I needed that reminder that the people he’d brought with him were his underlings, not his friends. “Let them know. I’m going to get us ready to fly.”

Chapter Thirteen

Lexi found me on the bridge while I was running our prelaunch checks. She slid into the operations terminal like she’d never left.

“So, Torran Fletcher,” she said at last. “I never thought I’d see the day when you voluntarily worked for a Valovian general.”

I glanced over my shoulder. The door to the bridge was closed, so our conversation would be private enough. “I never thought so, either, but his money spends as well as anyone else’s. And he’s offering a lot of it.”

Lexi laughed. “Kee already confessed that she talked you into it.”

“She did,” I agreed, “but it was the right call. And now we get to spend a few weeks with you. How have you been, Lex, truly?”

Her smile turned brittle around the edges. “This last job was a lot. The client was a real piece of work, but, as you said, the credits spend the same.”

“Some money is not worth making,” I said gently. “If you ever need us, we’ll always be there for you. And you can join us whenever you need to escape. You know that, right?”

Her expression warmed into fond affection. “I know,” she said quietly. “And I love you for it.” She waved a hand. “Overall, business is good, and I’m happy. This last job just got to me. But now I get to hang out with you and Eli and Kee for a few weeks while milking a Valovian general out of some of his ill-gotten gains. Has he given you any details?”

“Yes. Over a week ago, a group of four or more humans stole an heirloom ring from his house on Valovia.” A thought occurred and I looked her over. “You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

She laughed lightly. “I’m reckless, but not that reckless. I haven’t been to Valovia in six months.” Her amusement died. “And I wouldn’t be going back if it wasn’t a personal favor for you.”

“Is there something I need to know?”

“No. I met someone interesting, but he stole my job and left me sitting alone in a hotel bar like a dumbass.” Her mouth twisted into a bitter line. “Lesson learned.”

My eyebrows rose. “Someone got the better of you?”

“There’s a reason I was in the bar,” she said with a self-deprecating grimace.

“I’m sorry.”

She waved off my concern. “Has Kee found anything?”

“No. She’s hoping for better results when we get to Valovia. General Fletcher is keeping it quiet, so there’s not too much information to be found yet.”