Her Scandalous Affair by KS Augustin

Author:KS Augustin [Augustin, KS]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: SF Romance, Older Woman, Sweet, Ageism, Sexism, Developing Planets, Philosopher Heroine, Multicultural
Publisher: Challis Tower
Published: 2016-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

She needed to get in shape.

And since when did a ninety-three-year-old woman worry about her shape?

Out of breath, Van reached Eton's quarters minutes before Lak and Blen were due to arrive. As she entered the dining room, she saw Eton, sitting still, his head in his hands. He looked up at the sound of her footsteps and, although his smile was warm and welcoming, it didn't mask the worry and sadness etched on his face.

“I'm sorry,” she said. “I went for a walk and met a friend, and...”

“I know. Friends are important.”

Van looked down at the pack in her hands. “I brought you something but I don't know if we'll have time to enjoy it. Let's keep it for after the meeting.”

“With the governor?”

“Yes.”

As if on cue, a chime sounded through the set of rooms. Frowning, Van looked around. “What is that?”

Eton pointed down the corridor. “Door.”

Of course. There must be provision for the odd visitor. She'd just never heard the sound before.

“Wait here,” she said.

Eton nodded and leaned back in his chair. The look on his face was inscrutable. Van cast one dubious glance his way, then headed for the door.

When it slid open, she saw Blen and Lak on the threshold.

“Are you ready, Van?” Blen asked. “I thought it best to, er, formally announce our arrival.”

Remembering what had happened when Blen had walked in, Van could only nod.

“Come in,” she said, stepping aside.

Lak looked around as she strode down the corridor. “You're certainly not spending the grant money on interior design, are you?”

Blen grimaced but kept his voice light. “Most of the expense goes to guards, maintenance staff and catering.” He lowered his tone, directing his next statement to Van alone. “According to what I'm getting charged, you'd think the price of a bunch of vegetables is on par with an autonomous assembly unit.”

Van smiled but said nothing.

“So this is our kidnap victim.” Lak's voice, already loud and commanding, boomed through the room. Van hurried up to Lak's side just as Eton rose from the table.

“I can see why you've been keeping him a secret, Philosopher Motaff.” Lak flashed her a quick smile. She stepped forward and held out a hand. “How do you do. My name's Fiolla Lak. I'm governor of this region of Rahfon.”

Eton walked around the table, took her hand and shook it. There was a subtle curve to Eton's lips, but Van didn't know how to interpret it.

“Perhaps we should sit down.” Van gestured to the learning alcove. “The dining table looks too bright and uncomfortable. Why don't we settle here? Take the opportunity to get acquainted.”

The four of them sat. Stared at each other.

“Philosopher Motaff has been telling me about how your restoration is going,” Lak said.

“Philosopher Motaff. Smart woman.” Eton was laconic.

Lak looked at Van. “Does he understand what I'm saying to him? Can we discuss the situation so he'll comprehend what's going on?”

Out of the corner of her eye, Van saw lines of tension form around Eton's mouth. His smile had disappeared.

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