Page 11 of A Merciless Bargain
Dane followed my train of thought. “It is reasonable that the warden suspected Bowyer was killed related to his line of work. That is even Vadhea’s suspicion.”
“Thanks for the reminder that everyone wants a piece of me.”
“If Peregrine Curiosities was known to the authorities,” Dane said, ignoring my last statement, “then we may have access to additional information.”
“Even though the house and Bowyer’s office literally burned to the ground with nothing left?”
“Yes,” Dane said with a grim smile. “Let us say, I know a guy.”
I laughed at his use of the Earth idiom and a smidge of tension drained from my body. Maybe we had a way forward after all.
Chapter Six
Dane and I squared off,at an impasse. He held a pair of manacles and I stood with my hands balled on my hips, glaring at him.
“Parker,” he unexpectedly said my name.
“Dane,” I replied, and the corner of his eye twitched again.
“You are not coming to Monsa,” he repeated, infuriating me.
“Why not?” We’d been going in circles for a few minutes already. Frankly, that he hadn’t simply manhandled me into the restraints surprised me. Dane’s contact in the port city of Monsa gave him the name of a major competitor for Peregrine Curiosities. My brief excitement fizzled by the fact that I was not allowed to accompany him. I’d thought it was because he was worried I could be in danger. Nope.
“I do not know if I can trust you,” he said for the fourth or fifth time. “We cannot travel with you in chains. You must stay here until I return.” He shook the chains at me for emphasis.
I shook my head back at him. “Think through this logically.” The sour taste of bile burned my throat at the thought of being restrained alone in the house. I wracked my brain for a reason I hadn’t tried. An option hit me. “You need me to identify the competitor.”
“I know his name. Why would I need you to identify him? Besides, you stated you did not know any of Bowyer Haled’s business dealings.” His eyes narrowed. “Are you revising that statement?”
I flushed, remembering his merciless promise to deliver me to Vadhea to an uncertain fate if I lied. Such an untrusting alien Enforcer. “No, I am not. But Bowyer entertained a lot. Possibly this competition came by the house before.”
“Go on,” Dane said.
“Maybe you know the old Earth saying, ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.’”
Dane remained silent and I rushed to explain.
“Bowyer might have invited the competition over in order to keep tabs on them. If so, there’s a chance that I’ll know him and can confirm he’s familiar with Bowyer’s home.”
Dane lowered the chains. He stared at me. I hoped he was considering this final argument. “That is reasonable. You may come.”
“Gee, thanks, master,” I retorted, though in honesty, I recognized he held the power. It was his home planet. I was still a long-term tourist.
His eyes ran the length of me.
“See anything you like?” I teased.
“Our clothing is fine for Monsa. You will need to replenish.”
Ouch. I lifted an arm to smell my pit. Yep, it smelled like I hadn’t bathed while I’d been on the run for three, almost four, days. He wanted me to shower.
He stepped back to allow me room to pass to the replenishment room, otherwise known as a high-tech bathroom. At least I wouldn’t have to pee in a side alley again.
“Are you going to watch?” I sidled past him, his body rigid when I bumped him.
His eyes widened at the contact.
I didn’t have time to consider his reaction.