Page 30 of Escape Clause

Hope glanced at Krogan. “Yes. It all worked out.”

Another camera drone circled before zipping away.

“Besides our own holocams, the media networks sent some. We should get great publicity,” Vorgol said. “In about an hour, I’ll announce that you wish to say a few words—” He swore. “We have a gatecrasher.”

A mottled-faced man dressed in black had entered the conference hall. An android approached with a trayof drinks, and he took one but didn’t drink it, just stood there, studying the people with a narrow-eyed gaze.

“Stervak,” Krogan muttered.

The man spotted him, smirked, and saluted with the drink.

“I’ll have him escorted out,” Vorgol said.

“No. He’s seeking a confrontation. Don’t give it to him. Let him observe. Maybe he’ll learn something.”

He and Vorgol laughed at the absurdity. The odds of Stervak learning anything were nil. “Keep an eye on him though. If he starts to cause trouble, then throw him out.”

“I’ll have a holocam programmed to keep him under surveillance.”

“Perfect. Carry on.” He clapped Vorgol’s shoulder and then ushered Hope into the crowd.

“Who was that man?” she asked.

“My political opponent in the last election. He was a bit of a sore loser. He’s been harboring a grudge.” He downplayed the situation. Stervak hated him, had vowed to do whatever it took to have him booted from office.

She bit her lip. “Maybe you should kick him out.”

“Malcontents crave confrontation. It fills their need for attention and gives them something to complain about. The best way to annoy him is to ignore him.”

“Don’t feed the trolls?”

“Exactly.”

“Hope!” A human woman waved and then grabbed her husband’s hand and pulled him over. “I’m so glad I got to see you again.” She and Hope hugged.

“Becky, this is my husband, Governor-General Krogan.” With a big smile on her face, Hope introduced him.

“And this is Corson,” Becky said.

“Thank you so much, Governor-General. Until Becky arrived, I didn’t think I’d ever have a wife,” Corson said. “I thought I’d be alone for my entire life.”

“I’m thrilled you joined the program. It was a big unknown for everyone. Your willingness to take a risk will bring new life to Caradonia.” He glanced at Becky. “Thankyoufor giving us a chance.”

They exchanged a few more words, the women suggesting a future get-together, and then he and Hope excused themselves. The Caradonian men and the human women had taken a leap of faith—something he’d been unwilling to do until Vorgol hadreminded him of his duty. He was so thankful he’d conceded.I couldn’t have asked for a better wife.

“I’m glad you came,” he said.

“Of course. The reception is important to the program.”

“I mean, I’m glad you’re here on Caradonia with me.” Knowing she was home waiting for him—even though she was usually asleep—gave him something to look forward to.

She wet her lips, and his attention strayed to her luscious mouth. He ached to kiss her. Would it cause a scandal if he did?

“I’m glad I’m here, too.” Her inviting gaze melted into his. Crowd be damned—he leaned in, and a whirling holocam streaked between them. Getting numerous good holographs was a necessity, but he’d failed to anticipate how annoying the flying cameras would be.

“I guess we’d better mingle some more,” he growled.

She giggled and nodded.

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