The Pawn by Kate Sherwood

Author:Kate Sherwood
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2013-02-17T17:25:54+00:00

Chapter 12

REMY wasn’t too surprised when he received the summons the next day. Baryman wanted to see him. At least it wasn’t the security forces. Baryman punished, but he didn’t usually interrogate during the process, so hopefully Challoner’s secret was safe.

Remy thought about taking the pills anyway. Five or six, and it would all be over. No more worries, no more fear. He could practically see that bitch of a chicken staring at him, waiting to see what he was going to do. Prepared to judge him if he took the easy way out.

So he shoved the envelope down deep in his pocket and obediently headed for the shuttle pad. Mr. Baryman didn’t like to be kept waiting.

A short shuttle hop, the long hallway to the office, and Remy forced himself to lift his hand and knock. “David Stone to see Mr. Baryman,” he said, and his voice was level.

It was the usual group of men in front of the desk, but Remy didn’t acknowledge them. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Mr. Baryman, but I was told you wanted to see me.”

“Always so polite, David. So fucking careful. I trained you well.” Baryman stood up and stalked around the desk. The men hurriedly moved their chairs out of the way. Baryman had been one of them, a goon serving a big man, until his brutality and cunning had made him the big man himself. They knew what he was and respected him for it. Baryman ignored them, his gaze still locked on Remy’s. He stopped when he was only inches away and ran the back of his hand over Remy’s cheekbones. It would have felt loving if Remy hadn’t been staring into Baryman’s cold eyes.

“Challoner wants to walk away,” Baryman finally said. “I got the message this morning, from his lawyers. He says I’m asking too much, and he’s losing interest anyway.” He turned his hand around so that it gripped Remy’s jaw. Still gently, for now, but the strength and the threat was clear. “I’m not pleased about that.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Baryman. Is there anything I can do?”

“You could have done a better job in the first fucking place,” Baryman snarled, and his grip turned into a hard, angry push against Remy’s chin.

Remy had good balance, and he hadn’t taken a pill since the previous afternoon; he could have caught himself if he’d tried. But he fell instead, sprawled on the floor and tried to look defenseless. “I’m sorry,” he said again.

He expected the kick. Hard and sharp, but to the muscle of his thigh instead of some more vulnerable part; Baryman was still in control of himself, willing to cause pain but not exploding into the rage that could cause serious damage. “I want him to want you,” Baryman growled, and he found the same spot on Remy’s leg with another kick, and another. Remy’s thigh muscles spasmed and screamed in protest but he didn’t try to get away.

Baryman stopped kicking and stared down at Remy. “I’ve got people on the comm with him right now.

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