Page 59 of Sky Song
“This is my neighbor, Emma,” Paloma grumbled.
Zaron brightened. “Emma! Very pleased to make an acquaintance.”
“Pleased to meet you, too.” She hastily wiped her hand on a clean napkin before offering it to Attcus’ owner.
“And this young man of unknown race?”
“His name is Lyle. He speaks Universal.”
“Understood.” Immediately, Zaron switched to Universal. His was accented but very acceptable. “Welcome to the club, Lyle. I’m Zaron.”
Lyle inclined his head.
“What brings you here?”
“My love of a good time.”
Zaron laughed. “You’ve come to the right place.” His sharp eyes continued their scrutiny of Lyle.
Zaron was on the early side of his fifties, of a medium height and fairly trim, with only a hint of a belly under his black and gold shirt. He had a full head of coarse black hair with a striking streak of gray on the right and a swarthy handsomeness of a pirate, something he was clearly aware of and accentuated with a gold earring in each ear. The regal effect was spoiled, however, by a slightly smarmy air about him that brought to mind a pawn shop operator.
“The boys went a li’l too far, my apologies.”
“What the hell, Zaron?” Gus interrupted, outraged. “You gonna stand there and kowtow to them? After this bitch doused me with liquor? Next thing you let her light a match and set me on fire!”
Zaron’s black brow went up. “Ale doesn’t burn. You’re safe, Gus.” He turned back to Lyle. “Like I said, sorry ‘bout that.” His soft voice rang with steel, and Gus threw his hands up in disgust before stomping away.
“You’ve got to understand, they like to rile up men they think have potential, to see if they’ve got any fresh goods.” He glanced meaningfully at the Tarai who was still hanging around.
“I don’t have potential,” Lyle assured him. Cricked had no clue what they were talking about.
“You may yet change your mind.”
“Fair enough.”
A waiter efficiently wiped their table, and Zaron slid onto the extra stool. “Tell me about yourself, Lyle. I’m so intrigued. How long are you staying on Meeus for?”
“I’m not sure. Looking to catch a ride out but can’t connect.”
“That’s too bad we don’t have a transmitter at the club. But we could possibly work on access.” Zaron’s eyes positively gleamed.
“I’m not in a hurry.”
“Understood, no rush. You have a place to stay and everything?”
“I’m good.”
“I see, I see.” Zaron took a sip of Paloma’s ale and wrinkled his nose. “Witch's brew.”
Paloma’s eyebrows rose. “You tell everyone it’s the best drink in a hundred-mile radius. A magic blend of sweet and bitter, a refreshing blend.”
“That’s business. Personally, I hate yeasty drinks. You too, eh?” He nudged Lyle who ignored his replacement ale like he had ignored his first glass. “So.” Zaron leaned back in his chair and pivoted to Cricket. “Has Paloma given you a tour of the club?”
Cricket groped for words. “I… No. I mean, we’ve just arrived.”
“She should. It’s a great club. It’s my pride and joy. I put blood, sweat, and tears into this enterprise, and I’m a proud parent of the fruit of my labors.”
Paloma snickered. “Zaron, it sounds cheesy. The fruit of your labors.”
