“And if you’re not on that shuttle, soft meat,” Kylee added from the dark, “Flute and I promise no one will ever know what happened to you.”

“It’s only two years on Turalon,” Falise added. “I promise you Taglioni support upon our return. Suharto could do worse when it comes to an alliance regarding Donovan.”

Cinque sucked a deep breath. “Well played, Falise. After your arrival here, you seemed so inept, we discounted you. You won’t have to stab me with that knife you’re holding. I will be on that shuttle.” He chuckled. “And I will have you for a companion.”

“You don’t even like me.”

Cinque shrugged, turned to look out at the shuttle. “I don’t have to like you. But as tonight proves, you always make things interesting.”

Epilogue

  EPILOGUE  

As the last shuttle vanished into the afternoon sky, Dek, Talina, Kalico, and Shig stood by the fence and listened to the fading roar until it merged with the chime and finally vanished. Around them, the shuttle field was a flurry of action as Pamlico Jones directed his collection of forklifts and loaders in their hurry to get the latest batch of cargo containers stacked before dark. It didn’t matter that Flute and Kylee had lured Whitey and two of his lineage into the open; there were always more quetzals.

“Think she’ll be all right?” Talina asked, her brown fingers laced into the chain link.

“Falise can handle it.” Dek shifted, resettling his hat. “She found something here that she didn’t know she was missing. Having put it in place, I think she’ll be a stronger asset for the family. Smarter and more competent. Something tells me that old Claudio is due for a rude awakening when his wayward daughter finally makes it home.”

“What about Soukup’s untimely demise?” Shig asked. “Surely there will be those on the Board who will try and use that against her.”

“Of course they will,” Kalico told him. “It’s the Board. I’d rather be up to my ass in mobbers.”

“If my father, Uncle Miko, and Falise can’t handle a simple case of retribution after a display of cowardice comparable to Soukup’s?” Dek chuckled. “Well, they wouldn’t deserve to be called Taglionis.”

Talina pushed back from the fence, gave Dek a knowing look. “Meeting your sister? Fascinating insight into your family.”

“Now you know why I prefer my lineage,” Dek told her, turning. “Speaking of which, by now Kylee’s just about made it to Mundo. She and Flute are going to give it a look over. Step flew them down.”

“What do Su and the kids think about that?” Shig asked as they started back for the avenue. “It is family property.”