Dek said, “That’s Charlotte, Chad’s valet. And yes, just because she looks like a holovid wet dream, she’s just as deadly as Ednund, and as competent. Keep in mind, none of the families would have sent these people if they weren’t capable, clever, and important. Turalon and Ashanti tantalized the families with what was at stake on Donovan. Kalico got Soukup. We got my sister, Cinque, Chad, and Bad Bart in return. From here on out, the game gets started in earnest.”

“What does that mean?” Talina asked, the expression on her face leading Dek to think that, in her imagination, she was beating the snot out of Chad Grunnel.

“Means we’re going to have to be careful from here on out.”

“What did you do with the colonel?” Talina asked.

“Wheeled him out to that shuttle on Fred Han Chow’s cart after you started your lecture. He’s still hungover, high on the pharma I gave him, and really messed up after the beating Step and the rest gave him in The Jewel. In fact . . .”

Dek stopped as a roar built, grew to the point that it overwhelmed talk in the cafeteria, and slowly faded. “Ah, yes, I’d say he’s on his way to Turalon’s med bay for treatment. Wiring the guy’s jaw will be first on their list. The broken ribs will heal over the next couple of months.”

“And now,” Shig’s voice carried over the fading sound of the shuttle’s thrusters, “if you will follow your guides, we will escort you to your places of lodging. It is my understanding that Supervisor Aguila has taken the liberty of delivering enough currency to cover your immediate expenses during your stay in Port Authority. And, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. You will find our people most helpful.”

Dek laid his spoon down, saying, “There’s my cue.”

Talina gave him a twisted grin. “You’re really going to do this?”

“Damn straight,” Dek told her, rising. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“If pretty boy, over there, kills you, I’m going to rip his lungs out and use them to beat him to death in front of your sister,” Talina promised.

“Want to come?” Kylee asked. “Should be quite a show.”

“Sorry,” Talina told her. “I’ve got quetzals somewhere close by out in the bush. Given my choice of dangerous monsters, I’ll take my chances with Whitey and his pack of killers.”

“Coward,” Dek muttered.

“Smart,” Talina noted, bending down to kiss him on the lips. “Be careful.”

“You, too.”

Chapter 26

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