Page 72 of Master
Atkins Parlow huffed an exasperated sigh, motioning for the Kerzak that hit me to step away. He offered his hand to help me upright. I swatted him away, much preferring struggling and pain to letting him touch me.
"As you can see, it's not wise to anger our furry friends here."
I'd give Parlow credit; he looked slightly concerned for my welfare. Not an altruistic concern. He needed me for something.
The Kerzak loomed near, flexing his enormous paw, which had the effect of releasing and then reseating his nearly four-inch claws. He glanced at Parlow, and I saw disgust cross his furry face. I could totally relate.
"Talk now, human female. How did you counteract the mumje?" he asked, letting the black claws extend to full length while gazing longingly at my neck.
"Sweet taters," I drawled, smiling. Idiots wouldn't guess I told the truth.
The Kerzak grunted angrily, raising his clawed hand and stepping in my direction.
I didn't flinch or cower, although my stomach roiled with fear.
"If you kill her, we'll never know how they made the antidote," Parlow said calmly as he inspected his nails.
"You're my hero," I quipped before spitting a wad of blood and saliva on the ground as close to the mayor as I could manage. I'd bitten my tongue when the Kerzak hit me… and I think a couple of my back teeth might be loose. My heart hammered furiously like I’d been running, and I sucked in a few deep breaths, trying to calm myself.
Parlow grinned and preened, taking my words to heart. As if. He was nothing but a selfish, sad little man. I had only one hero.
Where are you, Tarook?
Curtis stood as my hero for many years, always would, but Tarook took that place in my heart now. I could imagine Curtis gazing down from heaven, smiling—happy I'd found love again. He probably enjoyed the fact that Tarook was a nearly seven-foot-tall alien with golden eyes. Curtis had always been a believer.
The Kerzak near me grumbled, flexing his hand as though shoring up to hit me again. The largest of the four grizzly men moved to his side, shoving him toward the others. The four aliens argued among themselves, though thankfully, none made to move near me.
Tarook would come for me. I just needed to buy time until he arrived.
"How could you do this? They're your friends and neighbors, and you betrayed them." I tried to keep my voice from sounding harsh. It wasn’t easy. Atkins Parlow was as despicable a man as I’d ever come across…and I used to work in a strip club!
Parlow shrugged nonchalantly, a wide grin curving his lips. "That's a simple answer—money."
I felt my face twist with disgust before I could stop it.
"Before you roll your eyes at me, it's not just a couple of million." Parlow scolded. "I'll be the richest man on Earth, wealthier than sultans… wealthier than Bill Gates even."
"No amount of money will keep you from being an asshole," I shot back. "Besides, the Alliance forbids you from going back to Earth. How will you explain your absence to people?"
The mayor tilted back his head and laughed. "It's not like I left any family. The only people looking for me are the FBI."
My mouth fell open, which made him laugh harder.
"Actually, the fucking aliens did me a favor," Parlow said as he recovered himself. "I faced twenty years for a RICO charge when they grabbed me. Now… well, as we all know, with enough money, you can get away with anything."
"You're nothing but a con man," I snapped, furious at his utter lack of remorse.
He squared his shoulders and raised his chin proudly. "And my best con was convincing the people of Tau Ceti to trust me."
I spit out another wad of blood and saliva, aiming for Parlow's feet. I didn't miss by much, which amused the bastard.
"Your feisty, I like that." Short, chubby fingers rubbed his chin. "I'll give you a choice. Tell us how you counteracted the mumje, and you can return to Earth with me as my woman. Or keep quiet and go with the Kerzak as... the main course."
I raised my chin, calling over to the group of grizzly aliens. "Be sure to use a lot of salt. I have a feeling I'll be tough."
The largest of the bunch threw back his head, the loud laugh a series of snorts and growls. When his gaze hit mine, his stare showed a hint of appreciation.
"This human is funny." His expression changed from epicurious to erotic. "She might be useful for other entertainments."
