Page 42 of Stolen Fire
The Gordinian kicked out a chair. “Have a seat.”
Cifer crossed his arms. “I was told you have merchandise.”
“You’re not the only interested party.”
“Why would you think I’m interested when I haven’t seen the goods?”
The Gordinian laughed, and a belch of noxious gas wafted over to Cifer. “You’ll see them soon enough.”
“Soon enough would be now.” Cifer made sure his voice clicked in the way of the species he mimicked.
“First, we have a drink.”
If he did that, there’d be no way to return to Blaize before she realized he was gone. Cifer pulled out his data pad and sent a message to his most loyal operative. A kid who’d gone through the system and was as passionate about saving the young ones as Cifer. “This isn’t a social event. I don’t have time to sit around drinking with you. Either you have the goods, or you don’t.”
The Gordinian checked his data pad, not realizing the screen was reflected in the dirty mirror behind him. He tapped out a message. Not every word of the message was clear, but the recipient might as well have been lit up. Varik Pectori. Cifer took a calming breath. Their little game had become exponentially more interesting.
That was the captain who’d abandoned him on Kolben. The one who had attacked The Treasure. Blaize would absolutely understand why he had to leave.
“Change of plans.”
Cifer glared at the evil fuck.
“The other buyer is temporarily delayed.”
“I’m not interested in playing games. I’m here now. The other buyer obviously isn’t as invested as I am. Show me the merchandise.” Despite Varik’s involvement, Cifer’s main concern was the kids’ welfare.
“That’s not how this works.” The kidnapper named a time. “Meet back here.”
The kids would be stuck in the cage for another cycle if his connections couldn’t find the ship first. Elaya had been very specific. “I’ll give you one more chance.” Cifer had to stay in the dominant position for the negotiation. “Either we resolve this business, or I’ll find another supplier. It’s not like you’re the only procurer of live goods.”
He stood slowly, like he had all the time in the world, and left the noisy bar.
Cifer raced home. The word never applied before Blaize had been there. He made it back as fast as he could. The sheets were messy. He flipped them straight and found her abandoned panties, but she was gone. He wasn’t surprised. Disappointed, but it was a minor setback for a very good reason. First, he had to make sure the kids were safe. Then he’d find his beauty and make amends. Even if she was angry, he had the whole trip to Hiargus to make it up to her.
A text came in on his pad.
No XA-141 in standard docks. Still checking auxiliary.
No surprise. Shady shit didn’t happen at the main docks, but it was prudent to verify. He considered his options, and like a lightning strike, an idea came to him. A devil of a plan. If it came together.
“Cifer calling for Master.” He nearly choked on the last word. But the minion answering the call would expect proper protocol, and he couldn’t afford not to be received.
Time passed in silence. The man who demanded the title of Master might still be mad that Cifer had managed to escape. Master loved to play games of risk. Cifer had studied him for years before negotiating to win his freedom. It hadn’t been a foolproof plan, but it had worked. No matter how much he hated the male for stealing him from his home, his influence was a useful tool on rare occasions. And once Master had abandoned the flesh trade for more lucrative endeavors, Cifer had reinitiated a basic connection. He hoped it wasn’t broken.
Finally, background noise filled the connection.
“Cifer, my son. It has been too long since you called. Have you been well?”
The words made Cifer’s stomach curdle. Master was no father figure.
“My apologies for being out of touch.” He could have said more—made excuses about being on Kolben—but that would lead to more questions he didn’t want to answer. Cifer went silent and waited. The minute of silence extended into an eternity. Another test. Eventually, he was rewarded.
“What’s on your mind?” The male’s voice was resigned, just like when Cifer had won his freedom.
“Varik Pectori. I recall he owed you a debt.” It was a risk. Cifer had only heard rumors. But if Varik was indebted to Master in any way, then Cifer’s plan might work. His blood raced as if he were running for his life.
“Why would you care?” The irritation in Master’s voice barely covered his suspicion.
