Page 13 of Sublime Target

“I’m so glad you’re here.” She pushed a cup of coffee into Clarissa’s hand. “Your usual. You’re going to need it.”

“What’s going on?” Clarissa stopped in the middle of the marble-floored foyer and frowned at her friend. She lowered her voice and raised her coffee cup to her lips so the cameras wouldn’t pick up on what she was saying. “What’s Garner done this time?”

“It isn’t Garner this time.” Bea’s voice dropped to a whisper. Warily, she looked over her shoulder. “You’re not going to believe this, but they showed up as soon as the doors opened this morning.”

“They?”

“They. Aliens. Silver ones.”

Clarissa stifled a gasp. “Y-you mean…”

“Kordolians. Well, two Kordolians and a human—but even the human dude looks like someone you wouldn’t mess with.”

Her heart slammed into her throat. For a moment, Clarissa was unable to speak. This was all so crazy. First, there was the weird hologram thing; that invitation from the scarily smooth and suave alien that called himself Xalikian.

Then, this?

If she were a conspiratorial sort, she might almost think the two incidents were connected.

But no way. Why would they target her, of all people?

Unless they wanted to get to Garner through her…

“Bea,” she said slowly, trying to force herself to sound calm as she met her friend’s dark gaze. “I don’t see any Kordolians in the lobby right now. I hope that’s a good thing. I really do. Can you please tell me exactly what happened?”

“They’re in the guest waiting area,” Bea whispered, cupping her mouth. “How was I supposed to tell them that they’re expected to have an appointment? What was I supposed to do, kick them out? Even security doesn’t want a piece of them.”

“Who are they… and what do they want, exactly?”

“Apparently, they’re an official delegation from the, uh, mercenary group. Darkstar.” Bea’s eyes widened in incredulity at her own words. “They want to see Garner himself. I… I’m sorry to drop you in it, Clarissa, but I told them to wait until you arrive since you’re the only one in this building that actually has direct access to the guy.”

Clarissa glanced over Bea’s shoulder in the direction of the guest room. Furnished with a long wooden table and plush leather rolling chairs—a boardroom of sorts—it was comfortable enough, and it had tea and coffee-making facilities.

Did Kordolians drink coffee?

What an odd thought.

Why would she even wonder about that?

She sipped hers—an almond latte, extra hot. Bea had made it just the way she liked.

“They’ve been civilized enough,” Bea informed her, crossing her arms. She wore a cream-colored pantsuit that accentuated her curves in all the right places. “That’s why I’m not freaking out as much as I should be. But if you want, I can get security to liaise with enforcement, just in case. Maybe—”

Clarissa held up her hand. “Let’s not. Until we know what’s going on, we don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to the situation. I’ll go and talk to them.”

Bea took a deep breath. “I’ll come, then.”

“No, you stay here. Someone has to keep an eye on the front. You never know who else might walk in the door.” Clarissa glanced out across the street. It was a sunny spring day. People were strolling around peacefully. The trees were resplendent with new foliage.

One would never suspect that a group of Kordolians had just walked into the lobby of Garner Tower.

“I’ll have one hand on the emergency button,” Bea whispered. “You just yell out if you ever want me to—”

“That won’t be necessary,” Clarissa said calmly, holding up her hand. But despite the calmness in her voice, her hand was trembling a little.

Funny, she didn’t actually feel terrified, but her body was full of adrenaline.

She gave Bea what she hoped was a reassuring look and strode across the polished floor, her heels clicking loudly.

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