Mongrels United by Tracy Cooper-Posey

Author:Tracy Cooper-Posey [Cooper-Posey, Tracy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stories Rule Press Inc.
Published: 2013-07-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

After a near-sleepless night, Grady rose ridiculously early, dressed and ate a simple breakfast that she didn’t want, but she choked down every mouthful, anyway. She would need the calories before the day was through.

Kailash was not up and probably wouldn’t be for hours, so she left him a note, congratulating him and the team on being recognized by the audience last night, and commiserating on the near-win.

Then she headed for the bridge, intending to immerse herself in all the work she had been putting aside to deal with the Bellish. She had to leave the matter in Nash’s hands, let him talk to the people who had been alive back when Nash was a child, to see what they might know. And she was content to put her trust in Nash—in this matter, at least. He was as interested as her in stamping out Bellish.

She knew she would have to concentrate heavily to remain focused upon her work, today.

That stupid kiss! What had she been thinking?

Even recalling it made her body thud with heavy expectancy, which annoyed her. She was supposed to be a professional, her behavior and actions immune from simple biological needs.

She had abandoned that restraint last night.

I want you too much.

His voice echoed in her memory and her body thrilled at the recall.

By the time she reached the bridge, Grady was in a rare foul mood. A message from the hospital where her father was informed her in stiff formal phrases that there had been no change in his condition, which did nothing to improve her temper.

She buried herself in a review of open projects, to catch up on any progress made in her absence, then began prioritizing next steps, and delegating them to the appropriate people.

It was all familiar work, and her emotions settled and her usual demeanor reasserted itself. The office filled with people as the normal workday began. The work was absorbing and interesting, even the routine, recurring tasks, which all impacted the ship and everyone on it.

How could anyone not like such meaningful work?

Grady was on the verge of taking a break when Jackalyn Westcott moved into the suite and headed for Grady with a grim expression.

Grady met her halfway along the big table and raised her brow. “Uh-oh…?”

Westcott’s unhappy expression intensified. “It’s good and bad,” she said simply.

Grady didn’t hide much from her staff. She had learned that morale increased when they felt they were involved in significant work. So she didn’t pull Jack aside or lower her voice. “Tell me.”

“We found who is responsible for the attack on your father,” Jack said, not lowering her voice, either.

Grady could feel the attention around the big table swivel to her and Jack. Voices trailed off.

“Who?” Grady asked, fighting to keep her tone even, despite her heart jumping and her gut clenching.

Jack sighed. “You ain’t gonna like this, Grady.”

“I haven’t liked any of it, since I knew he’d been attacked. Tell me.”

Jack’s lips thinned. “Vasanta Berggren.”

Everyone at the table behind Grady gasped, as she whirled to look at Vasanta at the big table.

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