Deadly Beauty
By
Mahogany Brown
© copyright by Mahogany Brown, July 2010
Published by New Concepts Publishing
Smashwords Edition
Cover Art by Alex DeShanks, July 2010
ISBN 978-1-60394-442-7
New Concepts Publishing
Lake Park, GA 31636
www.newconceptspublishing.com
This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s
imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or
events is merely coincidence.
Chapter One
“How was the memorial service?”
Kor’Re turned to look at his chief of security. He shrugged a shoulder. “The same as any other I’ve attended, only that it was my father.”
“How’s your mother doing? Were your Cyrillian relatives okay with the human service?”
“My mother is fine. The relatives … well they were a little disappointed since they wanted him cremated. But they didn’t want to make a scene in front of the human relations for once. How were things here?”
“Fine. I informed the clients of the situation here. I explained that you were away due to a family issue.”
Kor’Re nodded. He inserted the card key into the horizontal slot next to his office door. After a small click, the door slid back to allow entry. He frowned at all the data pads on his desk.
“You’ve got a lot to catch up on.”
“I figured that. It’s just that I’m hoping that all this,” he said pointing to the data pads on his desk, “doesn’t have to do with that damn Xabo. I don’t know how my father tolerated him. You have no idea how many times I wanted to reach over and throttle the bastard when I had to sit in on those meetings with him and my father. The man was slimy … even with that reptilian skin of his. I used to ask my father why he even agreed to see him knowing that he was nothing more than a common criminal.”
“He still is. What did your father say?”
“That you just had to watch out for their duplicity which they have in spades apparently. You do that and you should be fine … unless they try to kill you. Then it’s a different set of rules.”
“Good advice. I heard that he just took over that new bio - mech lab called ImageTech.”
Kor’Re stared at Alex. “What? When the hell did that happen? I was scheduled for a meeting with their CEO next month to talk about the new line of nanotech that they wanted us to test to see if it was viable for alien use. They couldn’t have been so impatient that they made a deal with Xabo. No way.”
“Who said anything about making a deal? The CEO met with an unfortunate accident three days ago and his successor just handed everything over to Xabo.”
“Just like that?”
“Yep.”
Kor’Re laughed bitterly. “How much do you want to bet that Xabo arranged that ‘accident’?”
“I wouldn’t put it past him. Though I wonder whether he ate him or not. Some Tellarans have a penchant for human flesh. Remember when they first arrived? All the kidnappings? And the police had no idea why there was never any ransom and the bodies never showed up?”
“I remember. Then it was found out that the victims were being eaten. My father told me all about it. Crazy.”
“And he’ll be after BioSys next. He’s always wanted it.”
“Over my dead body.”
“Mr. McGregor?”
Kor’Re turned around to see his secretary, an attractive brunette named Laura, behind him. She gave him a big smile.
“Good morning, Laura.”
“Morning, boss. Condolences regarding your father.”
“Thank you. So, tell me what’s up besides all those data pads on my desk?”
“Those are just business proposals from overseas. And some from off world — the Tellaran home world to be exact. Wasn’t sure how interested you would be in them. I checked the closing dates and you have a month to respond if you’re interested in any of them. The board did make some recommendations and I included those on a data pad as well and placed it on your desk. What’s up is that Xabo from the house of whatever is here to see you.”
“From the House of Hhan. You know they make a big fuss about which house they belong to.”
“Whatever. I’d like to burn down his house. Why don’t they have last names like the rest of us?”
“You mean like you humans? He isn’t human remember.”
“How could I forget? The last time he was here his bodyguard left dead scales all over the reception area. It was gross.”
“Tellarans do tend to shed a lot during their molting season. Wait … he doesn’t have an appointment.”
“No, he does not. And I told him that you are very busy and … ”
Kor’Re sighed heavily. “It’s all right, Laura. Give me ten minutes and then send him to my office.”
“You sure?”
“Yes. Ten minutes and then send him in.”
“Okay, boss,” she said and headed back down the hall.
Alex gave him an owlish look.
“What? If I don’t deal with him now then I’ll have to deal with him later. And I may not have the patience later. After all, what’s he going to do if I refuse his latest offer? Eat me? I'm only half human.”
“As your head of security I would kindly ask you not to joke about that.”
“You worry too much, Alex.”
“I have to. Tellarans aren’t that crazy about humans prospering even if it is our planet. They thought that they would have had us all enslaved by now. And you may only be half human, but you’re still half.”
“When did you become such a mother hen? I’ll be fine. Besides I have influential partners who could care less about what some Tellaran gangster has to offer.”
“But you know I have to say certain things. Later, boss.”
A rapid knock on his office door a few minutes later, made Kor’Re look up sharply. Xabo. He put away all the data pads. No need to let him see what he might be getting involved with. Not that any of the potential clients would do business with Xabo anyway. Many knew his background and the fact that it hadn’t changed. Never mind that he owned a legitimate business. That was for appearances only. Xabo had not gotten his legitimate business legitimately. Rumor was that he had been nothing more than a maintenance worker at the bio mech lab that he now owned. And then it just so happened that the president didn’t show up for work one day. Ten days later, documents surfaced naming Xabo as CEO. To this day — five years later — no one knew what had happen to Edgar Wallace. Kor’Re figured that Xabo probably ate him to get rid of the evidence.
Another knock interrupted Kor’Re’s thoughts. He pressed a button on his desk. The door slid aside. Xabo strode in. He looked well tailored for a reptile. His greenish black scales gleamed under the bright office lights. The dark grey tunic flowed over his powerful body. Xabo’s thick tail swished noiselessly behind him.
Kor’Re stood up from behind his desk and offered a hand. “Xabo, how are things? I’d offer you a seat, but unfortunately the chairs aren’t made to accommodate your tail.”
Xabo accepted the extended hand and smiled. “Think nothing of it. Though the ones that your father used to have in here did. Curious that you have gotten rid of them. But I have no aversion to standing. I am not sure if you are aware, but I just acquired ImageTech.”
“Yes, I did hear that. Congratulations. That will make your portfolio look rather nice. But I didn’t that know ImageTech was in the market to sell their business. They were thriving from what I heard. They were even getting contracts from off - world. Rare for a totally run human company these days. Something changed I guess.”
“I am sure that your father told you how unpredictable this business can be. A business can be flourishing today and then tomorrow it needs someone to take hold of the reins because it’s sinking.”
“And ImageTech was sinking? I really find that hard to believe.”
“Hard to believe? I thought as well. But as I said this business is unpredictable. By the way, I was notified that you had a meeting with Thomas Gilles, but he unfortunately had a fatal accident.”
Kor’Re almost asked whether Xabo had arranged it, but held his tongue. Thomas had expressed fears to both Kor’Re and his father about Xabo. Kor’Re’s father had told Thomas to hold his ground and hopefully Xabo would go away. It seems that that wasn’t enough.
“Yes, I heard. What exactly happened?”
“I have no idea,” Xabo said and spread his large hands wide. “He went out boating alone as he often does and when he didn’t come home when he was expected, his mate got worried. She tried to contact him, and when he did not respond she called the authorities. They went searching for him and found him dead on his boat. I am sure that an investigation will shed some light. Well, whatever you had to discuss with him you can discuss with me.”
“It was nothing special. We were just going to shoot the breeze as the humans say. I had no plans for BioSys and ImageTech to work together on any projects.”
“Perhaps in the future?”
“BioSys has enough at the moment. My father had a lot of projects that he had started. And there are a few that I will be pursuing in the next few years. If you will excuse me, Xabo, I really have to get back to work. There are a lot of things that I need to deal with.”
“But of course. I understand. With your father’s passing it must be difficult for you. And since you are new at this … ”
Kor’Re frowned. What the hell was he talking about? “I’ve been in the business for … ”
“I meant that now you are at the helm instead of being in your father’s shadow. Your father was an impressive businessman. You do have quite the standard to live up to. If you need any advice please contact me. I would be more than happy to assist you.” Xabo extended his hand.
Kor’Re accepted the hand Xabo offered. “I’m sure that I’ll be all right. I watched my father for years as he grew this business and I’m sure that I can handle things and continue to grow the business.”
Xabo gave Kor’Re a toothy smile and nodded. “Of course. My condolences as regards your father. He will be greatly missed.”
When Xabo left his office, Kor’Re slumped in his chair. He swiveled the chair to look out the large window. Ask Xabo for help? That was a joke. Before he turned back to his desk, Kor’Re noticed that the sky had gotten dark. A storm was brewing.
Chapter Two
Lightning flashed across the dark sky. Thunder rumbled shortly afterwards. As an afterthought, the wind decided to join as well. Debris skittered across the deserted street in a bizarre dance.
Gabrielle pulled her little sister, Emma, into an abandoned storefront when the rain began to fall. There was no use for them to get wet and get sick. Hopefully, the rain would stop before it got dark. She didn’t want to be walking home with Emma when it got dark. If they got mugged, she would have a hard time keeping them both safe. Not that they had much to steal: just a half loaf of rye bread, some cheese and Mr. Lee’s herbal tea. Unless, of course, they were mugged by someone who was hungry. Yeah, that was more likely in this neighborhood. Gabrielle unzipped her coat and put the small shopping bag inside. If no one saw it, then they couldn’t try to take it from her.
A distant sound caught Gabrielle’s attention. She pushed Emma farther behind her.
“Don’t say anything, ok?”
Emma nodded.
Moments later, heavy footsteps echoed on the empty street. Three menacing looking Tellarans walked past. Now there was a familiar sight. You could always count on a group of them terrorizing someone or another — if you were human that is.
One of the Tellarans, wearing a long dark coat, grinned at her. He winked.
“Hey, sweets. Out for a little walk?”
Gabrielle pretended that she didn’t understand. She just looked at him.
“You do not understand me, is that it?”
He started over to her, but the other two stopped him.
“No time. Maybe after the job is done,” one of the other Tellarans said and grinned. “If not, we can go looking for her. She must live around here somewhere.”
“Be back, sweets. No hiding now. Even if you do, I will find you.”
Gabrielle just stared at the Tellaran. When they were a safe distance away, Gabrielle relaxed. She had to get back, now. She knew Tellarans. If she and Emma were still on the street when they finished whatever vile business they had here, she and Emma would be in trouble. And she also knew that if they said that they were coming back to look for her, then they would.
Emma wiggled out from behind Gabrielle and looked up at her. Her brown eyes were bright. Gabrielle smiled down at her. She was small for a five year old, but she was still healthier than some of the other children her age and older in this neighborhood.
“Are we going home now, Gaby?” Emma asked.
Home was a martial arts studio. Luckily, Mr. Lee, the owner, had agreed to take them in. Gabrielle used to attend his classes once a week, but when her parents got laid off, they couldn’t afford to send her anymore.
At first Mr. Lee had been hesitant to take them in, but she explained that her parents were dead and she and Emma had nowhere else to go. They had been thrown out of their apartment complex because they couldn’t pay the rent. And the Cyrillian landlord was not in the habit of giving out charity. She had to pay or get out. And there wasn’t anyone else that they could stay with.
Gabrielle even opted to find shelter somewhere else, but she just didn’t want Emma living on the street. He let them both sleep in his attic room. It was small and there were no windows, but it was warm and dry.
She repaid him by cleaning the studio and running small errands for him. And he showed his gratitude by personally training her in martial arts. He had stopped teaching three years ago, but had said that she should learn to protect herself and Emma if need be.
Today he had asked her to pick up a few things, but he had told her to be sure to be back before evening as it was not safe. But Emma had seen a playground and wanted to go on the swing. Gabrielle hadn’t wanted to stop, but Emma had never seen a playground before and probably wouldn’t get the chance again. She couldn’t deny her baby sister that.
Gabrielle had heard a rumor that this part of the city was scheduled for demolition in two years. She guessed that the Cyrillians wanted this part of the city. Whenever the mood moved them, they ousted the humans and made more Cyrillian friendly cities for the next batch of aliens emigrating to the planet.
If that were true, Gabrielle didn’t know where she and Emma were going to live. Even Mr. Lee had said that he had nowhere else to go if he were forced to leave. Most of the people who lived in this neighborhood couldn’t afford to live in any of the other exclusive human neighborhoods. And they would not be wanted in the neighborhoods that catered to the Cyrillians or Tellarans either.
“Gaby?”
“Yeah?”
“Are we going home now?”
“Yes, we’re going home now. But I want to wait until the rain lets up a bit otherwise we’ll get soaked. Don’t worry, we’ll be going soon. Okay?”
The little girl nodded emphatically. “Okay. But what about that lizard man? What did he say to you?”
Gabrielle paused with a slight smile thinking how she could explain this. Well, Tellarans were like giant lizards minus the forked tongue so she guessed Emma’s observation was correct.
“He was just asking us if we were lost.”
Emma didn’t understand the Tellaran language, but Gabrielle knew that she had to teach her at some point. Emma needed to learn the language.
The rain began to fall harder. Gabrielle moved in front of Emma to protect her. The next time she had some money she would buy Emma some rain gear. She laughed to herself. When she had money. What a joke. She hadn’t had her own money in like forever. Any credit chip she had was from Mr. Lee. And given the fact that he had taken her and Emma in, she wouldn’t dare steal from him.
Even when her parents were alive she had only ever had her own credit chip once. And it was only for twenty credits. Everything she had now was either found from her weekly garbage rummaging or what she traded with other people.
Even if she were to get some money she would have to spend it on food for both of them. Well, more for Emma. Gabrielle could go without eating for a couple days if she had to. And she had. But Emma would need food and clothes — especially warm clothes since winter was coming. They couldn’t spend another winter in their threadbare coats. They didn’t even have boots, only ratty sneakers.
“Gaby, do you miss Mom and Dad? Do you remember them? I don’t. Is that bad?”
Bending down, Gabrielle hugged her little sister, pushing the tight little curls from her face. If Emma only knew how much she missed them. Sometimes she would lie awake wondering what the hell she was going to do. When they were forced to leave this neighborhood where would they go? She wouldn’t find someone like Mr. Lee who would take her in. Not unless she agreed to sell her body. Gabrielle had thought about that option. It would be her last resort. She wanted to have enough money that she could take care of herself and Emma, but she didn’t want to have to sacrifice her self - respect to do it.
“No, it’s not bad. You were still a baby. But we have to keep going. It’ll get better one day. I promise. Come on, the rain’s stopped.”
“Can I have some hot chocolate with my soup tonight?”
“Sure and I even have marshmallows.”
“Yeah, marshmallows! I love marshmallows. Do you love marshmallows, Gaby?”
“Not as much as you do.”
It had cost Gabrielle her dark grey wool sweater to get the small bag of marshmallows. She hadn’t any money, but the store owner was willing to trade. That grey sweater had been the only item of warm clothing that she had, but it was worth the trade to see the smile on her littler sister’s face.
As they neared the martial arts studio, Gabrielle heard glass breaking. Her first thought was that someone had broken in. Not the first time. She pulled Emma along. Loud shouting was heard moments later. The voice wasn’t Mr. Lee’s. Actually, the shouting wasn’t in English.
Now what?
Gabrielle handed the small grocery bag to Emma and led her around to the back of the building. “Go upstairs and lock the door. Don’t come down or open the door. Wait until I come and get you.”
“Why?”
The shouting got louder, followed by the sound of a weapon firing.
Emma held onto Gabrielle. “Gaby, I’m scared.”
Yeah me too.
“It’s going to be okay. Just go upstairs and lock the door. Remember, don’t open it.”
She waited until Emma was upstairs and locked in and then ran back around to the front. She looked through the glass pane of the front door. A Tellaran held Mr. Lee by the neck. With his other hand he shoved a plasma gun in Mr. Lee’s face. Mr. Lee’s feet dangled off the ground.
Gabrielle felt as if she had been kicked in the stomach. She recognized the alien. It was the one that had spoken to her earlier. So this was where they were going. This she didn’t need to deal with. He must be part of the organized alien gangs that Mr. Lee talked about sometimes.
He used to tell her that if these gangs had their way they would probably enslave this whole section of the city. Gabrielle wondered if they already did. Maybe that’s why the police never cared much about what went on here. Most of the crimes here went uninvestigated. Gabrielle couldn’t count how many times she had been woken up by weapons fire and screams.
The Tellaran now held the gun to Mr. Lee’s forehead. Gabrielle frowned. Why wasn’t Mr. Lee fighting back? She had seen him take on aliens this size with ease and throw them out on their asses. What was going on here?
Whatever was going on, she had to do something. If Mr. Lee was killed then she and Emma might as well be dead too. She ran inside. The Tellaran swung around to face her, his weapon aimed at her. He grinned and threw Mr. Lee to the ground. When Mr. Lee tried to get up, he was shot in the leg. Mr. Lee groaned and fell onto his back. The scent of charred flesh filled the air shortly after.
“Stay put. We are not done yet,” he said in Tellaran. He turned back to Gabrielle. “Well, what is this? A pretty little human morsel for me to enjoy after I finish up here. Wait, I know you. You were in that storefront. Well, how about that? This is certainly my lucky day.”
“Leave him alone. We don’t have anything that you could possibly want,” she replied in Tellaran.
He blinked in surprise.
“Yeah that’s right I understood what you said. Now understand this: Get lost!”
“What did you just say to me? I do not take orders from anything female.”
“But you rape them. Is that it? And now you’re beating up on an old man. A human one at that. Bet you can’t take on a Tellaran your own size.”
The smile left his face. He scowled at her, his yellow eyes blazing. “You are going to regret that. After I am done with him, I am going to teach you a lesson. One you will not forget.”
Gabrielle stepped away from him until her back hit the wall. She reached behind her and took down one of the katanas from the wall. She slid the razor sharp blade from its sheath. If this scaly asshole wanted a fight she would give him one. She bit her lip as she watched him shoot Mr. Lee again. The blinding blast caught the old man in the chest. His skin sizzled slightly. Mr. Lee’s body twitched. Gabrielle would get medical help for him after she had taken care of this bastard.
“You had better put that down before you hurt yourself.”
“You had better leave before I hurt you.”
She raised the blade. If he thought that she had chosen this weapon because it was there he was in for a surprise. She and this blade had become intimate friends in the last four years. He ran at her. She sidestepped, swinging the blade. The Tellaran hit the wall. He turned to face her and then stopped. He looked down. The front of his coat was sliced open.
“You little bitch,” he hissed. He holstered his weapon. “I will use my bare hands on you. You will beg me to kill you ... ”
He charged again, trying to pin her to the wall. Gabrielle moved out of his way. She swung the blade again, and brought it down hard. It sliced through his forearm. He swore and staggered back, away from her. She advanced on him. The next swipe got him across the face. The skin on his face sliced open. Gabrielle had expected him to slow down, but he didn’t. Even as blood seeped out of his wounds he just stood there grinning at her.
“Come on,” he said. “Come at me again. We Tellarans are not so easy to kill. You humans are puny and pathetic. Now, why don’t you put that sword down? I am sure that we can come to an agreement. I do not want to have to kill you. Not right away.”
Gabrielle’s eyes went to his tail. It swayed innocently. But it was far from innocent. If he hit her with it, she’d be paralyzed in minutes and vulnerable to whatever vile treatment he would subject her to. She backed away to give herself some space. He swiped at her with his tail. She stepped back and raised the blade again. The tip of his tail came off.
“Arrrgh!! ” His eyes went to the twitching tip of his tail on the floor. Thick yellow slime oozed from it.
He turned back and ran straight for her, trying to grab the blade. She let go when he caught it and he stumbled backwards, tripping over the body of Mr. Lee. The blade fell from his hands. Gabrielle ran to the wall and grabbed another katana.
As her hand closed around the handle of the blade, she felt herself being picked up off the floor.
“If you do as I say, I may decide not to kill you after I am done with you,” he hissed in her ear. His breath smelled liked rancid flesh. The ragged tip of his tail hovered near her face.
When he ran his rough tongue over her ear, Gabrielle inverted the razor sharp blade and sent it into his midsection. He made a sound like an ‘urk’ and dropped her. Gabrielle turned and raised the blade, feeling the rage build inside her and went in for the kill. She pushed the blade deep into his chest and twisted. Slippery yellow entrails burst, sending their liquid contents on her and all over the floor. Gabrielle slipped in the slime, but saved herself from hitting the floor. She pulled the blade out a little then pushed it in him again. The blade hit something hard. The jarring of the blade sent a shooting pain up to her shoulder. She pulled it out and the alien fell heavily to the ground. He grabbed for her again. She stepped out of the way.
Gabrielle grinned and raised the blade. “Maybe this will teach you not to attack old people.”
The alien’s head fell back, but it was not quite severed. She hadn’t the strength to make a clean cut through his thick reptilian skin. His head lobbed to the side, while his blood dripped onto the floor. Gabrielle watched. Her face became a mask of horror at the macabre scene of a nearly severed head.
Gabrielle pulled his weapon from its holster and aimed at his head. Whitish jelly erupted in a white flash.
Gabrielle dropped the gun and wiped her blade on the now dead alien’s coat and walked over to Mr. Lee. She put down the katana and held him.
“Just hold on. I’ll see if I can get someone from the clinic.” Her eyes went to the charred flesh of his chest. He would need some serious medical attention. The clinic might not be enough help, but it was all she could do for now.
“It’s … okay … save yourself … ”
“I’m not leaving you. Just hold on. I’ll just run down to the clinic … ”
He gave her a small smile and held onto her hand. Mr. Lee shook his head. “Too … late. Just … get Emma away from here. Be … safe. Be careful.”
“I’m not leaving you. Why didn’t you fight back? Why did you let this happen?”
He squeezed her hand, gave her another small smile and then he closed his eyes.
“Ah, dammit,” she whispered.
Gabrielle laid his head gently back on the floor. She picked up the blade and headed towards the attic stairs. She had to get Emma out of here. Even though she had killed in self - defense it would still mean big trouble if he were a member of a Tellaran gang. As her hand went on the door handle that led to the attic stairs the door opened.
Another alien stood there. But he wasn’t Tellaran. He was Cyrillian. He was as large as the Tellaran that she had just killed only he didn’t look half as menacing. That didn’t mean he was any less dangerous. The long jacket he wore was open and gave Gabrielle a view of the two guns that he had strapped to him. Emma was held tightly in his grip. Tears were streaming down her face.
His dark eyes looked over Gabrielle appreciatively. He looked past her. “You killed Mak?” he asked in English. He sounded impressed. “Well, he was probably asking for it. He did tend to piss off everyone. This yours?” he asked, nodding to Emma.
“Let her go.”
“I wish I could, but you interrupted our business here. Our boss won’t take kindly to you knocking off his pet hit man. But you have my thanks. Couldn’t stand the asshole. I probably would have killed him myself soon enough.”
“You came here first and caused trouble. We didn’t do anything.”
The Cyrillian grinned. “Exactly. You and the old man were supposed to be out of here last night. He was sent the notice last month that you were supposed to vacate the premises. You’re still here. If you had done what you were asked to we wouldn’t be here now.”
Gabrielle stood there confused. Why hadn’t Mr. Lee told her? She might have been able to find somewhere to go. Where she didn’t know, but she would find some place. Damn.
“I didn’t know. I never saw the notice. Let my sister go and then we’ll leave. We won’t say anything. I promise.”
“I don’t think I can do that. You killed someone. The authorities should be notified. Killed the old man as well.”
“I didn’t kill him.”
“The authorities won’t believe you. They are a lot of gangs around here. Human gangs. They’ll think you’re part of them. The way you killed Mak they won’t believe you if you say that you aren’t. You nearly decapitated him and then shot him in the head. The old man couldn’t have done it. It had to be you.”
“But he was trying to … ”
Gabrielle rubbed her forehead in frustration. He was right. The police would not believe her. They’d think she was some street kid who broke in and caused trouble.
She sighed. “So what are you going to do? Take me in to the police?”
He laughed. “Do I look like the authorities are friends of mine? My boss has some clients who don’t mind their females on the younger side or human. How are old are you?”
She hesitated.
“How old are you?”
“Eighteen.”
“I guess in human years that will do.” His eyes flicked over her body. “Your figure looks alright too. If my boss decides to sell you, he’ll get a good price.”
Sell her? She’d rather cut her own throat. “And what about my sister?”
“I’m sure we can find a family who wants a little girl. If not, the orphanages are always taking children whether they are human or not. Most don’t last too long. But at least she’ll have a roof over her head and something to eat until then.”
“No! I want to stay with Gaby,” Emma said. She struggled in the Cyrillian’s grip. He tried to keep her from squirming. She bit his hand. He dropped her. She ran into Gabrielle’s arms. “Gaby, don’t let him send me away. Please.”
“No one is going to send you away.” Gabrielle raised the katana when the Cyrillian stepped closer. “As you can see, I’m not helpless. I killed your buddy and I can kill you too if I have to.” Gabrielle bent down and hoisted Emma on her back. “Hold on tight and don’t let go,” she whispered.
“You’re pretty brave. I suppose you had to be to take on Mak. That was quite impressive. Most just take one look at him and surrender.”
“When you live in this part of the city you have to be able to protect yourself.”
“I guess you need to do that a lot given the way you look. I bet you have males trying to get between those legs of yours all the time.” He titled his head to one side. “I think my boss would really like to meet you. He might not even sell you. Keep you for himself I’m sure.”
She risked a glance to the side. There was no one. If there were anyone else with him, they would have made an appearance by now. She had to make a run for it while she had the chance.
“Sorry, I don’t have time to meet anyone right now.”
“Maybe you should make time.” He advanced towards her.
Grabbing the blade tightly, Gabrielle swung out. The Cyrillian yelped as the blade sliced through his hand. Gabrielle took off running.
Thankfully, Emma was light. Even if she weren’t, Gabrielle would run all night with Emma on her back to get away if she had to.
“Hold on tight, Emma.”
Coming up to the end of the block the rain started to fall harder. She would have to take the monorail. She couldn’t risk Emma getting soaked. Gabrielle held the katana tighter and ran over to the subway entrance. She ran down the stairs, and headed down to the trains. She pushed past an old man who was buying a pass. The android ticket taker — no more that a head and torso with short arms — stretched out its metallic hands for the train pass as Gabrielle went past.
“Excuse me,” the tinny automated voice said. “You did not show me your pass. Please show me your pass. Thank you.”
Gabrielle ignored it and kept running. It wasn’t like it could come after her anyway. And at this time of night there were no security guards. One of the reasons why most people didn’t ride the subway at night. You were on your own if there was any trouble. There was a faint rumbling coming from the tunnel. Good, a train was coming. Looking back she could see her pursuer. But someone else had joined him. Shit. Another Cyrillian. Where the hell did he come from? She was in trouble now.
Once the train stopped, Gabrielle got on and headed down the car. She set Emma down and opened the door that connected the two cars. Emma grabbed onto Gabrielle and they both walked through to the other car.
“There she is!”
Gabrielle didn’t look back, but kept walking between the cars.
“Gaby, why are they chasing us?”
She didn’t have time to explain anything right now. “Just hold on Emma, okay? I have to make sure that we get away safe.”
“But why? Did we do something bad?”
Gabrielle sighed in frustration. “Emma, listen to me. Those are bad men … we have to get away from them.”
At the last car Gabrielle walked all the way to the end and told Emma to stay put. Gabrielle bent down and kissed her sister on the forehead. She would fight until she couldn’t. If she found that she would end up dying, she would kill Emma and then herself. She’d push them both from the car. Hopefully their deaths would be quick once they hit the electrified rail.
Sorry Mom and Dad. I know you told me to take care of Emma, but I might have to go back on that promise.
The door at the other end of the subway car opened. The two Cyrillians walked up to her. She raised the weapon out in front of her. The one whose hand she had cut had wrapped a white handkerchief around his wound. The other one was bald. He gave her a smile.
“Seems like you ran out of train,” he said.
Gabrielle didn’t respond, only raised the katana higher. She stepped in front of Emma. If they came at her, Emma would be protected, somewhat.
“My name is Vtak. What’s yours?”
Was he kidding? Here she was ready to fight for her life and sister’s and this guy was asking her what her name was.
Vtak sighed. Whether in exasperation or boredom, Gabrielle wasn’t sure. He reached into his pocket. Gabrielle tensed. If he had a gun, the katana wouldn’t do her much good.
He pulled out a personal data pad and tapped the screen. Seconds later she could hear a voice come from the device. Gabrielle couldn’t quite hear what was being said as Vtak had turned his back to her. A few moments later he faced her and held up the data pad to her.
She didn’t look at it. “Am I supposed to call someone?”
“No,” a voice said from the pad. “I want to speak to you.”
Gabrielle slid her eyes over to the small screen. It took her a few seconds, but she recognized the alien on the screen. The Tellaran crime lord, Xabo. She had watched news broadcasts about him. It was rumored that he owned almost all of the city’s criminal ventures.
It was said that he had come to earth to escape punishment for his crimes on his home world. He had come to earth seeking asylum and was given it as the human government was not about to argue with any of the alien races that had taken up residence on the planet. Only too late had the government realized who he was. And Xabo made sure that he covered his tracks. The police couldn’t touch him since to date they had no direct evidence to his criminal activities. And neither the Tellaran nor Cyrillian authorities could find the evidence they needed to convict him. Mysteriously all police files on him had vanished. So he was safe.
Unfortunately, Gabrielle and Emma weren’t. When he found out that she had killed one of his thugs, she knew she was dead.
“I don’t want to talk to you. I want you to call off your thugs and leave me and my sister alone.”
“I was told that you took out one of my thugs as you put it. My enforcer. I paid a lot for his services.”
“Well, it wasn’t money well spent. He wasn’t very good. And he was asking for it.”
“Well, I have no way of verifying that. I sent him there to do a job and you prevented that.”
“I don’t see how. It looked like you sent him to take care of Mr. Lee and he did. Mr. Lee is dead. You can do whatever the hell you plan to do now. There’s no one to stop you. So you can just let me and my sister go. You let us go and you will never see us again.”
Which was true. But now they really had nowhere to go. They hadn’t even had time to pack their meager belongings.
“Tempting offer, but I cannot do that. You cost me an employee. An expensive one at that. He was one of my best hired guns. Given the way crime is on this planet, one cannot be too careful. It is even worse than on my home planet.” He grinned. “Well, I suppose I could just get myself a cyborg. They are becoming increasingly popular. Or maybe I should make you pay for it. What do you think? Fair? You did cost me an employee and it is only fair that you replace him.” His yellow eyes were like flames as he looked her over. Gabrielle felt her skin crawl.
“With what? Do I look like I have money?”
“No, you do not. But I have an idea how you can repay me.”
She could only guess what his idea was.
He laughed, surprising her. “From your expression I think I know what you think I have in mind. But I was not thinking that. At least not right now.”
“So then what? You’re going to kill us?”
“Kill you? No, no. I have a proposition for you.”
“What?”
“A proposition. A deal.”
“Which is?” This she had to hear. She couldn’t possibly fathom what this alien could offer her. It would be something that she had no interest in she was sure.
“I like to discuss certain things in person. And from what Vtak has told me, you could use a nice warm place to stay for the night. It can get cold if you are outside at night. You would not want your little sister to get sick, would you? I am surprised that section of the city was not condemned a long time ago. It should have been. Highest crime rate, pollution and the gang activity there is just terrible. Not a place for someone and her younger sister I would think.”
“I heard a rumor that it is going to be rebuilt.”
“Not a rumor. I will be responsible for that. I am going to rebuild Old Toronto. I rather like the city. A shame that it has gotten so run down. When I first emigrated here from the Tellaran home world, Old Toronto was the first place I lived. It is the least I could do.”
“Is that why you wanted Mr. Lee out?”
“Yes.”
So it was probably Xabo’s men who had been burning down the buildings and terrorizing everyone. The attacks did seem too organized to be just random gangs causing grief.
“But what about the people who live there? Are you going to just throw them out?”
“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “I cannot rebuild the community if people are living there. Of course if they can afford to live in the new community then they are welcome to move back in. I am not partial to who lives on my property as long as they pay the rent. You are shivering. Cold?”
She was, but Gabrielle refused to confirm it by answering.
“What about your little sister? She looks cold.”
Gabrielle turned to Emma. Her clothes were wet and she was shivering. Gabrielle cursed silently. If she didn’t get Emma somewhere warm, she would get sick. Gabrielle had no money for medicine.
She turned back around. “Okay, what is your proposition?”
“I believe I said that I like to discuss things like that in person.”
“I’m not being yours or anyone else’s whore and you’re not putting my sister in an orphanage. And neither of us is being sold to anyone either. If that’s your plan then you’re wasting your time. I will fight your guys instead.”
“You may be killed.”
“I’ll do what I have to do. I took out your hit man. So if these guys aren’t as good as he was then I shouldn’t have that much trouble with them.”
“My, you are brave.”
She shrugged.
He nodded. Whether in approval or in agreement, she didn’t know.
“Well, I would hate to see someone as skilled as you are with that weapon die needlessly. And I do not want to lose any more of my employees. We should discuss this. I promise that it will be to your advantage and your sister’s. You do want to take care of her, do you not?”
Gabrielle didn’t like how he was using her guilt towards Emma against her. But at the same time, she knew that there was a chance that she would end up dead. And did she have any right to end her sister’s life? Gabrielle turned to look back at her sister. Gabrielle took off her jacket and wrapped Emma in it.
“Gaby, I’m cold,” she whined. “And I want my soup.”
“Your reply?” Xabo asked behind her.
She blew out a frustrated breath.
“All right. But remember what I said. I’m not a whore and my sister stays with me or you’ll see just how skilled I am with this blade.”
“Duly noted. Vtak take care of … I am sorry I do not know your name.”
“It’s Gabrielle and this is Emma.”
“Gabrielle. I like that. See you both soon, Gabrielle.” The image flickered off the small screen.
Emma tugged on Gabrielle’s sleeve. “Do we have to go with the bad men?”
“Yeah, we have to, for now. But don’t worry I will keep you safe,” she said and took her little sister by the hand.
Even if she had to kill Xabo and everyone that worked for him, Gabrielle would do it to keep her little sister safe.
Chapter Three
Vtak nodded to Gabrielle when the train stopped at the next station to indicate for her to exit. She and Emma exited the car. Vtak held her elbow, not too tightly and accessed his data pad again. He spoke for a few minutes and then led her out of the station with the other Cyrillian behind her. They stood waiting under the small awning over the entrance until a large black shuttle came silently down the empty street. At least it had stopped raining. Vtak stepped back to let them in first when the door slid open. When he reached out to take the katana, Gabrielle hesitated.
“I’ll make sure that it’s taken care of.”
Gabrielle reluctantly gave it to him. Besides she couldn’t hold onto Emma and use it. Vtak held on to it and helped her and Emma into the back seat. He got in beside her. The other alien had gone over to the other side of the shuttle.
“Xabo’s home,” Vtak told the driver. He turned to a small compartment and opened it. He took out a soft looking blanket and handed it to Gabrielle. “Here, to keep you warm.”
Startled, it was a few seconds before Gabrielle registered the gesture. She took the blanket, but wrapped it around Emma instead.
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
Gabrielle pulled Emma into her lap. Soon Emma was asleep. Gabrielle was exhausted, but she didn’t dare sleep. She didn’t trust these aliens. Gabrielle felt sick and weak from anger and guilt. She knew that she would regret going with these men. She knew that she would regret it for a long time if not for the rest of her life. But what could she do?
“How long have you been using that blade?” Vtak asked.
“Four years.”
“No shit. That’s all? And you cut down Mak like that? Damn, you’re pretty good. He was one of the better fighters Xabo had — or so I was lead to believe.”
She snorted. “Didn’t seem that way to me. If he was the best fighter there was no way I could have killed him.”
“True. Or maybe he was just taken off guard because you are female — and human.”
“You should never underestimate your opponent. That’s how you end up dead.”
That was the first lesson Mr. Lee had taught her. She fought back the tears when the image of his dead body came to her mind.
“You know human martial arts too?” Vtak asked.
She nodded.
“Me too. I have always found human martial arts a very impressive fighting form. I like jujutsu myself. What do you know?”
“I know judo and karate.” She gave him a sideways glance. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
The big alien gave her a smile. “The boss said to take care of you. And that’s what I’m doing. I’m not so bad. I can be very helpful to you. You and I become friends and things can go very well for you.”
Yeah right. What kind of friendship are you talking about I wonder?
“What if he told you to kill me and my sister?”
“Then I would have,” he said flatly. “He’s the boss. I do what he tells me. That’s what he pays me to do. To do what he says. It would be nothing personal of course. What happened to your parents?”
“An alien virus killed them.”
“They died? Why? Medicines were made available from the alien medical community. Didn’t they get the medication? Both the Tellaran and Cyrillian medical labs made them available. It was being sold at all the medical clinics. Your parents didn’t have to die.”
“Very few of the clinics where we lived had the medication and the ones that did, charged through the nose for it. My parents used what little money they had to give me and sister the meds so we wouldn’t get sick. They couldn’t afford enough for all of us. So they died. Maybe if the medication hadn’t been so expensive then more people would have survived. The government should have offered it for free considering that it might be an ongoing problem. But only the rich who get sick survive. Everyone else just has to wait around until they die or watch members of their family die.”
“The medication is affordable, Gabrielle. If your human government decided to profit from it who’s to blame? Those who provided it or those who distributed it?”
Gabrielle had to admit that what he said made sense, but didn’t tell him that. Instead, she yawned and closed her eyes. She didn’t want to talk any more. She didn’t like the way these two aliens were trying to get all chummy with her. She was sure it was just all an act to get her to trust them. From this point on, she would trust no one. She and Emma might be safer that way.
Gabrielle turned and looked out the window. She could barely make out the scenery outside the window. And it had started raining again. She could no longer see the tall buildings of the city. Wherever Xabo’s home was it wasn’t nearby.
Gabrielle turned away from the window and laid her head back. She was suddenly so tired. Whether from her fight with Mak or the stress from the whole situation she didn’t know. She just knew that her whole body ached and she wanted to sleep, but dared not to.
But despite not wanting too, Gabrielle did fall asleep.
She bolted awake when Vtak gently shook her.
“We’re here,” he said. He helped her out of the shuttle.
Gabrielle stood there awestruck. Xabo’s home looked like a small hotel. She had never seen a house so big in her life. Bright lights illuminated the grounds, showing off the well - tended lawns and flowerbeds. No flowers as yet since it was still a little too cold, but the amount of shrubbery told Gabrielle that this garden had to be gorgeous in the summer. All the windows were large and shuttered. It was probably beautiful on a summer afternoon when the sunlight came in through the windows.
She couldn’t see what color the brick was, but it was light colored. Maybe a light tan or beige. The roof was flat with a railing that looked like it went around the circumference of it. Some kind of sun deck Gabrielle guessed. Vtak gently urged her forward. She stumbled a little with the weight of her sister.
He reached out a hand to catch her. “I could carry her if you’d like.”
She held onto Emma tighter. “No, that’s okay. Are we in a human community?”
“No, a Cyrillian one.”
“I thought Cyrillians didn’t want anyone but their own kind in their communities,” she muttered.
“They don’t. But our boss garners a certain amount of … respect if you will.”
Gabrielle figured as much.
“After you,” Vtak said, gesturing to Gabrielle to go up the front steps.
Gabrielle walked up to the steps and waited while Vtak rang the bell. She looked around for her second escort, but he was nowhere to be seen.
“He had other things to attend to,” Vtak said, as if reading her mind.
The door opened. A small elderly human opened the door wider and let her and Vtak through. He dressed like a typical butler: black suit and white shirt. A halo of fluffy white hair surrounded his head. He gave her a warm smile. Gabrielle found herself liking him instantly despite her resolve to trust no one.
“Mr. Xabo is waiting for you in his office,” the butler greeted.
“Follow Charles, he’ll take you to see the boss.” Vtak smiled at her and then headed down the long hallway.
“If you would follow me, Miss Gabrielle.”
Gabrielle followed Charles down an oak paneled hallway until he stopped in front of large door and knocked. He opened the door for her and then gestured for her to go in. She walked in slowly.
Gabrielle took in the large spacious office. Framed pictures of alien nature scenes and animals graced the walls. A glass and steel desk sat in the middle in front of a large picture window. Because it was night she couldn’t see where it looked out onto. Probably a nice view. The carpet was dark blue and very plush. The couches and arm chairs were all black leather.
“Hello, Gabrielle.”
She looked towards the voice. It was soft, but there was an underlying harshness that Gabrielle knew spoke volumes of someone who was used to getting what they wanted and doing whatever it took to get it. He was quite tall for a Tellaran. His green black scales looked metallic in the soft light. The long dark brown tunic brushed the carpet. His yellow eyes didn’t seem as cold as they did on the data pad screen. He gave her a toothy smile.
“Well, are you not going to say something?” he asked in English.
“What would you like me to say?”
“Hello might be nice.”
“Hello,” she obliged.
He nodded to Emma in her arms. “Is she not heavy?”
She shook her head. “So what’s your proposition? You need a maid or something? I don’t mind cleaning your house if that’s what you need.”
He came around from behind his desk. His tail swished behind him. She eyed it warily.
“Can you speak Tellaran?”
She shook her head. Better to let him think that she didn’t.
“I will have to have a tutor brought in for you.”
A tutor? Why the hell would he do that, she wondered. What the hell did this alien want?
“As for your query, no, I do not need a maid. How about we talk about this over the morning meal? You look tired and worn out. I am sure your little sister would be more comfortable in a soft bed. I had Charles prepare a room for the both of you. I can have him prepare you something to eat as well. Have you had eaten yet?”
Confused, bewildered and tired, Gabrielle didn’t know what to say. She was trapped for now that much she knew. But what the hell did this alien want with her? She looked at him. He stood there calmly watching her waiting for her answer.
“All right. We’ll talk in the morning. But what happens if I don’t accept your offer?”
He clasped his hands in front of him. “You killed one of my employees.”
“It was self - defense. He was going to rape me.”
“I only have your word on that. Though knowing Mak, it is possible that you are telling the truth. Raping human females seemed to be a favorite past time of his.”
“And he was attacking Mr. Lee. He had already shot him once. I couldn’t just stand by and watch Mr. Lee be killed. I had to do something.”
“You could have gotten the hell out of there is what you could have done instead of getting involved. The business I had with Lee did not concern you. And Lee is still dead despite your valiant efforts. I am sure you realize that I could have had you killed. But I am not in the habit of killing anyone needlessly. He owed me money. He borrowed money from me to open that martial arts studio and to keep it open. I had been very generous with him. He had ten years to pay. He said that he could not in the timeframe that I had given him. I said fine, but then he would have to leave.”
That was another thing she hadn’t known. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that there were a lot of things going on with Mr. Lee that she didn’t know about. True, he wasn’t the most talkative person, but he never really spoke about his family. She hadn’t even known if he had any. Even when she asked him about how he was able to keep his business going when the others closed down once the reconstruction started, he always steered the conversation into another direction. Now she knew why. Maybe that’s why he hadn’t fought back because he knew that it would have been useless.
“So you sent your men to evict him?”
“Exactly. I was being very generous as I said. I had even given him a year to leave. I suppose he could not leave because he had you and your sister there. I suppose he did not want to leave you both out on the street.”
Is that why Mr. Lee stayed there even though he knew that he would get in trouble? Because her and Emma were there and were dependant on him? Then that meant she and Emma had been partly responsible for his death.