Page 74 of Courting Mayhem

Derek’s helmet retracted as he looked around. “Where is this clone?”

“The Kellpie shot him and then the Rodan soldiers killed Hairy.” I walked over to the Shebu. Not an ounce of power radiated from it. “Damn, it’s a fake.”

The War Commander scanned it. “You’re right. Vrax must have the real one.”

“And the million-credit question is, where are they?”

Derek’s head snapped up. “The others are coming.” Yanking off my wig, he fastened an armor belt around my waist and triggered it.Snikt. Schlik.Schlik. Schlik. Schlik. Schlik.Within seconds fancy black armor covered me from head-to-toe. He smiled in satisfaction. “Now you look like the deadly Berserker warrior you really are.”

“Instead of a deranged nympho?”

“Yes.”

I gave him the one-fingered salute. Jerk.

“Your armor is the best the Askole make,” Derek said quickly.

“Is it?” I did like the way it fit and it was easy to move in.

Derek poured on the charm. “Only the best for my life partner.”

“Un huh.” I crossed my arms and glared at him. Of course, he couldn’t tell with my helmet on.

“The heads-up display comes with a battle computer. It provides an easy flow of visual data and tactical information. You can tell at a glance who is friend or foe. I’ve also programed in all the communications codes you’ll need,” Derek added.

“Sariel should hire you as his salesman.”

“I do work for him from-time-to-time. He pays well,” Derek said with a shrug.

“And Zarek doesn’t mind?”

“Not at all.”

Huh? Color me surprised.

The fat Farin staggered into the cargo hold, panting like a dog in the Arizona heat. “Where… Is… The… Whore.”

I stunned him. “I’m not a whore.”

The Hrungnir troll rushed in behind him. “Where…?”

Derek stunned him and cocked an inquiring eyebrow.

“My fan club.”

Baelish erupted to his feet with roar. “Where is the white-haired one called Giovanni?”

“He’s dead,” I answered, totally impressed with his ability to survive a bullet to the head.

“You killed him?”

“Nope, a Kellpie did, and you’ve got some explaining to do.”

Derek shot me a sidelong glance. “This mysterious clone was running the show here on Gliese?”

“Yep, I think he was Mallox’s second-in-command. Baelish planned on trading me for his sister, but Giovanni wasn’t interested in a normal Farin.”

“You’re anything but normal,” Derek quipped.

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