“What do you want me to say?” Reardon asked curtly. “Yes, that was a spectacular run. Yes, Nightshade will have difficulty coming close to that speed. But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up. Anything can happen in a horse race.” His eyes were narrowed on Masenak. “And is that why you staged this little preview? To remind me there might be other options available?”

“It could be. I’ll discuss it with you later.” He reached out and touched Sasha’s hair. “But you said you wanted to talk to my jockey. You see, she can be presentable.”

“More than presentable. She was exciting on the back of that monster of a horse.” He was gazing at Sasha. “How did it feel?”

There was something almost sensual in his tone that made her uncomfortable. “He’s very smooth.”

“But rough, too,” he said softly. “I bet you’d like it rough.”

“No.” She suddenly wanted to get away. It was ironic she was glancing at Masenak, seeking escape. “I should get back to Chaos. Do you need me for anything else?”

He shook his head. “I think Reardon is finished with you for right now.” He looked at Reardon. “Yes?”

“For the moment.” He spoke directly to Sasha. “Run along, I’ll see you soon.”

She broke away from Masenak and strode back toward Chaos. She didn’t like anything that had gone on in the past few moments. Masenak’s attitude toward Reardon had been a combination of smug satisfaction and a kind of eager subservience. She didn’t like this change. She preferred the arrogance and half-bitter excitement of the first call, when there had been conflict on the horizon. There had been an element of kowtowing in Masenak’s attitude today.

And she hated the way he’d deferred to Reardon in his attitude toward her just now. After Szarnar, she knew all the signs of lust, and she’d seen it in Reardon. Whatever new deal Masenak might be offering Reardon, she couldn’t be certain she wouldn’t be offered as part of it.

But Reardon wasn’t due here at Jubaldar for another three days. Perhaps Alisa could get her out of here before she had to face the looming problem.

Perhaps.

*  *  *

Atlas Mountains
10:35 A.M.

“Wait for me!”

Korgan looked behind him to see Alisa striding from the road toward the bank of pines where they’d parked the Land Rover. “Something wrong? Why didn’t you call me?”

“Because there was nothing wrong. I was just on the phone and got a late start. I knew I’d catch up with you.” She got into the passenger seat. “And I did.”

“But you didn’t mention that you intended to come with me. I would have waited.” He made a face. “Though I don’t know why you’re coming. It should be a boring trip. Negotiating with those council members will cause your eyes to glaze over.”