Page 3 of Crossing Quinn

Avarice in his gaze, Dolon looked around. “Nice ship.”

“Which I’ve equipped with biometric locks to keep sticky-fingered thieves from taking it,” Papa responded. His right hand dropped to the butt of his laser pistol.

Dolon snarled. “You’re calling me a thief?”

“Yes,” Papa answered.

Mami’s fingers fluttered nervously. “Would you like some tea?”

“Got something stronger?”

“It’s chai oolong tea from Earth,” Mami babbled proudly.

My father’s gruff voice sounded in my head. “Do your dutiful Farin daughter act.”

“I’d rather shoot them.”

“You shoot them, you deal with your mother.”

Smothering a groan, I gestured to our metal dining table. “Please sit, honored guests, and I will serve you.”

Dolon eyed my formidable father for a long moment, then sat. His goons followed suit.

“Lysis, please join us.” Mami held out her hand.

My father reluctantly took a seat next to her. What Mami wanted, Mami got. Be it tea from England, a trip to an Earth theme park, or traveling the galaxy looking for ancient historical objects. Papa pulled his combat knife and casually cleaned under his fingernails. “Dolon, did you know you’re worth five million credits, dead or alive?”

My uncle stiffened in alarm.

“Lysis, they’re our guests,” my mother chided.

My father bared his strong white teeth in a menacing smile. “For the moment.”

Holy Goddess, this wasn’t going to end well. The tea hadn’t steeped for the required five minutes, but I didn’t think anyone would notice. The Wedgwood tea service was my mother’s pride and joy. The teapot was covered in ugly yellow daisies. I added some iced cakes to the tray and carried it over to the table.

“I’ll pour,” Mami said.

I set the tray down and stepped back. Mami had a vid that showed the proper way to serve an English afternoon tea, and she followed every step. Meticulously.

A flicker of movement caught my attention. The Coletti warrior was back on the vid screen, and he seemed to find our tea party highly amusing. I had to admit watching the thugs drink from the tiny, delicate cups was comical.

“Find out how the Coletti is able to bypass my security programs,”my father instructed.

“Yes, Papa.”I waited until Dolon’s attention was on my mother before backing into the command center. I closed the door and turned to face the warrior. The direct approach was usually the best option when dealing with Coletti warlords. I took one look at the Coletti’s arrogant expression and decided to have some fun. “What did you say your name was again? Troublesome?” I shook my head. “No. That wasn’t it. Sorry, I’m not good at remembering the names of Zarek’s servants.”

“My name is Quinn Jones. I am Zarek’s hunter and I hold warlord status,” he responded with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

“Whatever.” I hid a smile. The egotistical ass really didn’t like my dismissive attitude. He had expected me to be in awe of his amazing good looks and the fact he held the prestigious rank of warlord. “My father wishes to know how you managed to circumvent our security protocols.”

Quinn shrugged. “I have my ways. Give me your coordinates, and I can help with your guests.”

“Papa doesn’t need your help.”

“Four warriors against one? Not good odds.”

“You haven’t met my father, and it’s not your problem.” I severed the link.

The screen popped back on. “It is my problem if you’re injured or killed.”

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