by Jenny Foster
“Where is the back entrance?” Talon asked. Cat could move almost as quietly as he could, he realized with satisfaction as he pulled her over to the side quickly so she wouldn’t step on a pile of dangerously sparkling glass shards.
“It’s no problem as long as they aren’t expecting an attack and increase the number of guards,” she informed him quietly. “It is just a parking lot that the lower employees use. The only guard there is inside the building. He checks out the people who want to come inside.”
“Around the clock?”
Cat nodded, a very slight movement. The only reason he was able to make it out in the darkness was because his senses were so sharp. “Fine. What are we waiting for?” She headed for the entrance to a house that was diagonally across from the headquarters. Now, he too, could see the emergency exit without any problem. It would lead them into the abandoned department store. Trash was piled up around the door – a sure sign that the exit hadn’t been used in a long time.
“I don’t know,” Cat said, blinking in the darkness. “It’s just a strange feeling, that’s all.” Talon looked at her sharply. “Let’s go.” Before she had finished the sentence, she had started off, with quick footsteps and her head held high, almost as if she needed to prove that the proximity to her former colleagues didn’t scare her. He could see that she kept giving him searching looks, and they irritated him like an annoying insect bite, but when he tried to detect her feelings, the only thing he found was concern, and something that oscillated between fear and nausea.
“Let me go first,” Talon said, when they had pushed the pile of trash to the side. “Do you think anyone would notice that the mountain of trash has been moved?”
Cat smacked her forehead, a gesture that was so typically human that it actually made Talon smile. “I don’t think so,” she said and frowned. “Mind Readers depend more on reading thoughts than on their eyes and ears, and the employees who park back here are not trained detectives.” She looked critically at the trash that was now a few feet to the right.
Then let’s take the risk,” Talon said and pulled the door open. The shrill squeal, with which the rusted hinges made their protest known, seemed twice as loud in the stillness of the night. Talon made a mental note to get some oil and sniffed the air. It was pitch black, now that the door had fallen shut behind them. He took Cat’s small, cold hand and let his lion out of its cage a little – just enough so it could show them the way through the darkness. Cars were everywhere. Most had been gutted for parts. Batteries, cables, and motors – even some tires were missing, so all that was left were shells. Anything that could be used somehow, even the upholstery, had been dragged off by desperate people.
“Where should we go?” he asked into the darkness and answered his own question. “I think we should settle in as far towards the top as possible. Maybe we might be able to find a room with its windows still intact. Then we could have a good view of the surrounding area.” His voice had taken on the growling color of his predator, and it echoed very clearly in the large room.
“Okay,” was the only thing Cat said. Her pulse had started to race, and the palms of her hands were wet. He squeezed her hand reassuringly, and only let go long enough to push open the next door. It was a difficult climb to the top floor, and not just because they had to climb an endless number of steps after the long march into the city. Halfway there, he had taken Cat’s backpack, and the fact that she let him do so without protest, told him more than a thousand words could about how exhausted she must be.
Once, her feet fell on something that felt like rotting bones, and she gave a little cry, before continuing on bravely without looking back. Once in a while, a ray of light shone through one of the windows, illuminating the way, and then they finally reached the top.
He was able to open the door to the uppermost floor. He suspected that they were in the part of the building that had been used for offices, because there were many rooms on either side of a very long hallway. He made his way to the very first room. Cat needed rest more than anything, and he didn’t want to waste any more time looking for a room that was in the best condition. At least this room was somewhat clean, had a window that opened, and was big enough to offer them both a place to sleep. He picked Cat up, set her on one of the desks, and rolled out the sleeping bags. Then he took her in his arms, and together, they slid in under the blankets. Her soft, regular breaths told him that she had fallen asleep almost instantly.
He lay there for a while and did nothing other than listening to her breathing and feeling her warmth. When the noises of the wind and the building faded into calming background noise, he allowed himself to close his eyes.
It took a long time for him to fall asleep.
Chapter 3
Cat woke up with the dull feeling that something wasn’t right. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. For a split second, she had no idea where she was, and when she remembered, she shot up. Talon wasn’t there! Where was he? He had covered her with a sleeping bag, and his backpack was still in the corner, so clearly he intended to come back. She was probably worried for nothing. He was probably just checking out the building. She forced herself to relax her muscles and rolled her head until her stiff neck felt a little better. There was no reason to worry. Cat ignored the pressure in her bladder and sank back into the bed that her beloved had made. She buried her nose under the blankets and breathed in Talon’s comforting and already familiar scent. Cat could barely remember arriving up here, that’s how exhausted she had been last night. The night at his side had chased away most of her tiredness. Instead, her stomach made itself known with a loud growl.
To distract herself from her hunger, she decided to try to make contact with Shazuul. He had told her that all she needed to do was open her spirit a little and think about him. Then he would hear her. Was he nearby? She closed her eyes and put herself in the state that, over the years, had become as natural to her as breathing: body relaxed, spirit open, but not so open that she lost all connection to her own body. Shazuul, she thought, and then louder, once more: Shazuul.
He was there immediately. Too loud, he complained, and Cat got the impression that he was holding his ears figuratively and shaking himself theatrically.
Sorry, she thought softly. Apparently, she could actually regulate the intensity with which she called the Sethari in her thoughts. That was new to her, but highly interesting. The rusty giggling that she associated with Shazuul sounded in her head, and this time it was clear that he was amused.
Where are you? she asked.
Again, this restrained amusement. Near you, he said and sent her a picture of Talon who was looking out through one of the department store windows. It was an enormous shock to see Talon through Shazuul’s eyes, and she wondered briefly what would happen in her head if she were to see herself through Shazuul’s eyes – not as a memory, but in real time, here and now. That would be enough to make a person go crazy. Cat pulled herself together, and Shazuul, who could surely feel her increasing panic, let the stream of images die out.
So, he was right across from them. That was good. Are you okay? she asked, trying to break the sustained silence, but also, because it didn’t feel quite right that Shazuul was by himself.
No problems, he answered. Talon?
His monosyllabic communication was easier to understand than many a long and spoken sentence. So far, so good. I don’t dare to have a look in his head for fear of being discovered.
Shazuul sent a wave of agreement her way. Careful, Cat, he said. Cat must practice. Sneak into heads. Be quiet, invisible.
Right, Cat replied. And with whom? Nobody else is here but me and Talon.
Surprise Shazuul, the Sethari said, and Cat was sure that she would never be able to sneak into his thoughts, not in a thousand years. She felt like she was back in school.
I show tricks. You go out. Practice, the Sethari prompted her.
I don’t think that’s a good idea, Cat defended herself. And anyway, Talon wo
uldn’t want me to do that.
You have to, Shazuul insisted. Cat is decoy for king. Cat and Talon are leaving trail. King coming. Shazuul help when king there.
A wave of gratitude flooded Cat, but at the same time, she wondered why the Sethari was doing all of this for her. Was there really no other reason, other than that he had known her mother all those years ago? Then another thought crossed her mind, and it was not a pleasant one. Talon had suggested the very same plan, with different words, and without using the word “decoy”. There was one difference: he had pointed out that the king was very vain and was sure that he would find them. Talon had called her the king’s prey.
Was she nothing more than a pawn in a chess game, one you could push around any way you wanted to? What was keeping her from liquidating the money she had received from the poker company, and getting on the next spaceship?
Cat, Shazuul’s voice chided her. Cat gave Krak promise. Not Talon. Talon loves Cat. Talon stay with Cat.
She lowered her head in shame. He was right. It was her fault that she and her beloved weren’t already on their way to an unknown galaxy. She had given her word and had insisted on keeping it.
Alright, fine, she said grumpily.
Talon coming, Shazuul said. See you later.
Cat was just able to suppress a giggle over the terribly normal sounding farewell, when the door opened, and Talon came in. Now that he was standing in the doorway, she realized just how small this room was. Just big enough to spend the night in. If they were going to be here for a while without tripping all over each other, they would need to find a bigger room.
She stopped herself from asking a nagging: Where were you? The stress of the last few days was also taking its toll on Cat, but instead of whining, she should get to work. Shazuul was right. She needed to leave a discreet, but not too obvious, trail that Ferthoris could follow. Cat realized that Talon seemed very happy. Probably, because he had been up doing things, instead of lying around complaining like she had.
As was the case so often, he knew what she was thinking without her having to say a word. “I have inspected the building,” he said, and Cat had to smile at the almost bureaucratic expression, despite her bad mood. “Nobody else is here. It was a good decision to come here.”
Cat stood up and got dressed. His eyes wandered over her figure, and the more layers she put on, the more regretful his expression became. “You have no idea how much I just want all of this to be over,” he mumbled, brushing a kiss over her lips. Cat returned the kiss without hesitation, and some of her optimism returned. “How much time do we have before your king shows up?” she asked and couldn’t stop her body from taking over. She snuggled up to him, wondering if they could spare half an hour to make love, or if she would regret that someday.
“One week,” Talon responded. His eyes shimmered in the amber hue that showed his increasing arousal. His grip strengthened, but then he grew softer, and his long, slender fingers found their way under her shirt. His fingertips slid down her back, pushed under her panties and cupped her behind. Cat answered him by putting her cold hands on his chest. Talon exhaled audibly, and Cat realized that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Knowing that in your head was one thing, but smelling it, and feeling how he reacted to her was an entirely different thing. His eyes darkened as he pulled his hands away from her body, putting them around her hands possessively, instead. “Tonight,” he said hoarsely. In those two words lay a promise that made Cat shiver.
She took a step back and tried to think about anything other than the fire racing through her veins. “Fine.” She, too, sounded a little hoarse. “What are we going to do today? How will we set the king on my track?”
He sat down on the ground, crisscross applesauce, and she admired the way he was able to fold his legs underneath him. Every gesture and every move reminded her of what they had done less than 24 hours ago, how his body had moved on top of hers, how he had filled her, and how he had made her come. “I assume I will need to show myself in the city?”
“No,” he said, much to her surprise. “That is too dangerous. You are wanted by the authorities, don’t forget. I want you to stay here.” Cat opened her mouth in protest, but he cut her off with a look that didn’t permit any objections. “I know that you are anxious to do your share to make sure our plan succeeds, but I have thought about it long and hard, and I don’t think it is a good idea for you to show yourself in public.” He hesitated for a second. “I don’t want to lose you, Cat.” He spoke so softly that she almost couldn’t understand him. “I don’t want to take any unnecessary risks. I am going to get going in a second and find one of my old contacts. I will be able to get the necessary information to Ferthoris through him.”
“So once again, you have made a decision… without consulting me.”
If possible, his eyes got even darker. “Yes, I did. Just like you decided to move in right next door to you former colleagues.” He raised an eyebrow, something she would never be able to master. Why were men always able to make a face like that effortlessly, half-sarcastic and half-quizzical, while most women were only able to make a grimace that looked stupid? And why did he always have to be right? It irked her to admit that he was right.
“Fine,” she said. “So it boils down to me trusting you like you trust me.” He nodded, happy with her revelation – or would the word capitulation be more accurate? “Then let’s hope that Ferthoris gets here soon. I really have no desire to waste away in this store.”
“Don’t worry, he will. I know him.”
“What are you going to tell your contact person?”
He frowned. “I won’t know until I have spoken with her. She is a little moody.”
At this point, Cat would have given anything to be able to make her eyebrow shoot up. As it was, she would have to be satisfied with looking at him with squinting eyes. “I see. A woman.”
“Cat,” Talon repeated her name patiently and took her face in his hands. “You know I could never lie to you. The woman means nothing to me. You are my companion. Did you forget that already?”
She choked back everything that was lying on her tongue and counted to ten. To twenty. When thirty had come and gone, her tongue was ready to obey her again. She pulled out of his arms and gave him an encouraging pat. “Then go. The sooner you leave, the sooner you will be back here with me.” She turned around and heard him sigh, and then the door shut behind him and he was gone.
“Be careful,” Cat whispered, even though she knew that he couldn’t hear her.
Chapter 4
With every step he took through the streets, a little hope returned to Talon’s heart that everything would end well after all. Technically, Sharita wasn’t a contact of his. Instead, she was a kind of news gatherer. He had dealt with her a few times in the past but had never met her personally. The only currency she accepted was information, so he would need to play his cards well if he wanted her cooperation.
She lived somewhere in the heart of the city, in the pleasure district. He had wanted to tell Cat that, but her expression had warned him that she definitely would have accompanied him, had she known. That just wasn’t an option, and not just because he wanted her to stay out of sight. No, from his previous dealings with Sharita, he knew how fickle she was. Until now, he had always been able to get her on his side with a mix of charm and specific information, but how was he supposed to beguile her if Cat was watching his efforts with eagle eyes? The thought made him smile in spite of himself, even though there really was no reason to. If there was one thing her rush of jealousy had shown him, then it was this: Cat had not understood what it meant to be his companion. Talon wasn’t blaming her, but this had showed him how much work still lay ahead of them. A woman from his people would not have hesitated to send him to another woman. A Kantharian was forever. Without limits. And even if he had been tempted, which was hard to imagine, but was definitely possible, then she would have known about it anyway through the intimate bond they shared.
Talon could tell that he was nearing his destination by the red lights above the doors. Sharita’s establishment was called “The Red Feather”, and she alone knew the reason for the stupid name. There had to be a story behind it, but the more he thought about it, the less he wanted to hear it. He walked past three doors that spoke all too clearly to the wealth of their owners. They offered a stark contrast to what he had seen on the way into the city. The Big Catastrophe could be blamed on humanity’s arrogance and delusions of grandeur, but not all of them deserved to have to live on the fringe of society now. He wondered what would have happened to Cat if she hadn’t had her abilities. She had told him about her adoptive parents, and it sounded like they had been fairly wealthy. If someone still had any material wealth so soon after a disastrous war – and this war had literally affected the entire world – then the likelihood that they had played dirty was around one hundred percent.
Talon was so lost in his thoughts that he almost missed the red, blinking feather that lured pleasure addicts of both genders together. There was no bouncer outside, which was unusual. He approached the door, and after searching for a while, he found the camera that was so small that it could easily have been overlooked. No doorbell, no door handle, no scanner. Fine. He balled his fist and was just about to bang it against the smooth metal surface, when the door opened. A delicate blonde smiled at him.
“No reason to get impatient,” she purred and motioned for him to enter with a curtsy that made her décolleté jiggle. “The mistress is waiting for you, my strong warrior.”
Damn. He should have known. It was likely that nothing in the entire city happened without her knowledge. Talon cursed softly to himself, weighing his options. The information dealer knew that he was in the city, and probably also that he wasn’t alone. He had hoped to appease her with superficial news, but it looked like he would have to play poker – or pay the price Sharita demanded. That could be as harmless as a kiss, but it could also be a favor he owed her, and one that he would have to make good on whenever she so chose.
