into the backseat with Zane, and when all four doors were closed, they just sat there, breathing hard, saying nothing. The Police had been called, and when they arrived, they ran into the substation. The four of them continued to sit there unnoticed.
"Well, that was interesting.” Zane finally broke the silence, and it seemed to be just what they needed. They all laughed.
"Here.” Jovan handed Sorsha a cell phone. “Call your father, and let him know you're all right."
Sorsha nodded. “What about Kalisha?” she started to shake and felt like she was about to break down and cry.
"Oh, don't worry about her,” Zane said. “She won't be staying with
them for too long."
* * * *
"Well, this confirms the rumors that we have been hearing.” Noah Mya sighed, tossing the file that Kade had handed to him on the kitchen table of his home. “We had heard of a group calling themselves the Deity, but we didn't have any proof they existed. Now we do."
Sorsha hugged herself as she looked at her father then Kade. After she'd made the call to her father and things settled down, they agreed to meet back on Earth. Senator Sedgwick and Preston Bernard weren't too happy when Noah voted No on the bill again. They were even less happy when they got a call telling them that Kalisha and Sorsha were no longer in the house. Sorsha shuddered as she wondered what they were going to do to her after her father voted No.
"So what're you going to do now?” Sorsha asked.
Noah smiled at her. A real smile, not the fake ones that she had seen so many times over that she'd lost count. “First thing I'm going to do is throw one hell of a reception party for my lovely daughter and her husband both on Earth and Pluto.” He picked up her hand and kissed it. “I have a lot to be thankful for, Sorsha. I never saw what was right in front of my eyes. I'm so sorry that you were brought into this mess."
"Well, without that list, we are not going to be able to bring Senator Sedgwick down,” Kade said. “We need that list."
Zane walked into the kitchen with a bag over his shoulder and a serious look in his eyes. Sorsha didn't know what to make of it and was almost afraid to ask.
"Zane, what are you doing?” Kade asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
Zane dropped the bag to the floor. “I'm heading to Jupiter. Old contact of mine is letting me use a place of his out there for a few months."
Kade cocked his head to one side and frowned. “And why would you need a place all the way out there for a few months?"
Sorsha heard the humor in Kade's voice and saw the smirk that he was working hard at not showing. She glanced at her father, who was frowning, and both shrugged their shoulders at the other.
Zane cleared his throat and flashed a quick glimpse at Sorsha. She saw the blush, but didn't let on. He was uncomfortable about something, and there was no way she was going to leave the room until she knew what is was.
Outerplanetary Sensations Page 10
