“Let the police handle it now.” Jake grabbed Niail’s arm and spun him around. “If you take the law into your own hands, then I’ll have to arrest you.”
“You can try.”
“Don’t threaten me.” Jake almost spit his words. “This is not a joke. I don’t care where you’re from, in my country you have to follow the rules.”
“I follow the Sacred Code.”
Niail had reached the door. He sniffed the air and then tensed. His stomach knotted and he pushed Kimi behind him. All his senses warned him of danger.
There was someone in the house.
He wanted Kimi out of the line of fire. He pulled his pistol from his waistband and readied for battle. He took the keys from Kimi and unlocked the door.
“Go back to the truck.” His voice was a low whisper.
Jake raised an eyebrow and then handed Mark over to Eluwilussit. He motioned his grandfather to follow Kimi. When they had left Niail pushed the door open with his foot and then moved to the side of the doorway. Jake followed his lead and went to the other side.
Silence greeted them.
Niail nodded to Jake and then he stepped into the house. He crouched low. Jake ran into the room, but before he had gone more than two feet an arm came out and knocked him back to the floor.
Niail’s hand that held his gun was hit from the side. His pistol was sent flying across the floor. He grabbed the leg of his assailant but a deep chuckle stopped him.
Chapter 17
Partlan.
He was a fellow Hunter and his team leader.
Niail sagged against the door jamb and grinned. “It’s about time you found me.”
“You are the one who kept moving.” Partlan reached a hand down and pulled Niail up.
“It was either that or be killed.” Niail motioned for Kimi and Eluwilussit to come in. “Here is the woman who took me in.”
Kimi moved to a propane light fixture beside the door. She turned the knob on the light and held a match to it. Light flooded the area. Then she moved to stand beside Niail.
“Kimi, this is Partlan. He is an excellent warrior of the clan Obair.”
Kimi shook Partlan’s hand and then turned to the rest of the men that he was introducing her to. “This is Ranon, Turlo, Malac, and Gur.”
Niail turned to Jake and Eluwilussit. “This is Kimi’s brother, Jake, and grandfather Eluwilussit.”
Jake was brushing himself off. “Where is Mark?”
“I locked him in the car.” Eluwilussit spoke in an unhurried voice. “He tried to run away so I tied him to the steering wheel.”
Partlan turned to the older man. “He is your prisoner?”
When Eluwilussit nodded, Partlan continued, “A wise move.”
They moved into the kitchen where Kimi lit two more propane lights on the wall. Light flooded the small room. The mugs from the previous day were on the sink board and the table had a few napkins spread over it. Other than that, there was no obvious evidence that Kowal’s men had almost killed them here the previous night.
Ranon pushed Niail into a chair. “You took Niail in?”
Kimi nodded. “Bobby brought him to me when he was thrown from a truck. He had a huge gash on his head and a concussion. That first night I didn’t think he would make it.”
Partlan crossed his arms over his chest. “He is the unit’s best shot and one of our most experienced warriors.”
A flicker of pride seared through Niail. Praise was seldom given or needed. Doing one’s duty was praise enough, yet it was good to know his brothers thought him useful. Ranon pulled out a small light and started flashing it at his eyes. He blinked and tried to move away from its intense beam.
Then Ranon started to examine him, stopping for a few seconds at the wound in his side. He shook his head and then pulled out some dressings from his case. Within seconds he had poured antiseptic onto his cuts and put a new dressing on his side.
He took longer with the fresh gash on his head. Niail inhaled as another cleansing agent was poured over the area. He clenched his jaw in readiness as he watched Ranon pull a suture kit from his bag. He felt the skin pulled together and the sharp prick of the needle as each edge was sewn closed. When Ranon had finished he covered it with a bandage. Then he stepped back.
“Well?” Partlan’s voice was short. “Why can we not communicate?”
“He still has the after effects of a concussion.” Ranon shook his head. “There is no telling how long that will last. He may never be able to connect again.”
The news hit Niail like a blow to his heart. To never mind connect with the others? That was signing his death warrant. To be cut off from his brothers and to be useless in a battle was not acceptable.
“There must be something you can do.” Niail jerked back in the chair. “I have to get better.”
“Time and rest are the only things that will heal your head.” Ranon sighed. “Unfortunately it does not look as if you have rested.”
“Kowal’s men have been trying to kill us.” Jake cleared his throat. “What’s the problem with communication? I know the cell phone connections aren’t reliable out here, but when you’re closer to town there should be a signal.”
“Niail is still having headaches.” A surge of warmth went through Niail as Kimi put her hand on his shoulder. “He says his head feels foggy. Could that be part of his problem?”
Ranon pursed his lips. “It will not help him.”
“He also can’t remember anything about his accident.” Kimi’s fingers soothed him.
“That is not unusual with a concussion.” Ranon leaned toward him. “I am sorry my news is not better.”
“I appreciate you coming to help.” Niail gave Partlan a quick glance. “I did not wish you to be concerned.”
Partlan nodded. “Silence usually means death. We cannot lose any more brothers.”
“I tried to find another way to contact, but things happened fast and this place is remote. There is no Internet. By the time I reached a phone, the number was disconnected.”
At that moment there was a loud crash and then the door burst open. Mark stood in the doorway, a gun in his hands. His eyes widened when he saw the other Hunters and then he aimed his weapon toward Kimi.
“She’s coming with me.” He waved the gun at her. “Move.”
Kimi sighed. Before she could take a step Niail stood and pushed her behind him. At the same time Partlan and Turlo moved on Mark. Partlan grabbed the hand that held the weapon and pushed it into Mark’s ribs. The reflexive action of Mark’s finger on the trigger fired the pistol.
Mark’s eyes widened and then glazed over before he sagged against the wall. Partlan held the man in place until the last breath passed through Mark. When death was certain he moved the body outside.
Partlan stepped back inside and closed the door behind him.
“You just shot a police officer.” Jake’s voice wavered.
“He threatened a woman.” Partlan eye’s locked with Jake’s. “We defend women and children above all else. I do not ask questions when that happens. I act.”
“You could have disarmed him.”
“Why? He had no honor.” Partlan’s voice was devoid of emotion. “There is no point in sparing such a person.”
“You guys are seriously deranged.” Jake looked around at the other warriors. They stood there with arms crossed and faces impassive.
Partlan looked at Niail. “It is best if you do not come on this mission. We will return once Kowal is dealt with.”
Niail nodded. “Yes.”
“What mission?” Jake stood in front of Partlan. “This is my jurisdiction here. These men will be arrested. There will be no killing.”
“It is beyond that.” Partlan motioned to Kimi. “They have threatened a woman, injured a fellow Hunter, and lied about their purpose. Our rules are very clear.”
“So you think you can just kill people willy nilly?” Jake reached for his gun. “I’ll arrest you then.”
Niail sighed. “He knows, but he still does not understand.”
“We do not answer to your laws. We live by the code that we have followed since time began.”
Jake shook his head. “Mark said that you have a business of sorts, but that doesn’t concern me. You’re breaking the law.”
Eluwilussit put a restraining hand on Jake’s arm. “These are good men. You should not interfere.”
“I took an oath.” The gun wavered in Jake’s hand. “You can’t expect me to ignore that.”
“They are not your enemy.” Eluwilussit pointed to Partlan’s arm. “They wear the symbols of the Star People and they defend. That is all you need to know.”
Jake looked at his grandfather and then back at Partlan. “I don’t believe that stuff.”
“That is your right, but you should honor your heritage and traditions.” Eluwilussit’s voice was sad. “You talk as if you only care about the laws of this country. What about the sacred laws of your people?”
“Listen to Grandfather.”
Kimi’s came up to stand beside her brother. Niail moved a step closer to her and readied himself for any attack. Even though Jake was her brother and probably would not hurt her, he could not take the chance. If Jake moved on Kimi, he would kill him, brother or not.
“Don’t tell me you believe this stuff?”
“These men are different.” Kimi looked back at Niail. “They are no threat to us. They will not let you arrest them.”
“I have to try.”
“No.” Kimi reached her hand up and took the gun from Jake. “You have to trust.”
Niail released the breath he had been holding and took the gun from Kimi. He sensed, more than heard, a silent message going between Partlan and the others. He tried to focus and hear the conversation. A searing pain behind his eyes was his reward.
Ranon touched his arm and shook his head. “You only make it worse. It will come back in time.”
Niail clenched his jaw and nodded. All he could do was wait. He had no control over his healing. He would just have to learn to accept it. He turned away from the others and went to the window. If he could not be part of the plans then what good was he?
It was a several seconds later when he heard someone approach. Partlan gripped his shoulder. “We will work around this.”
“I am useless without my hearing.”
“We communicate in many ways.” Partlan’s voice was low. “Eye and hand motions are effective.”
“But not preferred.”
“Listen to Ranon. He is clan Leigh. He doctors us better than anyone.”
“This is new. He has not come across this before.
“No.” Partlan’s voice was serious. “It will not be the last time though. On this planet we are more likely to be banged up and shot than killed outright.”
“I am alive.” Niail’s voice was wry. “I am a fool to want instant healing.”
“No, you are impatient to finish the job.”
“These men are dangerous.” Niail sighed and turned away from the window. “Jake has underestimated their abilities.”
“If they took you out then they are some of the worse humans we have seen.” Partlan grinned at Niail. “You are the toughest warrior I know.”
Niail walked to the table and sat. “There is no way that only one person should go in.”
“I agree.” Partlan motioned for Gur, Turlo, Ranon, and Malac. “Five should be enough. I need you to stay here Niail in case anyone else shows up.”
“What about me?” Jake interjected.
“We cannot be responsible.” Partlan opened the door. “We need to get this body taken care of. Do you have any suggestions?”
“We could take him and the gun back to where we left the others.” Eluwilussit stood up from the chair he had been resting on. “It will look as if he died in the battle.”
“What others?”
“Some of Kowal’s men.
They found us on the reservation.” Niail rubbed a hand over his face. So much had happened since he had woken up. Perhaps the best thing would be for him to stay back and let the others handle Kowal.
Jake blocked the door. “Why should I trust you guys? Apparently you were hired to kill me because he was too busy to do it himself.”
Partlan looked at him. “We would never kill a police officer unless he was deceitful.”
“According to Mark that is what Niail said and he ended up being left for dead.” Jake’s voice held a note of respect. “Mark was my partner. Dishonest or not, it won’t do his family any good to find out about his other activities. If Grandfather and I take him back to where the other bodies are, then no one need know about his betrayal.”
Partlan held Jake’s gaze for a few seconds. “You wish to protect his loved ones. That is an honorable intention. It also means you will not know what happened to Kowal.”
“I hadn’t thought about that, but you’re right. The less I know the better.”
“And the safer we’ll be.” Turlo chuckled. “I love how people on this planet work within the rules.”
Jake opened his mouth to say something and then shut it. Niail hid his smile. As much as it had been suggested that Hunters were not from earth, Jake still had not believed it. It was just as well. The fewer people who knew, the better.
“It is settled. We will help you load the body onto your truck. Then you can leave knowing that everything will be solved when you return.”
Jake and his grandfather went outside with the others.
“Do you have any weapons?” Partlan paused at the door.
Niail nodded. “They are in the back of the truck.
“Good.”
Niail sensed Kimi’s uncertainty. He turned to her, sending out a wave of calm. One day they might be mated. For now it was enough to know that she was his pair bond.
“I need to understand how I was captured.” Niail took Kimi’s hand in his. “My brothers may have answers for me.”
“Anything that will help you remember.” Kimi smiled and Niail’s world glowed brighter.
“You should try and phone Ann. Partlan will have a phone.” Niail raised her hand to his mouth and gave it a quick kiss. “We both need to know the children are fine.”
Kimi nodded. She ran out after Partlan and returned with his cell phone. She flipped the phone open and walked into the bedroom. The sooner they knew about Peta and Wil, the easier both of them would feel. He exhaled and leaned back in the chair. His head still ached, but some of the fogginess was lifting. Perhaps it was being with his brothers.
Whatever it was, he just wanted his link to them to return. Once he could mind connect, then he would be able to sense Kimi’s desires. According to their leader, Ardal, who already had a mate, the connection between a pair bond was intense.
He wanted to feel that connection with Kimi.
At that moment Kimi came back into the kitchen. She sighed and sat beside him. “Ann says they’re both sleeping.”
“That is good.” Niail sat with his elbows on the table. “We know that they are safe.”
The door opened and Partlan entered. He was followed by Turlo, Gur, and Malac.
“Ranon has gone with Jake and his grandfather.” Partlan pulled a chair out and took the phone that Kimi held out to him. “He will join us when they have finished.”
Niail cleared his throat. “Do you know how I became injured?”
Partlan looked at Gur. “Tell him.”
“It’s our fault. Turlo and I were on the mission with you.” Gur straightened his shoulders and looked Niail in the eye. “We’re still learning the ways of battle. You asked us to be ready if something wasn’t right.”
Kimi frowned. “I don’t understand. I thought all of you had been trained since birth.”
Niail reached over and squeezed her hand. “Gur and Turlo have been stranded on Earth since they were children. Their
training was never completed.”
“How awful.” Kimi’s tone was gentle. “How long have you been here?”
“We have been on your planet for over thirty years. There were many who survived the crash, but few of our number still exist.” Gur straightened his shoulders. “We were not welcomed here and have had to do some questionable things to survive.”
“I can imagine. Some people use fear and ignorance to justify horrible atrocities.” Kimi shuddered.
“We used to believe all humans were cruel.” Turlo grimaced. “We have since learned otherwise.”
Niail cleared his throat. “The survivors of the crash have agreed to follow the Code that all Hunters live by. They continue their training with us. Gur and Turlo have learned much.”
“We failed you.” Gur’s jaw tightened.
“You followed procedure.” Niail’s voice was firm. “You did nothing wrong.”
“We weren’t quick enough when they attacked.”
“You once said that humans knew nothing about battle.” Niail’s voice was dry. “It seems you were wrong.”
“Yes.” Gur cleared his throat. “In the past we’ve done the job we were paid for. There was no need to ask questions or determine if it were a just cause. We were mercenaries for hire.”
“Now you must act with honor.” Partlan crossed his arms. “That means being prepared when others have none.”
“And we weren’t prepared.” Gur looked past Niail’s shoulder. “Because of our inexperience you were captured.”
Niail leaned back in his chair. He did not remember what had happened with Kowal’s men, but he was certain that it was not Gur and Turlo’s fault. They were both good warriors. They had been abandoned on a hostile planet and survived. They had skills, which might be different from his, but still useful.
“You are my brothers.” Niail’s voice was low. “There is no blame.”
Gur’s shoulders relaxed. “The meeting was held in an empty warehouse. You told us to take a position on the second floor. We had our rifles aimed, but they were useless once they surrounded you.”
“How did they capture me?”
Gur shrugged. “We couldn’t hear the conversation from where we were, but at some point you looked to be arguing.”
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