Kyle grabbed one of the remaining round bread loaves from the table. Their only contact with their captors since their questioning had come in the form of a single visit from a silent woman laden with a large pitcher of cool water, two mugs and the bread containing chunks of cheese. She had indicated they were welcome to eat, shooting Dani an encouraging look and a secretive wink that left her oddly comforted.
The bread was good, but her stomach was so tied up in knots she couldn’t force herself to eat much more than enough to avoid offending her prickly captors.
She turned to look at Kyle. He seemed to be handling all the weirdness pretty well, now he was sobering up. “Why don’t you try to get some rest?” He looked a bit green around the gills, but she wasn’t sure if it was from the odd illumination from the four walls, or because he had been so affected by the Obosa.
“Maybe falling asleep isn’t such a good idea under the circumstances.” Kyle rubbed at his temples. “No guarantee we’ll wake up.”
She chuckled. “I’ll watch out for hatching pod people. And I promise to wake you if I hear anyone coming.” Their last visitor’s footsteps had preceded her by a good minute, and they had heard nothing through the door of their cell since then.
Kyle’s eyes were still glassy and his gaze unfocused. As she helped him remove his suit coat and shoes she wondered if she should encourage him to eat and drink some more. But the obvious exhaustion on his face convinced her to loosen his tie, push him down and cover him with the silvery blanket.
“Don’t worry,” she admonished as she tucked him in. “I will definitely let you know if anything changes.”
He tried to fight, but exhaustion won as his eyes drooped. She sat beside him until his breathing deepened to snores then resumed her pacing near the door, pausing every once in a while to listen.
When the light dimmed to a comfortable level for sleeping, Dani sat on her own bench with her knees tucked to her chest and rested her head on them. She reached with her mind, trying to contact Lateef, but felt absolutely nothing. She held back sobs of frustration by sheer will power. He had to be okay—he had to be. She couldn’t lose him so soon. She couldn’t survive that kind of loss again.
****
Lateef stumbled to his knees as Taltos shoved him into a small cell containing a low bed and a chair.
“You are fortunate Thane Hantili wishes to question you, otherwise I would have put you in the shuttle with the Jangxing, you defiler of kitchens. I still may lose my way and send you through an airlock.”
Lateef used his bound hands to pull himself up to sit on the bed. His expression was calm, although the thought of Dani at the mercy of these food fanatics curdled his stomach. He prayed she had not endured an interrogation session with the formidable Madame Tamarra like the one he had just finished.
“I have tried to apologize, Sir Taltos.” His words were slurred and he closed his eyes only to open them quickly as the floor moved beneath him. Obosa really packs a punch. Tastes great, too. A chuckle burst out at the absurdity of praising the taste of the truth serum.
Taltos’s face darkened and he loomed over Lateef. “Barbarian. You sully your apology with laughter?”
Lateef sobered quickly, forcing his whirling thoughts to slow. “I am truly sorry for entering the kitchen of Madame Amman uninvited. I made a grievous mistake, not a deliberate insult.”
“Then why do you laugh?” The alien was not placated.
Lateef let his head fall forward and shrugged, unable to stop babbling. “Because, Sir Taltos, the Hatti are the only civilization in the entire universe who care enough to ensure their drugs of interrogation have an incredible flavor.”
Taltos drew back, confusion obvious on his face. “Do not mock me, Beryllian.”
“I meant it as a compliment.” Lateef gripped the soft blanket with both hands as the bed shifted underneath him. He couldn’t decide if closing his eyes made the motion better or worse, and swallowed heavily. “The Hatti clans are unique in their appreciation of fine cuisine. No one else would care how their interrogation drug tasted. The Falgarans sure don’t. Those bastards wouldn’t even give a prisoner a sip of ditch water if they were drying up and blowing away in the breeze.”
Lateef’s eyes went wide in dismay as he realized he had said too much.
“You are free with your insults.” Taltos’ tone was calm.
Lateef could see ambivalence in the man’s expression and tried to get his thoughts in a coherent order. Now was not the time to show weakness. He had apologized enough. “I’ve already lost three siblings to the war, and most of my patients come from unprovoked Falgaran attacks. They declared themselves my enemy, and I won’t apologize for responding appropriately. I understand empty compliments and apologies made to win favor. That is not what I offer you or Madame Amman.”
A knock on the door interrupted his story, and Lateef was grateful for the mug of warm broth a young Hatti female thrust into his hands. He sipped slowly, feeling the floor settle beneath his feet. He eyed the plate of bread left on the table, but wasn’t sure if Taltos was ready to allow him so much freedom. This is why I went into the Healer Hall instead of becoming a Field Agent or diplomat. I can’t believe Rissa’s so eager to jump into situations like this. He swayed and shook his head, trying to force away the dizziness.
“Eat.” Taltos gestured at the tray. “Amman will not appreciate an untouched plate, and food will ease the after-effects of the Obosa.”
Lateef hesitated and then met the alien’s hostile gaze. “I honestly don’t mean to cause offense, Sir Taltos. I’m a healer, not a diplomat, and that means I speak my mind before I can consider all of the ramifications.”
“So much is obvious.” Taltos glared at him for a long moment and then turned away. “Eat, Beryllian. The details will be sorted out later.”
“Thank you.” Lateef drank the warm broth and nibbled at the delicious bread filled with chunks of cheese. I am in so far over my head. Rissa would never have gotten into this much trouble. Damn Trevan and his dinner invitations! I wouldn’t lose any sleep if they dump that lying Kyle Manning out a convenient airlock, but I can’t let Dani get hurt. His fingers tightened around the mug.
“Sir Taltos, do you know what happened to Ambassador Trevan? He invited me to the feast, but he was not responsible for my getting lost.”
The Hatti soldier jerked, several emotions flowing across his face before the impassive mask slipped back into place. “Ambassador Trevan has not been seen since the feast.”
Lateef considered the information as he finished the roll of bread. Would Taltos lie to me about that? Could Trevan be a prisoner? Would the Falgarans be bold enough to kidnap an ambassador in such a public manner? Possibilities whirled in his mind, none of them good.
“We are not responsible for his disappearance.”
“I don’t believe you are, Sir Taltos.” Lateef considered his words, and decided to take a chance. “I don’t think your clan would take the coward’s way out. If you say you don’t know where he is, I believe you.”
Taltos was motionless, only his eyes moving as Lateef took another bite of bread.
“I think our relationship has gotten off on the wrong foot. If you’d like, I can call for a team to come help straighten everything out. The Falgarans are good at promising friendship, but they usually follow up with violence.” Lateef snapped his jaw shut. Idiot. Lesson number one – never show a hint of criticism, especially when you are dealing with a new ally. His heart sank as Taltos stiffened. Never should have mentioned the Falgarans, even if you are worried about Trevan.
“Thane Hantili will speak with you later.” Taltos stalked out of the room.
Lateef leaned his head back against the wall. Just had to push, didn’t you? You almost had everything worked out and then you had to bring up the farging Falgarans. Chains rattled and he growled under his breath. Could have gott
en these cuffs off, too, if I hadn’t let my mouth run off.
He sniffed at the water on the tray, relieved at the lack of scent and took a cautious sip. When no unexpected explosion of flavor followed, he drained the cup and settled back on the bed, dropping into a light trance to wash the residual effects of the truth serum from his system.
‘Lateef!’ His sister’s mental voice eased into his mind. ‘Are you okay?’
‘Rissa, I’m glad to hear you.’ He quickly filled her in, hoping the interfering shield would stay down long enough to plan an escape.
‘We’re coming. Hang…’
Silence descended abruptly and Lateef jerked upright. Nothing in the room had changed. He was still alone, but far more optimistic about the situation than he had been before the brief contact. He had even sensed Dani’s presence on the ship. She was angry and confused, but not afraid. He got comfortable on the cot, draping the handcuff chains over the edge of the bed as sleep made his eyelids heavy.
Glad I don’t have issues with being rescued by my big sister.
Chapter Twenty-One
Kyle’s head felt as though all seven dwarves were mining for diamonds in it. He licked his lips and groaned at the grungy feel of his teeth. He must have gone on some kind of bender last night, although he didn’t remember going out.
“You alive?”
Kyle froze at the undeniably female voice. He never brought anyone to his apartment. On the rare occasion he did have overnight company, they always went to her place or a hotel. Although, the senator’s niece, Mandy, might be the one to change that rule. Happiness at the thought of being around the vibrant woman eased some of the ache in his head.
“Here, have some water and go back to sleep.”
Gentle hands held a glass to his lips and he drank, relaxing with a contented sigh. Memories of aliens and spaceships and horrible dragon-type creatures flitted across his mind and he sat up abruptly, reeling as his head spun.
“Take it easy.”
“Where am I?” His voice was slurred.
“On board the Hatti spaceship. Do you remember how you got here?”
Kyle forced his mind to focus on the whirling memories. The trip in the shuttle, the walk through endless corridors and the pitcher of flavored water. His head popped up and he stared into Dani’s concerned eyes.
“I was drugged!”
She watched him closely and then removed her hands from his shoulders, standing as he remained stable. “Yes. They gave us a truth serum.”
Kyle hunched over and rested his elbows on his knees as he rubbed his temples. “Feels like a wicked hang-over.”
“It was good though, wasn’t it?” Dani plopped onto the opposite bed, hugging her legs to her chest.
“Yes,” he agreed. “But I finished the whole pitcher before they came to talk to me.”
Her eyebrows lifted in an expression he couldn’t read.
“Seeing the way you feel, I’m glad I only took a couple of sips.”
“Did you get any sleep?” He squeezed his eyes closed for a long moment before slowly straightening up with a muffled groan. He finger-combed his short hair and brushed at the wrinkles in his rumpled shirt.
She shrugged and rested her chin on her knees. “I dozed a bit.”
“And no pod people?”
“No people period,” she said. “It was quiet the whole… I was going to say night, but I have no idea what time it is. My watch quit right after they picked us up.”
Kyle checked his wrist, held his watch to his ear and then shook it. “Mine too.” He stretched again before putting his shoes back on and stood with his ear pressed against the stubbornly silent door for several minutes.
“There’s nothing out there making any noise,” he complained. “You don’t think they locked us in here and forgot about us, do you?”
“I doubt it,” she said. “They did feed us.”
“Yeah,” he said with disdain. “Bread and water. Nothing even close to what you made for them.”
“Shhh.” She hissed, raising a finger to her lips with a warning glare.
Kyle slapped a hand over his mouth, eyes wide with shock. He hadn’t meant to say anything, but his tongue had a mind of its own. “It was very good bread. I really liked the cheese.”
She rolled her eyes and leaned against the wall. “Why are you here, Mr. Manning? Why couldn’t you have left me alone?”
Kyle flinched. “I needed to make sure you were okay. You wouldn’t talk to me.”
“I didn’t have to talk to you. Why would you think I did?”
“I’m a private investigator.” He bit his tongue, closing his eyes as he mentally berated himself for babbling. If he wasn’t careful, he’d tell her all about the senator and how sorry he was for blowing her cover, even if he hadn’t told the senator about her. He took a deep breath and glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes. “I couldn’t leave you alone to deal with all the strange things going on. I had a duty to…”
“Stop it.” Loose strands of hair covered most of Dani’s face, and her expression was decidedly unfriendly. She sat up straighter, trembling with intense emotion. “You don’t know me, I don’t know you. I don’t want to know you. I did not invite you into my life, and don’t appreciate your interference. You’re under no obligation to protect me and I would appreciate you forgetting the way to my house once we get home.”
Kyle slowly backed away from her anger until his legs bumped his cot and he sat with a thump. His yelp of surprise broke her mood and she clenched her jaw a long second before dropping her head back to her knees.
He tried to gather his scattered wits. He’d never seen this side of the normally placid woman. Could the senator be right? Was Dani responsible for her family’s death? Maybe she was showing guilt, not profound grief.
“I’m sorry.” The quiet apology was barely louder than the roaring of the blood in his ears. “You didn’t deserve an attack right now. Things are weird enough.”
Kyle rubbed at his temples again. “What do you think is going to happen to us?” He could pretend this was a normal conversation.
“Who knows? I think we’ll have to wait and see. It’s not like we can exactly climb out a window and run home.”
Kyle snorted, laughing harder as she raised her head to glare at him. “Oh, come on, Dani. Even you have to admit that was funny. Climbing out the window of a fricking spaceship?”
A wan smile flitted across her lips. “I can’t say I ever imagined being in a situation like this.”
“At least these guys love you.” Kyle was surprised at the bitter anger in his tone.
Dani looked at him for a long moment before dropping her head back to her knees. “You’re here with me. Lateef isn’t. Has to mean something.”
“Crap, Dani, I didn’t…” He snapped his mouth shut and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. You’re right. We humans have to stick together, no matter what.” He raised a hand as she glared at him. “I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know if Lateef is the evil man these bald guys think, but I trust you. I’ll follow your lead, but I have no clue how to proceed.”
He raked his fingers through his hair again. “There’s no chance NASA or any other Earth organization can help us. I don’t think we have any cell reception up here, even if I had a satellite phone. Whatever happens is up to us. These people like you, so work with it. Answer their questions and ask them to send us home.”
Dani stared at him, and he noticed the dark circles accentuating the haunted look in her eyes. He no longer knew who to trust, but his heart leaned towards her instead of his arrogant client.
“How long have you been awake?”
She blinked in surprise at his question. “I don’t need much sleep.”
He barked out a laugh. “That’s what they all say, but science isn’t on your side. Every
one needs shut-eye time, even superwomen like you.” He overrode her protests. “Lie down for an hour or so. We’ll hear anyone coming down the corridor and I promise to wake you if anything happens.” He pulled the blanket down and swung her folded legs to the side, leaving her with no options.
“Okay.” Her shoulders slumped as she gave up the fight. He pulled her shoes off and sat beside her on the narrow bench after pulling the light blanket over her shoulders. A huge yawn shook her thin body and a faint red hue flushed across her face. He laid a hand on her arm. “Get comfortable and don’t worry. I promise I’ll wake you if anything comes.”
Her body tensed and he moved to his own cot to give her space. He hadn’t given her any reason to trust him. He remained alert for any change in their surroundings as her breathing slowed and deepened. They had to figure out a way to rescue themselves since there was no one he could imagine able to rescue him, even if they did know where he was.
On a freaking spaceship. Kyle’s mind shied away from the knowledge. If he got home, he’d never be able to tell anyone where he’d been. Not unless he wanted a stay in a padded room.
Suddenly Dani sat upright and reached for her shoes, moving with her eyes closed.
“What?” Kyle demanded. “What’s going on?”
“Don’t know,” she said breathlessly as she fumbled with the lace of her shoe. “I’m not sure, but someone’s coming. We need to be ready to go.”
She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and retied her ponytail to recapture the loose strands wafting around her face. Kyle took a position by the door with his ear pressed against the crack straining to hear the slightest sound. The only sound louder than the blood pounding in his ears was the faint roar of air in the ventilation system which had not changed in the entire time he had been on board the ship. The longer everything remained quiet the more he began to think maybe Dani had hallucinated as she lay on the edge of sleep. She began to pace. Kyle was on the verge of telling her she had imagined things when he heard stealthy footsteps.
At Night's End Page 17
