Slow Burn Dark by A B Keuser

Author:A B Keuser
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: BSP
Published: 2020-03-28T04:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Three- Sophia

“I don’t like it.” Banks said as they stepped through the doors to Senior Colari Harris’ office.

“When have you ever liked anything involving a politician?”

He didn’t say anything else as a familiar face peeked out of the office and then, Paige joined them.

In the official Colarium uniform, her rank pins marking her as a commander, Paige looked like a completely different woman. Without a wig, her closely shaved head and the deadblock behind her right ear drew Sophia’s distracted attention.

“Sophia,” she said, holding out her hand as though they were old friends, and pulling her into a hug once she’d taken it… as if they were possibly something more than friends. “I’m so glad you’ve decided to work with us.”

She smiled instead of mentioning that she didn’t have much of a choice.

“I have a problem, you led me to believe that Senior Colari Harris might be willing to come to a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

Paige didn’t smile. Her expression was so flat, Sophia couldn’t decide if she was still present. She didn’t know the full capabilities of a neural circuitry pack.

“I think we can work that out.” Blinking as though to clear away dust from her eyes, Paige asked. “What can we do for you?”

Banks grumbled and muttered under his breath, “If you do this, he will own you.”

If she didn’t do this, her brother would be dead. “I need a folder, and possibly a pardon.”

After a momentary pause, Paige’s lips slowly curved into a smile. “Are you planning to commit treason?”

“It’s not for me.”

Paige’s gaze slid to Banks, and Sophia let her think it.

She wouldn’t say anything against him if he denied it, but she knew he wouldn’t. So long as neither of them admitted to anything, there was nothing that Paige or her boss could do… legally.

“I’ll agree to that, on Harris’ behalf. But I need to know where you’re going.”

Clenching her jaw, Sophia considered her options. She could refuse and lose any hope for cooperation. She could lie, but the folder would report the deviation from their stated destination. She could ask for a blind eye. Or….

“My brother is on Sukiyaki attempting to claim a bounty I did not approve for collection. I did not, and still do not, believe it to be legitimate.”

Paige smiled, a mere twitch of her lips. “The man with the necklace scar.”

“One and the same.”

“Who is he?”

“No idea.” She’d practiced that lie. “I didn’t bother to look into it beyond the fact my brother has gotten himself into trouble and I need to pull him out of it. Sadly, that’s a common occurrence.”

If Paige knew she was lying, she didn’t show anything beyond her sliding glance to Banks. Maybe she thought he knew more than she did.

“I’ll have a folder sent to your private hangar. As soon as I can get the request through, you’ll be able to leave. I’ll clear you for immediate departure. When your pilot asks, you’ll have the next slot.” Paige glanced toward the door she’d come through.

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