Salvage Rat by Larry N. Martin

Author:Larry N. Martin [Martin, Larry N.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Worldbuilders Press
Published: 2018-09-19T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

“Liddy?” Wyatt wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or furious as the over-sized goons escorted him and Beth into Liddy’s private office. The remarkably tasteful decor took Wyatt by surprise. It could have been the den of any business leader or industry heavyweight. Landscape panels on the walls made it appear as if the office looked out on the best views of a dozen worlds with their high resolution, constantly shifting panoramas. Well-appointed furnishings sourced from across the system gave an impression of refinement and wealth.

Miss Liddy sat behind a heavily inlaid wooden desk that by itself must have cost a fortune, and leaned back in a leather hover-chair of equal expense. A partially empty bottle of good brandy sat to one side of the desk, and Liddy cradled an antique crystal goblet that might have been worth a working man’s wages for a year.

“Hello, Wyatt, Beth. Weren’t expecting me, were you?” Liddy’s triumphant grin made gloating redundant.

“Thanks, I think,” Beth said, glancing between Liddy and Wyatt.

“You don’t have to thank her,” Wyatt growled. “We’re going pay for it.”

Beth shot him an annoyed glare. “Considering the alternatives, owing Liddy beats what the other guys had in mind for us.”

“Are you sure?” Wyatt turned a withering look on Liddy. “All right. Now that we’re in your debt, and I’m sure you have a credit value for exactly how much, what do you need us to do to work it off? Can’t believe you took grief from other pirates.”

Liddy laughed, a deep belly laugh that might have been as close to joy as the pirate leader ever came. “Always know right where I stand with you, Wyatt. I like that. It’s a rare thing. And your new partner has manners. That’s a nice change.” She lingered a beat too long on the word “partner,” enough to make implications, and Beth’s eyes narrowed.

“Business partner,” Beth snapped.

Laughter never left Liddy’s eyes. “It’s always business, child. Don’t ever forget that and you’ll be okay. Speaking of which, they didn’t hurt you did they, Wyatt?”

“No, Liddy. Other than whatever they used to take us out.”

“And I take shit from no one. You should know that. Galan and his crew aren’t going to be causing problems for me or anyone else. I don’t leave loose ends,” Liddy responded; her raspy, whiskey voice making it sound even more final.

“So come on, spill,” Wyatt said. “The sooner we know what we owe you, the sooner we can start paying it off. I suppose I owe you for taking out the pirates too.”

“Always in a hurry to be on your way,” Liddy reproved. “With everyone who’s out for your blood, you might think of this as a little vacation. This far out into the Fringe, having people know you belong to me, however, temporarily, will make them think twice about trying to blow you out of the sky. You know I like that… Wyatt McCoy belonging to me…sort of has a nice ring to it. Don’t you think, Wyatt?”

“Please, Liddy.

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