Page 2 of Crossing Quinn

Chapter One

Unfortunately, Dolon, my mother’s not-so-loving brother, and his henchmen did find us. Mami never did grasp the concept of secrecy. The minute she mentioned the legendary Nabatean’s treasure, Dolon came running.

My first clue something was up was Mami’s long, green, empire-styled gown. She only wore it for special occasions. “Why are you all dressed up?”

Mami laughed nervously. “Dolon’s coming.”

“What? Here? Now?”

“Yes, I’m so excited.”

Drekk! “How did he find us?”

“I gave Dolon the coordinates to Qeeturah and the security codes a week ago. I wanted to surprise you, so I waited until you and your father left the ship to issue the invitation.”

I stared at her in utter disbelief. How can someone so smart be so dumb?

My father walked in, took one look at Mami’s gown, and psychically linked with me. “Did I forget a special occasion?”

“No, we’re expecting guests.”Thankfully, Mami didn’t have a lick of psychic ability. My father and I used mind-talk whenever we needed to discuss her unanticipated actions and how to deal with the consequences.

Papa’s communications bracelet began to beep in warning, and at the same time our command console flashed an intruder alert. “Your mother invited someone here?”

“That would be a yes.”Through the view screen we watched a battered, laser-scored ship settle in Qeeturah’s red dust. Gigantic monoliths of vermillion stone stood a short distance away.

“Why didn’t you stop her?”Anger laced Papa’s mental voice.

“I was checking the western quadrant when she issued the invitation. She wanted to surprise us.”

“She has,”Papa growled.

Mami eyed my black biosuit in dismay. “Hurry. Go change. I want everything to be perfect for his visit.”

“I don’t think Dolon’s going to care what I am wearing.”

“Dolon?” The muscles in Papa’s left jaw twitched. “Have you lost your mind?”

Tears welled in Mami’s eyes. “Dolon’s family. Is it wrong to share our success with him?”

“Yes. Your brother is wanted by the enforcers on ten different planets,” Papa pointed out.

“All silly misunderstandings.”

“Misunderstandings? He has a criminal record as long as my arm.”

“Dolon is a bit high-strung, but he means well.”

Papa tugged on his left ear in frustration. “How in the nine hells did he find us?”

“Mami gave him our coordinates, along with the codes to pass safely through our kill zone.” Papa had set up laser cannons to protect the site, and Mami had just made them useless. I watched the landing ramp extend from my uncle’s ship. Wonder if Dolon knew they needed to wear a shielded biosuit to protect them from the subatomic particles bombarding this planet?

My uncle and his goons stomped down the ramp in filthy gray jumpsuits. Guess not. Hope they weren’t planning on having children or living a long life.

Dolon was a mercenary, smuggler, sometime pirate, and downright nasty male. Papa hated him. My uncle would be exceedingly handsome if it weren’t for his bulging eyes. It looked like someone had stomped on his head.

The henchmen could pass for triplets. Big, ugly, and dirty.

Mami opened the hatch, and, with an excited laugh, threw herself at her brother. “I’ve missed you so much.”

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