Falcon's wrist moved imperceptibly. His finger twitched. A bolt of lightning flashed out of the black box, streaked across the room, and blasted Delphina between the eyes.
"No!" Underwood roared as she went limp in his arms. He'd been deceived! He dropped her to the floor, flew to the back door, and yanked it open, but his path was blocked by two guards pointing those strange weapons at him. Raising his hands over his head in surrender, he cautiously made his way back into the room. Logic told him it was better to be captured and alive than dead.
Dead. Delphina, his Delphina, was dead. He stared at her lifeless body, her beautiful auburn hair fanning over her face and down her back. The woman who had made him feel like a man again, the woman he loved with all his heart, was taken from him. He would never again ... Tears of grief clogged his throat and he swallowed hard. Lowering his hands and glaring stonily at Falcon, he demanded, "Why? She had nothing to do with any crime you believe I committed. Why did you have to kill her?"
"I did not kill her."
Falcon sent a mental command to one guard, who brought his weapon up and touched Underwood's neck, paralyzing him instantly. Underwood's eyes were wide, his mouth open in shock. He could see and hear but not move or respond. Falcon's fingers shifted on his weapon, and a small knife extended from one end.
Steve came up beside him, not understanding everything she was hearing and seeing, and yet feeling that Falcon had it all under control.
Falcon nudged his foot under Delphina and flipped her onto her back. A black hole smoldered in the middle of her forehead. Bending over her still form, he brought the knife point down to the base of her throat. In one swift motion he slashed a line to her stomach. Steve gasped and covered her mouth with her hand, afraid she would be sick. Then her brain registered what her eyes perceived. There's no blood!
His fingers pushed aside Delphina's dress, then dipped into the slit his knife had made. He tugged at her flesh, peeling it back as if it were another layer of clothing. Beneath the skin, where Steve expected to see ribs and bloody organs, lay a circuit board and a mass of silver disks. Delphina was an android!
Rising again, Falcon delivered part of Underwood's punishment. "You need not concern yourself with Delphina. As a reactive computer specializing in fantasies, she is extremely valuable. Her body will be repaired and her memory of you will be erased. She will be programmed to pleasure her next owner as well as she served you."
Underwood was still rendered immobile, but as Steve regarded him, a tear oozed out of the corner of one eye and trickled down his cheek. The man had feelings after all.
He is a murderer, Falcon reminded her.
Yes, I know, and a kidnapper, also. Will he—
Falcon interrupted her thought by speaking aloud to the guards. "We would appreciate your assistance in bringing these two to the migrator for transport back to Administration. His fate must be determined immediately."
As soon as their prisoner was taken into custody and the rings retrieved, and Delphina was shipped to Creative Services, Falcon and Steve met with Romulus and Aster. Once they brought the governors completely up to date, they exchanged ideas of how to deal with Gordon Underwood.
Total reprogramming was the standard sentence of Innerworld's justice system, but in Outerworld, only Steve would know what had happened to the billionaire. There Was no way Mr. and Mrs. Nesterman would be satisfied with the notion that Underwood had simply vanished into thin air. Steve tried not to think about how foolish she would look if that was the only explanation she could offer.
Aster touched Rom's hand. "Remember how you handled that wretched man, Victor? Surely you can think of something equally brilliant to satisfy everyone involved."
After considerable discussion, that is precisely what they came up with.
"Let me see if I understand this." Steve paused to organize her thoughts. "When you touched King's mind in Alaska, he was able to bring his memory back because technically everything was still there but buried. With reprogramming, Underwood's memory would be permanently altered to whatever you chose for him to remember."
Falcon nodded. "As I mentioned at the time, King had a very disciplined mind. There is no question that a mind-touch would not be an adequate method of controlling Underwood's future activities."
"We have the rings back," Romulus said, "and as far as Innerworld is concerned, after reprogramming, Underwood will no longer present a threat. In the morning we will give him to you. He will be subdued sufficiently for you to return to Outerworld and deliver him to your authorities."
Steve was still not certain she understood everything. "But to anyone who knows him will he look and act as he always did before? It would be a waste if no one believed he was really Gordon Underwood."
Romulus leaned forward as he summarized the plan. "In a total reprogramming, the human is drastically changed and often ends up being little better than an android. That's why we're going for a very limited adjustment here. Underwood will have all his previous memories and knowledge, including the fact that he kidnapped Nesterman to study a unique ring. He will not remember, however, how he came to be in possession of this ring. Too many other people are aware of the fact that you and Falcon were searching for him, so it would serve little purpose to eliminate his memory of the two of you.
"All of the technical knowledge he acquired while he was here will be erased, but not his memory of being here. He will always believe there is a world in the center of the earth, where he could acquire all the power he hungers for, but it will always be out of his reach. Considering how skeptical most Outerworlders are, it is doubtful that anyone of consequence will take him seriously if he chooses to relate his incredible story.
"Nor will he forget his relationship with Delphina and the fact that she was an android. Instead, his love for her and the humiliation he experienced when he realized his mistake in loving a machine will be intensified to ensure his silence about her and a lifetime of frustration and unhappiness. It may sound like an unusual punishment, but after the misery he caused our people, it's justified."
Falcon had one more factor to add. "Before we left Alaska, I touched Nesterman's mind. I am certain he will not recall ever seeing Delphina. He will only remember his kidnapping, and Underwood's obsession about an opal ring. King was the only other witness Underwood had."
"And what do I say happened to Falcon? Surely someone will ask."
"His false identity was well established," Rom answered, "The Interpol file on him will remain open for the time being, but his next assignment will be listed as top secret, thereby explaining his disappearance if anyone investigates that far."
Steve nodded, suddenly too tired to think about any more details. It was not the events of the past days weighing her down, but the one, final event yet to come.
Falcon acknowledged her thoughts by taking her hand in his and pulling her up from her chair. "Please excuse us for tonight. We are both fatigued."
Rom and Aster saw them to the door, assuring them they would not be needed again until morning.
Steve felt Aster's romantic heart reach out to her, but she dared not meet the other woman's gaze, for fear her own resolve would falter.
Chapter Twenty-one
The only victory over love is flight. —Napoleon Bonaparte
"Where are we going?" Steve asked once they were outside.
"My residence. It is not as large as yours, but I believe you will be able to spend a comfortable night there."
She lowered her lashes, feeling oddly shy when she caught the glow in his eyes. He was giving her the night she had so boldly requested.
Falcon stopped and turned her toward him. Cupping her chin, he raised her face and studied her intently. "I do not understand this emotion you are feeling. Please explain."
Steve's cheeks pinkened. "I—I don't know if I can. I know it's silly, you know, to be embarrassed about it, but, I mean, I'm not really much more experienced than you, and well, first I seduced you, then I asked
you for another night—"
Falcon hushed her rambling by placing his thumb on her lips. "It is not important." His thumb traced the outline of her mouth. "Do you want me?"
His gravelly voice raked through her, rendering her mute. You know I do. His hand moved to the back of her neck and held her as his mouth lowered to hers. Softly, he caressed her until she eased her body closer to his.
He raised his head and smiled approvingly. "That is much better. Now we will go."
A vehicle that looked like a small bus, but floated above the roadway on a cushion of air, delivered them to Falcon's apartment. Again Steve noted that the building had a futuristic appearance, but the interior of the one-bedroom apartment looked very familiar. She was about to ask where the soft lighting originated when Falcon pulled her into his arms. He had discarded his unemotional mask the moment they were alone.
He kissed her hard, once, twice. His mouth left hers for only a second when he returned for more. Steve felt as though she were being devoured and wanted desperately to feed his hunger while satisfying her own. His hands roamed her body, urgently kneading her flesh through her clothes. She arched against him, pressing her hips to his to relay her desire to skip the preliminaries.
He tugged at her shirt. She tore open the waist of his pants. They stumbled toward the bedroom, dropping a trail of clothing along the way.
At the edge of the bed the high-speed action abruptly slowed. They each paused and stepped apart. The sound of their strained breathing echoed through the room, but neither responded to the erotic call.
Steve wanted each moment to last, to make the night last forever, and Falcon seemed to understand. Or did he have the same need to savor every touch?
Simultaneously, their hands moved to the other's shoulders, then they began a thorough exploration. His palms grazed her breasts. Her fingers trickled down his sides. Their gazes held fast, wordlessly revealing the pleasure they were giving and receiving.
When their hands moved lower, intimately stoking each other's passion, their sighs were a shared sound, announcing the end of their temporary patience.
Falcon lowered Steve to the bed and positioned himself on his knees between her parted thighs. His fingers teased her sensitive flesh.
"Falcon, please" she begged, and reached for what she wanted.
He nudged her hand aside. "Not yet. Allow me to have my way with you first. I want to observe you as you enjoy your pleasure. I wish to feel what you feel in this manner."
She was tempted to deny him, to demand he be swept away with her, but the music his fingers played on her body reached a crescendo so swiftly she could hold nothing back from him.
Her release washed over him in waves of heat and shudders. The intensity of it was so strong that his shaft began to throb, and with one swift plunge, he embedded himself deep inside her.
When he had climaxed and her heartbeat slowed a bit, Steve murmured into Falcon's ear, "And now do I get to have my way with you?"
His answer was a purring sound and a movement within her body that indicated he was not yet finished having his way.
The night became a blend of endless ecstasy and unspoken wishes. No matter how sincere those private wishes, however, they could not hold back the dawn.
Falcon lifted Steve's hand and kissed her fingertips. Placing her palm over his heart, he said, "Steve, I know what you know and I feel what you feel, yet I believe there are words to be spoken between us." He hushed her attempt to interrupt with a mental gift of comfort. "You cannot stay."
"And you can't go with me. I understand. But..." She closed her eyes to hold back the tears that immediately surfaced. "It still hurts."
"You say you understand. I do not. Perhaps I will in the future, when I am more accustomed to all the emotions I have only recently come to possess. I have no understanding of the bond that has formed between us. The physical aspect is like touching the heavens. The mental companionship has filled a lonely void I was unaware I had. I have always believed my life would be a solitary one."
"Now you know differently. I'm so happy you came into my life, Falcon. I was lonely, but, unlike you, I knew it. For the rest of time, whenever I feel alone, I'll remember you and what we have shared. There's a part of me that you'll keep, but I believe I'll also have a part of you with me. There is so much more you're
going to experience, and if I feel a little jealous when I think of you with other women, I'll just remind myself that I was first. Because of that, I'll know you haven't forgotten me. And that will have to be enough."
Falcon remained silent for several minutes before speaking again. "I have decided to return to my home planet, Emiron. I am not satisfied with this uncertainty. I must find out if what has happened to me has happened with others of my kind, and what else I might expect in the future. There is something else I must go back for, also. When I was conceived, it was part of an attempt by my people to strengthen their race, with the hope that a mixed breed would be able to repopulate the planet. I had not given that reason for my existence much thought until recently. I feel no desire to return for such a purpose, and yet it is my duty. Perhaps I will father children such as Vince and Mary Ann." He smiled, hoping she would, too.
She failed at first, then chuckled as she picked up his train of thought. "No, I could not be pregnant. Fortunately, I had that taken care of years ago. Good heavens. Keeping up with normal children is hard enough. I can't imagine what it would be like with one who had your talents. It would be a nightmare!" They laughed together at the kind of mischief such a child could get into, and the levity helped somewhat, until Falcon brought them back to reality.
"It is uncomfortable for me to consider never seeing your children. But the thought of never being with you again cuts me with very real pain. It is not possible. After I have done what needs to be done on Emiron, I will return to see you. I may not be able to remain in your world, but I could easily visit for short periods."
"God, Falcon. Don't say that. You don't realize what you're suggesting. I'd be on an emotional roller coaster—always on edge, waiting for that elusive someday when you would appear at my door. Then, when you did, I would be counting the days until you left again. I'd be going through this heartache over and over. And what if you never came back from Emiron? Would you have me live the rest of my days based on the possibility that I might see you one more time?
"You can't imagine how hard it is for me to say this. I'm terribly close to begging for one more day with you. The irrational part of my brain is ready to give up everything—my family, my career—if you asked me to stay with you. This time, the rational side will win, but if you came back another time, I'm not sure I would be so brave.
"I love you, Falcon. I'll always love you. But I don't want you popping in and out of my life. I hope someday you learn firsthand what love is, then you'll understand what I mean."
"Define love."
Steve shrugged. "That's what everyone would like to know, I guess. Aster said something to me that sounded pretty good. You know you're in love when you are no longer whole without the other person at your side."
"Like two halves of a circle. Only together do they make a whole. Yes, I see that. I also know that I have put thoughts and feelings into your head which were not your own. Perhaps once we are apart, you will discover that our attraction was not so much your doing, but more the fulfillment of my desires imposed on you."
She sighed and kissed him until their passion reawakened. "Believe whatever you'd like. It won't change the truth."
"One thing is certain. If you are ever in need of me, call my name. Somehow I will hear and attend you."
Steve didn't answer, for she knew another certainty. She would never make that call.
Chapter Twenty-two
And her yes, once said to you, Shall be Yes for evermore. —Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Steve swallowed her eighth aspirin of the day. The doctor had written her a prescription for a stronger medication—a drug that
offered marginal relief to migraine sufferers. The slip of paper was still in her desk drawer, where it had been stuffed six months ago. She couldn't tell the doctor what she thought was the true cause of her headaches. He would probably have her committed.
A smirk twisted her mouth. Hell, they'd probably put her in the same "rest home" where Gordon Underwood had been permanently incarcerated. Of course, no one would suggest she was criminally insane as he had been judged. That decision had been the one bright spot during these past dismal months. The Nesterman kidnapping case never went to trial, for Gordon Underwood's ravings about a world in the center of the earth and the wicked tricks the aliens played on him immediately assured him a place in the psychiatric hall of fame. For weeks, every newspaper carried stories of the great man's downfall. A man of his genius and financial power being openly declared insane was the kind of divine retribution that made the world go round. The commoners loved every minute of it, laughed at his ludicrous claims, and promptly forgot about him a few weeks later.
But Steve couldn't forget the man who retained possession of her heart. What she had not known that last day in Innerworld was that he left something of himself with her—something completely unwelcome.
It had not occurred to either of them that the various psychic abilities she had acquired would remain with her. They had both assumed that he was triggering her expanded mental powers and that they would return to normal once they were separated. They had been mistaken, and it wasn't the least bit pleasant.
Seven months after they had said good-bye, Steve was still picking up on other people's emotional states, occasionally even hearing their exact thoughts. She didn't want to know what people were thinking or feeling, particularly those people who cared about her. Their smothering concern was driving her crazy. To make matters worse, she couldn't figure out how to shut out everyone else's feelings. It had seemed remarkably effortless when she was with Falcon, but without him, the so-called gifts were controlling her. At first she had cried, partly for her lost love and partly out of pure frustration. But when the tears had dried up, the headaches had taken over.
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