Page 67 of Salvation
“A nightmare team, that’s for sure,” Nick agreed, his words vibrating his chest under Sakura’s cheek. “The hater and the whack job.”
“A dangerous whack job,” Gryf said. The concern in his eyes had remained unabated since they had walked through the door an hour ago. Ifhewas that worried, then things must be worse than she thought. “Kelly is nothing more than a coward with an agenda. It was foolish for her to align herself with that traitor. I have no doubt Haesi views her as disposable.”
Saku leaned her head back to look at Nick. “Who is Haesi Velo?”
“A dangerous woman,” K’rona muttered from her spot on the floor.
“She nearly killed my sister by injecting her withithemba,” Nick said.
The fine prickles of a chill ran down Sakura’s arms. “Ithembais illegal.” What possessed people to make a life of hurting others? “Could she have been the one to create the illness?”
“Indeed.” Dante drew her attention away from Nick. “It is a serum. Haesi alluded to it as ‘her serum’ in our presence. Nick and I discussed this further during our time in the shelter, and concluded she is quite capable of creating such.”
“From personal experience, I know how much she loves injecting toxic substances into living test subjects,” Alex said.
Sakura’s eyes widened. “I am sorry, Alex. I did not mean to—”
Alex waved her free hand. “Don’t worry. It doesn’t bother me as much as it used to.” She glanced at Gryf. “I have my support system and coping mechanisms.”
The look of adoration and respect that passed between Alex and her husband was impossible to miss. Past violations were never easy to deal with, but having someone who would stand with you against your ghosts was a blessing. As Nick had done for her.
“But what is her motive, I wonder?” K’rona said.
“She must have an underlying goal, just as she did for betraying the Guardian Fleet. All my senses tell me this, but I cannot fathom what that goal might be.” Gryf’s expression was troubled as his gaze shifted between Nick and Dante. “You said you did not see anyone in the facility as you escaped?”
Nick gave his head a shake. “Not a soul.”
“Then the question is, where did they go?”
Sakura pushed herself upright and Nick lowered his arm to his side. “You don’t think theyletyou escape, do you?”
Nick shrugged “They may have. Or they could be on the run. Kelly looked pretty freaked out after I eliminated her stooge so easily. She was viscomming with Haesi at the time, and Haesi cut the transmission before I could put a trace on it. I’m sure she figured her partner in crime had just ditched her.”
“Eliminated?” Alex stared at him. “How?”
Nick’s expression hardened. “I used my Gift.”
Sakura’s mouth dropped open. That could not be good. “Are you okay?”
“Since I’m the one still breathing, yes.” He enveloped her hands between his and smiled. “Saku, I’m fine, really. I have no regrets. I’m sitting here with you now, and life doesn’t get much better.”
She gave him a small smile in return. That was one of the things she loved about Nick. He had a talent for knowing just what to say, and when.
“So,” Alex said. “We probably should decide what to do about our missing mass murderers.”
Nick nodded. “I can’t imagine either Kelly or Haesi giving up on this project of theirs. By now they’ve probably figured out that Dante and I survived, and that’ll make them curious. Is the Unified Defense Fleet sending a search team?”
“The UDF sent me to assess the situation and report back,” Gryf replied. “With the number of people who have arrived in this locale in recent days, it is possible the Arruch have noticed. On the off chance they have not, I have recommended no action from the fleet at this time.”
Sakura drew her eyebrows together. “So, we’re on our own?”
“Not at all.” The admiral’s deep blue eyes shifted to K’rona. “The dissenters are a trained military force, one to be reckoned with based on past performance. We will stand quite well on our own, I believe.”
“Thank you, Admiral Helyg,” K’rona said, appreciation shining in her green eyes at the compliment. “It is our honor to serve under your direction again. Shall Storo and I arrange a hunt?”
Sakura frowned. “What is a hunt?”
“The Anferthian version of a search party,” Nick said. He reached for her and she moved back against his side and into his embrace. “Only they take no prisoners.”
“Not at this time, K’rona,” Gryf said. “But, when we do, I want prisoners. We need answers.”
“We will give you prisoners, Admiral.” Storo stretched and yawned. “For now, we wait and hope our quarry soon show themselves.”
More waiting. Not her favorite thing, but at least she knew where Nick was this time. Hopefully Kelly, Haesi, and their gang would show up soon. Things were going to be tense around here in the meantime.
