“I’m good. I can do it. I don’t want to owe any Murtagh, even Declan.”

I stopped pacing to sit in front of him. I gave him a long look, hopefully conveying how full of bullshit he was.

“We’ve both been taking extra flight lessons,” he said. “You’re better than me. I swear you could do it in your sleep. And if you can, then that means I have a real shot, too. I’m telling you, it’s not impossible. The only reason people keep dying during the runs is because they’re a bunch of morons.”

“You’re making my point for me. Anyone who signs up for runs to Apollyon is a moron. And if you do it? You’re just as fucking stupid as they are.” I huffed a laugh that had no humor in it. The guy was living in a land of delusion if he really believed that he could pull off all five mining runs. “This is stupid. I can’t believe we’re arguing about this. We need to find a way to get in touch with Declan. He’s the key.”

“Okay.” He used the same tone I’d use to pacify Mom.

Arguing with him when he was like this would do no good, so I dropped it. For now. We had bigger problems to deal with first.

“What’s the plan? How do we find him?” he asked after a second.

“I don’t know. I can’t figure out a way to contact him. I should’ve asked for a secure number or messenger or something. A guy like that has to have one. He called Lorne for chrissakes.” Why didn’t I think about getting his number? “I guess the plan is to stay away from SpaceTech long enough for him to find us. He said he’d be watching, but what if he somehow missed what happened? How will he find me?” It was hard for me to think past what’d happened. What Murtagh said to me—asking me if I knew any Aunare and that they’d like a girl who looked like me—made me think he knew exactly who I was.

“What? What are you thinking right now?”

I looked up at Roan. “Jason Murtagh was asking the strangest questions. And when I wouldn’t answer them, it’s like he wanted me to act out. He was grinning when he grabbed my arm hard enough to hurt and wouldn’t let go.” I looked away from Roan. “He thought it was funny when he stuck his hand in my underwear,” I said quietly.

“Jesus, Maité.” His words were harsh in the quiet of the depot. He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him. “He stuck his hand in your fucking underwear?”

The revulsion was back, and I stepped away from Roan. “That’s why I broke his face.”