Page 40 of Tempting Jupiter
Fee died a little inside, but she wouldn’t betray Jupiter and that was the only other option. “I’m sending you the details now. You’ll set up a holding account for me and transfer the money directly into the account after I let you know. You’ll have to keep my identity off the record and—”
“You let me worry about the accounting.” Morris’s fingers never stopped moving. And she’d already messaged back a counteroffer on price.
Fee frowned.
“I’ll be covering the surgeon’s payment,” said Morris. “Rush work isn’t cheap and you’re in a hurry, right?”
Roland had told her never to trust a money-lender. Make sure they’re making a good profit and that’s the best bet you have to keep them from turning on you. Fee would take the offer. “You’ll need to arrange to get me back to my ship after the surgery. Some secrecy will be required.”
Morris smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle everything.”
Fee didn’t like extending trust to a stranger, but what choice did she have? The cargo waiting for her on Petro-5 was too precious to lose.
Yeah. She was screwed.
Chapter Seventeen
TheHawley,KaronaStation
EarthAlliance Beta Sector
2210.150
Seneca sprawled across one of the comfortable benches in the common area of Feeona’s ship while Jupiter paced its length. The relaxed pose was an attempt to put Jupiter at ease. It hadn’t worked. Jup was well on his way to wearing a path across the floor with his pacing.
“Alfred, please explain that in more detail.” Seneca had taken on the task of talking to the computer when it became clear Jupiter didn’t feel comfortable doing it. So often, Jupiter took the lead, but this was one situation in which Seneca could easily bear that burden.
“The Arena Dogs called Mercury, Diablo, and Carnage are not currently listed on the Roma Rex active roster.” Alfred’s calm, artificial voice did nothing to soften the statement.
“But you also said they haven’t been listed on the death roll.” Seneca’s gaze followed his pack-mate’s progress across the room. He didn’t miss the hesitation in Jupiter’s gait at the mention of death.
“Correct. I can confirm their existence based on previous match announcements and results available from multiple gambling services.”
Seneca huffed a breath of frustration, then a thought occurred to him. “When was their last match on record?”
“2210.140. Featured match. Main Arena. Mercury, Diablo and Carnage against Jupiter and Seneca. Mercury, Diablo and Carnage listed as winners. Would you like me to read you the match description?”
“No.” He definitely didn’t want to hear how their masters had sold the match to the patrons. “Jupiter, no report of death has to mean they’re still alive.”
Jupiter stopped his pacing and met Seneca’s gaze. “Then why haven’t they been scheduled for another match? It’s been ten days.”
“That’s not so long. Not if their injuries were severe. I know you ripped into Mercury pretty deep.” It had been after he’d seen Mercury aiming a cudgel at Seneca’s head. He’d overreacted. They both knew Mercury would never intentionally cause either of them serious injury.
Jupiter’s hands clenched at his side, knuckles white. “We’re free and they’re still there. What if they’re punished for our escape? Damn it! I don’t even know what questions to ask the damn talking machine.”
“My programming is quite advanced.” Alfred interjected. “As an example, I can anticipate that you might be interested to know that you were both listed as deceased after your last match and your records have not been updated, even though Roma now knows Seneca is alive.”
If Seneca didn’t know better he’d think Alfred had taken offense at Jupiter’s damming him. But Alfred couldn’t have feelings. No offense, no worry, no fear. Jupiter’s emotions were real. The sense of helplessness eating at him was as clear to Seneca as the training walls that had kept them imprisoned. “Alfred, can you run a broader search and tell us if there’s any mention of them…anywhere you can search, after the last match?”
“Of course, Seneca. The search is running now. I should have the information for you momentarily.”
Jupiter returned to pacing. Seneca wanted to go to him. To hold him and sooth him. Instead, he kept his seat and waited.
“Search complete. One record found. The Arena Dogs named Mercury, Diablo, and Carnage were named on a list of assets included on a secured manifest declaration.”
Jupiter growled. “I don’t know what any of that is.”
Seneca shifted on the soft bench. “I’m not sure of most of it, but I think that if they’re listed as assets, then they’d have to be alive.”
