Steel Coyote

by Beth Williamson

  Morgan poked her head out and blinked. “Ma’am.” Her voice was tinier than she was, a wisp on the wind.

  Remy held out her hand. “Give it to me.”

  Mason appeared next to his sister, his jaw tight and eyes hard. The boy hid a great deal more than anyone knew. “We ain’t stole nothing.”

  “Bullshit.” Max moved closer. He beat back the ridiculous fury that pulsed through his veins. “No consequences if you give over.”

  “I told you we ain’t stole nothing.” He looked at Remy. “We ain’t thieves.”

  Max had had enough of the lies. No matter how old they were, he didn’t take stealing lightly. He was trying to be the adult here, but he lost his temper when someone took from him. “I’ll turn you both upside down and shake you until I get what I want.” He reached for the boy. Mason nimbly hopped out of the way.

  “I’ll catch you eventually, kid. This ship ain’t that big, and you can’t get off.” Max held his control by a thread. “It may seem like nothing but it’s important to me.”

  His gut danced with the knowledge someone else had touched and taken his most precious possession. It made him a little crazy.

  Mason glanced at his sister and a silent communication passed between them. A slight nod, and the girl approached Max tentatively. He relaxed his stance, not wanting to frighten his quarry. She stepped up to him and reached into the pocket of her dress.

  He held out his hand, and she placed the small metal nugget in his palm. It was warm from her body. He closed his fist around it.

  “They need to sleep in their own cabin.” He turned his back and left them to Remy. He’d find a way to carry it on him at all times. He didn’t trust Filch and Pilfer not to take from him again.

  Remy stared at the twins, annoyed by their thievery and by Max’s reaction. She had no idea what they’d taken, but whatever it was, it had been small enough to fit in Morgan’s hand. Remy’s curiosity was piqued but she wouldn’t ask Max. He had his secrets and she had hers. If they started sharing them, then things would head down a road neither one of them was ready for.

  “What was it?”

  The twins stood side by side like a pair of silent, skinny, matching bookends. Their blue gazes identical in blankness.

  She sucked in a breath and let it out slowly, seeking patience. “Look, I picked you up because your cousin asked me to. You’re not prisoners, but if you’re going to be on this ship, you need to follow the rules.”

  At the word cousin, Morgan started and Mason stiffened.

  “What cousin?” His deep voice surprised her. The boy wasn’t even shaving yet, but his timbre was that of a man five years older.

  “Jean St. Pierre.”

  The silence that followed the captain’s name was thicker than the anger she’d felt from Max. The twins looked at each other and then back at her.

  “He ain’t our cousin.” Morgan moved a smidge closer to her brother.

  “I figured that out when I arrived on Azesus. That doesn’t mean you didn’t need to leave there.” Remy didn’t know how much they knew about their situation or how much she should tell them. Max was right—they would have died, or worse, if they’d stayed any longer on the space station. What probably awaited them in Haverty was the darkest of fates.

  “Where are you taking us?” Mason frowned.

  “Haverty.”

  This time, the girl growled. Remy was glad to hear she had spirit, hadn’t been broken by whatever she’d experienced.

  “We ain’t going there.” Mason was the protector of the two. “I don’t rightly care how we do it or what happens, but we ain’t going back there.”

  Remy had never heard of the colonized moon until Cooper had mentioned it. Obviously, both Max and the twins had suffered there. She knew about suffering, but not to the extent these children probably did.

  Mason ushered his sister in front of him, like a gentleman at a proper dance, and the two of them left the cargo bay.

  Remy turned and followed them. It was time to search the database for information on Haverty. Her decision on what to do hadn’t been made, and the kids had just made it more complicated. Particularly since there was evidence they had sticky fingers.

  She went to her cabin, intent on digging out what she could about the moon. However, it wasn’t as easy as she’d hoped. After an hour, she’d discovered little to no information about the colony. It had been founded forty years earlier by a man named Coddington, and after ten years of terraforming, the colonists settled on the moon. That much Max had already told her. There weren’t any details on the population or the crops, only the barest minimum.

  Frustrated, Remy banged her fist on the tiny desk. Since she could find no details on the moon, she’d have to ask Max. That wasn’t what she wanted to do, even if they’d come to a tentative truce earlier. Yet if she wanted to know more about Haverty, there wasn’t any choice.

  …

  Max couldn’t sleep. Even though the twins were now in their own cabin, his mind refused to allow him to rest. Thoughts whirled around inside him, yanking him back to a time he wanted to forget. Through their thievery, the kids had dredged up memories best left buried. He had to stuff it all back into the dark corner it had hidden in for years. After not accomplishing a wink of sleep, he gave up and went back to the bridge, making sure to secure his gear before he left the cabin.

  The silence was broken only by the shushing of the ship. It was calming, soothing to his frazzled soul. He stared out into the blackness of the universe, his mind finally quiet.

  “Fletcher, I need to talk to you.”

  Remy’s voice cut through the peaceful air, ending his solitude.

  “Does it have to be now?” He sounded annoyed, even to his own ears.

  “Yes, it does.” She sat down in the navigator’s seat, which was turning into her regular perch. Her hair was normally up, but it looked like she’d been tugging at it, and it fluffed around her head in a messy halo. He’d never seen her like this. It was intriguing.

  “I reckon I have to listen then, huh, Captain?” Crossing his arms, he gave her his best I-don’t-give-a-rat’s-fart look.

  “Tell me about Haverty.”

  He scowled. “I already told you things. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

  “Too bad. We already decided we’re in a tight spot between Cooper’s cargo, the twins, the Great Family, the Corporation, and St. Pierre. I don’t know what the right choice is unless I know all the facts. I’m being followed, you’re being hunted, and we have illegal cargo on board. I need more information. As much as I can get.” She pointed at him. “You’ve obviously been there, maybe even lived there. Tell me about Haverty.”

  “No.”

  “Who runs it? I know it was founded by Coddington, but that was forty years ago. You said his son now runs it. Tell me about him.”

  “I’m not telling you a damn thing.”

  She continued on as if he hadn’t already told her no more than once. “I assume they take care of themselves for vegetables, fruit, and such, but is there any game to hunt? Where does the meat come from?”

  “Jesus, do you even listen to me? I said no.”

  “There’s something else going on there besides happy farmers and potatoes. What is it?” She speared him with her gaze, sharp and direct. “You’ve already told me the kids are bound for someone’s house as slaves. Play toys, no doubt.”

  Knowing Remy like he did, she wouldn’t stop hounding him until he gave her what she wanted.

  Information.

  He closed his eyes and swallowed the bitter taste of his past. “You aren’t going to shut up, are you?”

  “No. I won’t risk my crew or this ship because you don’t want to talk. It’s too important to hoard information.” Her expression stark, she leaned forward, bracing her elbows on her knees.

  Max saw the concern in her eyes. She was a hard-ass, pushy and loudmouthed, but she did care about her crew and her ship. He didn’t know if he was
included in the caring part or the crew part, but he did respect her passion.

  “Coddington started the colony as an ideal. A utopia of farmers who would love each other and spend their lives pulling edible roots from the ground.” He shook his head. “After the terraformers were done, the first group of families held to that ideal. My mother came with her parents, a young woman who didn’t know what awaited her on that godforsaken rock.”

  “And your father?”

  “Delmar Coddington, Bradley’s son.” Saying it out loud tasted like ash in his mouth.

  “Your name isn’t Fletcher.”

  “Yes, it is. My parents never married. Delmar was the younger son, always reaching for his father’s attention and competing with his older brother, Bernard. An accident took Bernard’s life twenty-five years ago. Then old man Coddington went within a year of Bernard’s death in his sleep. Most thought it was hinky, but the doctor in the colony said it was his heart.”

  “You’re saying Delmar murdered his father and brother to take control of a farming colony on a moon? Why?” Her brows drew together.

  “Because there was an even more valuable commodity to be sold. One that had a pulse and could fetch high prices from the right buyers.” He let that sink in. “Delmar had contacts from previous businesses. It proved to be such a moneymaker he expanded the colony and brought in merchandise from across the quadrant.”

  She blinked. “This was your father?”

  “Only because he fucked my mother. Right before he sold her.”

  Remy sucked in a breath, her eyes wide. “Hell, Max, I didn’t know what I was pushing you for.”

  His mouth was cotton dry and his heart pounded so hard, he thought his ribs might break. The memories of life on Haverty crashed over him like an avalanche. His hands trembled and he crossed his arms to hide the weakness. There were moments of love and light he missed, but there was too much darkness to combat. He closed his eyes and tried to take in a full breath before he spoke again. Max was stronger than the boy who’d run away.

  “We’re flying into a nest of spiders, a web that’s so sticky it took a young boy sixteen years to escape.” He wasn’t going to go into details—that was a hell he refused to relive. “Delmar still runs the business, bigger than ever. They pretend to be a farming colony, but everyone who digs in the dirt is a slave to someone.”

  She was silent for a few minutes. “What’s in Cooper’s cargo, then? And why did you buy the farming equipment to sell?”

  Confession was difficult, especially when he’d lied to her. “The people who work there live and work in hard conditions. The supplies will go a long way toward making things a little better than shitty. I, uh, was going to sell it at cost and then repay you for the expense.” He knew how hard it was to survive. Guilt and compassion warred within him.

  “We can talk about that another time. What about Cooper?” She’d dismissed his deception about not making a profit in stride. Remy continued to surprise him.

  “I have no idea what he’s sold to the rotters on Haverty. Whatever it is, it’s not good. He’s probably double-dealing the Great Family and Delmar.” Max rubbed his hand against his jaw, his finger rasping on the two-day old whiskers. “And that dickhead put us in the middle of it. According to you, the Great Family has been tracking you. The Corporation is trying to make me disappear with trumped-up murder charges. Then, your boyfriend St. Pierre shoved a rod up our ass to make things even worse.”

  A rusty chortle burst from her mouth. “You have a way with words.”

  His gaze snapped to hers. “This is a small crew, but a fast ship. If we can outsmart them, we can outrun them after we deliver the cargo.”

  “What about the twins?”

  His mouth twisted. “For all I know, they escaped from Haverty and someone wants them back.”

  Max had considered Morgan and Mason were fugitives. He didn’t know how Jean fit into this entire thing, but it was certain he was in league with either Delmar Coddington or whoever wanted them back on Haverty. Disgust for St. Pierre’s actions, and involving Remy in it, filled his mouth. If he ran into the other man, he’d kill him.

  “That’s a real possibility. If I asked them, would they tell the truth?”

  He shook his head. “I doubt it. I reckon they don’t tell the truth to anyone but each other.”

  “What did they take from you?”

  “Something of no consequence to them. It’s a reminder to me.” His voice had dropped, the topic too sensitive.

  “Where is it now?”

  He lifted a chain around his neck and pulled out a small pouch from beneath his shirt. “It’s on me now at all times. I reckon they won’t try to pull a hold up in the galley.”

  It was quite small, no bigger than an olive, ensconced in black fabric and secured with a leather cord. It looked like a medicine bag, giving him the mojo he needed.

  “A reminder of what?” she asked.

  “Mistakes. Ones not to repeat.” He dropped it back down into his shirt.

  “Then our plan is to hit fast, hit hard, and set our ass on fire to escape. Is that about it?”

  He frowned. “You have a better idea?”

  “No, but I’m going to try to get those kids to talk. They’re the key.”

  The plan was sketchy at best. However, between the two of them, they had a fast ship, guns, and a will to survive. That should give them a fighting chance.

  “I think Cooper is the key, along with your pal Jean St. Pierre. We’re just the fools who got tricked into making it happen.” Max’s mood was dark as thunder again. “We’re bringing cargo into a nest of vipers with no idea what’s in it, and carrying two young’uns who’ll likely end up in a hole darker than hell’s asshole.”

  Remy took a moment before she spoke. “What do you suggest we do?”

  “We open the cargo.”

  “It’s sealed, and I sure as hell don’t know how to open it.”

  “I’ll figure it out. Information is gonna make the difference between walking into an ambush and surviving this mess.” His intense stare bore into her, willing her to choose.

  “Cooper will kill us for opening it.”

  “Delmar, the Corporation, or the Great Family could, and might, kill us, too.” He frowned. “I’d rather go in with my gun in my hand and ride hell for leather than wait until they hunt us down and shoot us like dogs.”

  “Damn right we’re going to open that cargo. I’m done being blind to what I’m carrying and why. I shouldn’t have done business with Cooper, but what’s done is done. Now I take control.” She got to her feet, her expression fierce.

  Without warning, a warmth filled him as he looked at this incredible woman. This warrior who’d fight by his side. Damn, but that felt good. More than good. Max turned to the console and set the autopilot with a few short taps. He stood. “Let’s get crackin’.”

  …

  Remy walked to the cargo bay in front of Max, thoughts tumbling around in her head and heart. His attitude, hell his courage, had touched her deep inside. Remy had lost part of herself when she’d allowed herself to be lured away from the ship by Hogan. She hadn’t trusted anyone she didn’t know and cut herself off from the chance for a real relationship since then. From anyone and everyone who might have become part of her life.

  A well of emotion flooded her, choked off any words she might have spoken. The self-realization shocked her, and at the same time, it brought relief. She knew what she had to do. Finally, she knew.

  Remy couldn’t stop the urge to look at Max. She turned around and grinned at him. He grinned back, and her stomach did a little flip. She might just allow herself to fall in love with this man. For now, she had to concentrate on the Steel Coyote and keeping her crew alive.

  Katie was in the galley sipping at a mug of something and looking at a tablet when they tromped through. She looked up and her brows rose. “You two look like you’re on a mission.”

  “Damn straight.” Max poked Remy in the
shoulder when she slowed. “And we need to keep moving.”

  Foley stuck his head out into the corridor as they climbed down the stairs toward the cargo bay. His grizzled cheeks puffed out as he stared at them.

  “I’m not even gonna answer whatever fool question you ask, old man.” Max seemed to know her crew quite well. Remy stifled a chuckle at Foley’s affronted expression.

  She knew her friends, and sure enough, they both followed them to the cargo bay. The only thing missing was the trumpets and fanfare for the parade. Their boots clomped across the metal grate floor, echoing through the ship. As they entered the cargo bay, Remy took a deep breath and held it.

  This was the moment she crossed the line and took the future in her hands. Sure of her path, she let the breath out slowly. The cargo sat where it had been secured beneath the tractor tires.

  “Help me get the tires moved.” Max released the mooring clamp at the bottom of the pallet.

  Remy knelt on the other side, and together they cleared all the clamps. He started hauling the tires off as though they weighed only a few kilos. She knew differently—they were heavy as hell, probably weighed more than she did. To her surprise, Foley and Katie started helping. The four of them worked at clearing all the farm gear until all that remained were the dozen cases belonging to Cooper.

  They were flat black, absorbing the light in the bay. Metal strips encircled the middle of them like an equator. Each had a coded lock with a blinking red light. Remy ran her hand along the metal strip of one looking for a seam, anything that might indicate how it opened. Max did the same while Katie and Foley watched.

  “Looks like a biometric lock.” Max scowled at the red bulb.

  “It is.” Mason’s voice startled them. The twins stood at the cargo bay door, the light from the corridor silhouetting them.

  “I think it’s time to have some truth from you two.” Max didn’t sound threatening but his tone was firm.

  Mason gestured to the cargo. “I’ve seen them before.”