Confidence Game

By Britt Ringel

In every game, someone draws the short straw.

As a smuggler and con man, Reece Lochlain has always taken care of himself first. When the captain of his latest ship gets busted and everyone but Lochlain takes the fall, he does what he’s always done, looks after himself and moves on to the next scheme. But how can he move on when an entire criminal ring blames him for the bust and is hungry for payback? Running from a corporate-controlled system is rarely wise but running with one of Appiation Unlimited’s infiltration experts by his side could very well be suicide.

Out of money, out of contacts and out of time, Lochlain is desperate to escape and start fresh somewhere new. CSV Zanshin, though old, looks to be a sturdy ship, and Lochlain can get her for a steal. With an entire star system after him, he jumps at the chance to stay one step ahead and sails the aging cargo vessel from her graveyard orbit. He’s confident he can get away if he can find the right crew.

But Zanshin seems to have her own ideas. She’s far from her original home and has a haunting story to tell, one that could risk the lives of everyone aboard her. Can Lochlain protect his crew when his first instinct is to save himself?

A space adventure in the spirit of Firefly, Confidence Game is a standalone novel set among the other books in the This Corner of the Universe galaxy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Britt Ringel
• Release date: Aug 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370891238

Britt Ringel

Britt Ringel has been a windsurfing instructor, Air Force captain, attorney, and teacher, but his passion is building galaxies and the characters who inhabit them. When not writing, or reading, he enjoys military documentaries, building model ships, and spoiling his golden retriever, Jengo.

Book preview

Tuoma Class Freighter

Corporate Sailing Vessel Zanshin

Tonnage: 150,000 tonnes

Length: 230 meters

Beam: 11 meters

Draft: 17 meters

Crew Complement: 4 - 6 (3 deck officers, 1-2 engineers, 1 cargo master)

Cargo Capacity: 11 standard intermodal containers, TUES or FUES dimensions

Drives: 4 Toland-Malatech Type-33

Sensors: Standard Encountrix-60 suite

Shuttle: 1 Class-F craft

Deck Plan

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Galaxy Map

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Coreward Corporate Zone Map

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Chapter 1

Yellow-orange light from the K1II star intruded into the narrow, grimy hallway of the Svean correctional facility’s primary detention wing. The humidity outside was already approaching unbearable. By midmorning, it would rain as the prison saw daily, torrential downpours during the wet season. The inexorable precipitation soaked the continent’s black soil to create quagmires that prevented all wheeled vehicles from operating in the fields during the month-long deluge. The morning rays straining into the detention wing were mostly unwelcome by its guests, heralding another backbreaking day of labor. A cautionary buzzer sounded tersely before the echoes of outer doors clanking open beckoned three hundred fifty-seven inmates to the front of their plasti-steel cages.

Inside Cell Forty-four, Reece Lochlain stood at the ready near the barred door that would soon open. The only adornments on his orange jumpsuit were his identification number, SPCÄF583324-232, and the mud stains collected over the last months.

In the adjacent cell, Lochlain heard the hoarse, rumbling coughs of a prisoner suffering from upper respiratory cristaphibacillus. Caused by local mold spores infiltrating and multiplying inside the lungs, its symptoms started mildly enough but progressively escalated to a nearly constant hack that culminated in ruptured lungs. When contracted inside the prison, URC was a death sentence.

Click. Open Forty-four! The shouted command rang down the filthy hall to Lochlain’s relief. The buzzer sounded a second time and he watched his cell door abruptly retract.

Click. Two-Three-Two, front and center!

Lochlain left his cell without a backwards glance. He turned down the hall but failed to keep his distance from the bars. Faster than he could perceive, a meaty hand from the next cell hooked the left sleeve of his jumpsuit. Thick, stubby fingers clenched around the orange fabric and yanked him off balance.

Click. Code Red!

Lochlain heard the distant shout and heavy footsteps as his face rebounded cruelly off plasti-steel bars. The brutal impact brought tears to his eyes and stars to his vision.

A scarred, sneering face appeared behind those stars. You think we’d let you walk away without a present, you snitch? The man’s breath was rancid.

Lochlain did not fight to break the hulk’s inescapable hold but flung his own body sideways using his full weight. A crude shiv thrust outward from the cell and sliced through the air where his torso had been moments ago. Still bleary-eyed, Lochlain grabbed wildly for the hand clasped around the deadly implement. He caught the man’s sizeable thumb and held on for dear life.

The burly fist began to retract slowly into the cell despite Lochlain’s best efforts to pin the hand against a cell bar. Both men grunted under the strain but the sheer physicality of the behemoth behind the bars allowed the man to reclaim his right hand even as he pulled Lochlain closer with his left. Lochlain felt his grip break and the shiv slipped back into the cell for the next strike.

A jolt of electricity suddenly lanced its way through Lochlain’s body. He felt his muscles spasm and legs stiffen before the hallway turned on its side. He was solely a passenger as his body toppled like a felled tree. Once on the hard floor, he gasped for several seconds before regaining his senses. Twisting his head back to the cell, he witnessed his would-be assassin twitching fitfully under a stun-baton.

Clad in ice-blue armor, a mud-speckled guard relentlessly stabbed the baton into the prisoner’s side. An abrupt click from the guard’s full helmet activated its external speaker. Front and center, Two-Three-Two. Now. The armored man continued to pour current into the writhing prisoner on the dirty cell floor.

Lochlain inhaled deeply and pushed himself off the floor. The sleeve of his jumpsuit was torn. A quick brush at the left side of his face informed him that he would be sporting a prominent bruise soon. He began to step away but faltered, the pain in his cheek escalating as his fingers probed for damage. Angrily, he looked back to the cell. Joe, can you hear me? The man grunted and Lochlain felt the corners of his mouth pull upward, causing a fresh bloom of pain. You enjoy your time in the mud, okay? How long is it? Twenty-five years?

The man was still twitching under the guard’s continuous assault and Lochlain’s taunts grew louder. I’ll just bet that you’ll love your time mucking about in the filth. After all, you’ve never been anything more than a rutting pig. His eyes swept toward the guard as he urged, Keep hitting him with that baton, I want to remember those squeals.

The guard finally relented his cruel attention on the sprawling prisoner and turned threateningly toward Lochlain. The maneuver caused Lochlain to burst into motion down the hall. I’m on my way, warder. He casually waved behind him and bellowed, Tell the crew thanks for the memories, Joe, and remember that crime doesn’t pay, except for some of us.

Lochlain stiffened his back and strode confidently down the center of the mud-caked hall, ignoring the catcalls and threats in his wake. When he reached the end, he presented his hands and felt the alloy bite of magnetic restraints around his wrists. Once secured, he walked in silence, flanked by twin escorts who guided him through the maze of interlocking detention areas before arriving outside the facility.

The Svean air was dank and a steady drizzle hit his face to cool his aching cheek. Lochlain took the ten steps necessary to reach and climb aboard the back of a tracked detention transport. The enormous vehicle was coated with black mud. Even the numerical code stenciled atop the transport was unreadable. Settling onto a hard alloy bench, he shook off the rain and peered at his two, sodden guardians. This weather can’t be too pleasant for you guys either, Lochlain mused aloud. The Vosstäder CF must be a real dream location for Svean security-police. I bet only the cream of the crop gets stationed here.

The transport lurched into motion. Click. Shut up, Two-Three-Two. Knowing your big mouth, I wouldn’t be surprised to see you right back here after your sentencing.

No, thank you, Lochlain answered with a coy smile while shaking his head. I’m reformed, see? I know better now than to fight the law. That’s why I worked with CBP and testified for them during the trials—

A guard cut him off with another click. You testified against your own captain and crew to save yourself. You rolled your own crew, convict.

Lochlain’s jaw dropped in open indignation. You wound me, sir! His lips pressed together briefly before the smile reappeared. "If my motives were so self-serving, then why did I work with Customs and Border Protection before we were arrested? Before we even knew that CBP was on to us?"

The guard shook his helmeted head. His next words were a garbled mess. Lochlain knew that Svean armored security suits could encrypt their outbound communications and that only another suit would decrypt the words into meaning again.

The second guard replied indecipherably but ended in an obvious laugh.

Unwilling to let the slight to his honor pass, Lochlain brought his manacled hands up and tapped at his chest. I saw the harm we were doing and while we never smuggled drugs or trafficked people, I realized that even the petty laws set by Appiation Unlimited need to be followed. And so, I’ve turned my back on a life of crime and I’m going legi—

An ear-piercing squeal sounded from the first guard’s helmet and screamed through the back of the transport. The shrill screech was a favored tactic used by the officers to terminate their infrequent conversations with inmates.

The rest of the long journey passed without words.

* * *

The minister shifted his eyes to the defense table presently occupied by two men. The rest of the courtroom was empty save the bailiff. Even the prosecution’s table was vacant. The minister cleared his throat and asked, Counsellor, does your client wish to address the court? After a moment’s consideration, he added, Hopefully briefly, if at all…

The defense attorney stood and began to shake his head but Lochlain placed a hand on the man’s shoulder as he rose beside him. Your Honor, I certainly have no intention of wasting this esteemed court’s valuable time, for I was just a minor cog in the machine of justice that removed eighteen wanted smugglers from among the lawful citizens of Appiation Unlimited. Lochlain shifted his hand to cover his heart. I’m just grateful to have played my small part in making our corporation safer for everyone.

The minister nodded an acknowledgment and prepared to levy his sentence.

I believe it was an ancient Terran poet, Lochlain continued, who once said that ‘crime generally punishes itself.’ Your Honor, those words have rung true to me for many years now. Every misstep I’ve taken I’ve reflected upon and I’ve done so well before the crew of On Margin was incarcerated. He pursed his lips in thought for a moment before speaking humbly, Your Honor, I’m not one for elegant speeches so I’ll just say that I’ve been paying the price for my criminal activity for a long, long time. I believe Customs and Border Protection called my willingness to endanger my own life by testifying in the other trials a ‘great sacrifice.’ He looked down to the table and shook his head dolefully. I guess I just don’t see it that way. I can honestly tell you that it’s not a sacrifice if it’s something you’ve yearned to do, something you’ve craved. His gaze tracked carefully and overtly to his hands. These will never be clean… I know that, but at least the small sacrifice I made for the corporation has made me realize that it’s far better to abide by the law and follow the rules of society because, for the first time… He raised his head to meet the judge’s eyes directly. "I can do this, sir. I can hold my head high. His voice cracked slightly and his eyes watered. Even if I’m sent back to prison, where I’d most certainly be killed for being an informant, at least I can finally raise my head again. Lochlain wiped theatrically at the tears in the corners of his eyes and collapsed into his chair. That’s all, your Honor," he mumbled as he squeezed his eyes to stem the flow.

The judge swallowed before ordering quickly, The defendant will rise.

Lochlain popped to his feet again, head held high.

The defendant has pled guilty of gross violations of Articles Thirty-one, Thirty-two, Thirty-three, Forty-seven and Forty-eight plus lesser violations of numerous other corporate articles. The combined weight of his crimes carries sixty-five years of hard labor in a penal facility. However, in light of Mr. Lochlain’s enthusiastic assistance to CBP both before and during several other criminal trials and in full consideration of the remarkable testimony of CBP Agent Brooke, who has stated that without Mr. Lochlain’s aid her identity would have been compromised, I am following recommendation and commuting the sentence to time served. Mr. Lochlain’s criminal record will be sealed during his ten-year probation. After its successful completion, his record will be expunged upon the determination of his parole officer. The minister rapped his gavel twice and added, This court is now in recess.

Lochlain covered his face as his body quivered. The defense counsellor wrapped a consoling arm around his client and whispered, You deserve this, Reece. Agent Brooke testified that you risked your life to save hers.

Through his hands, Lochlain muttered, Brooke… Mercer Brooke, is that her real name? His body began to still.

I guess so, the counsellor answered. Never mind about her. Seize this opportunity, my friend. You’ve earned a second chance with Appiation and those rarely come to the commoners. He clutched his arm harder in support. I know it’s an emotional moment for you. It is for me too. Take time to let this all sink in.

A short distance away, the bailiff held open the faux-wood door for his minister and followed him from the courtroom. Once the door closed, Lochlain dropped his hands and turned toward his defense attorney. So, where can I find more appropriate clothes and grab a bite to eat in this hellhole?

Chapter 2

The rain fell in sheets and even the rich soil had quenched its thirst, causing water to pool in every depression. Lochlain jumped over one such pool only to land in another. The water splashed around his boot, soaking a leg of his new trousers. With a curse, he veered off the street and pushed through a light containment field to enter a nightclub.

The low humidity inside was a welcome relief and the conditioned air felt decadent compared to what he had grown used to over the last two months in prison. The music blaring throughout the club resonated deep within his chest. He found the driving cadence only mildly less irritating than the shouts, clangs and vulgarities of his former setting.

Lochlain swept a hand through his wet hair while approaching the human mountain dressed in a fine suit that posed as club security. The bouncer’s jaw dropped open at the sight of him. Reece Lochlain, the huge man hissed by way of greeting. An obvious disbelief fixed the man’s uncertain expression. Ms. Larsson told me if you had the nerve to show up that I was to bring you straight to her.

Lochlain smiled roguishly. That’s who I’ve come to see, Mitch. He raised his arms from his sides as if formally presenting himself and stated with a curt bow, I bet you thought you’d never see me again.

More like hoped, the man countered acerbically. The only nice thing about On Margin’s bust was that you got caught up in it. He waved Lochlain forward and orbited his great bulk in a large circle. Walk this way.

Following behind the massive ogre, Lochlain successfully resisted the urge to waddle step for step with the man and, instead, scanned the crowd for notable faces. On their way to the back of the club, he spotted five smugglers he knew, including Lacy Allred. The sight of the attractive, dangerous ship captain caused him to sidle closer to the bouncer and use his immense width as a shield. Once safely beyond the main room and inside the rear corridor, he resumed his stroll at a more dignified interval.

The mountain ground to a halt at the end of the hall. A thumb reminiscent of Lochlain’s morning assassin’s flicked toward the door. Ms. Larsson is waiting for you. Lemme search you.

Lochlain’s eyes moved from the sealed portal to the bouncer. Search me? And you’re not going in with me?

Not this time.

Why not?

The mountain shrugged. I have to get back to the front. He looked down at Lochlain and repeated, I have to check you for weapons now.

Lochlain flinched slightly but smiled. Sure, though you know I don’t carry. He fidgeted a moment, as if unsure what to do, before lifting his arms and stretching them out widely.

The bouncer leaned down and began by feeling the cuffs of Lochlain’s soaking pant legs. With the man’s eyes focused on his search, Lochlain flattened his hands and savagely brought them together in twin strikes to the bouncer’s ears. Both palms easily found their marks against the stationary target. Eyes growing dim, the bouncer crumpled to a knee as his jaw dropped open for the second time that night.

Inside the next heartbeat, Lochlain maintained his grip on the sides of the man’s head and yanked forcefully downward as he drove his right knee up. The knee made contact with the bouncer’s nose, shunting it sideways with a loud crack. Lochlain felt all resistance ebb from the unconscious man and let him tumble to the floor. He looked guiltily down the corridor for additional security but saw none.

Bending low, Lochlain’s hands rifled inside the man’s suit coat. You know I don’t carry weapons, Mitch, Lochlain whispered, but I know you do. His lips curled upward as his right hand extracted a simple slug thrower.

A cursory examination told him that Mitchell Gibbs preferred to carry an Isacroft APEX 10-millimeter pistol. The lethal, black handgun smelled faintly of oil and Lochlain could tell the weapon was meticulously maintained by the smoothness of the action as he eased back the slide. As he suspected, a round was already seated inside the chamber. He tested the safety and tucked the pistol into the waistband of his trousers near the small of his back. I hope you won’t hold this against me too much, Mitch, Lochlain offered while stepping closer to the door. After a fortifying breath, he entered the office of Judit Larsson.

The woman sat behind her desk with an inscrutable expression. This came as no surprise to Lochlain who walked in and casually closed the door behind him. As usual, flattery was his first approach and he unleashed his warmest smile. Good evening, Miss Larsson, and may I say it’s always a pleasure to be in your company.

Larsson’s heartless gaze remained fixed and Lochlain felt the temperature in the room drop several degrees.

You’ve saved me some trouble, Reece, she noted emotionlessly.

Switching tactics, Lochlain moved on to obfuscation. I only cooperated because I knew it would save at least one associate for you.

The woman behind the desk crossed her arms and huffed. Which conveniently happened to be you.

He looked at her earnestly. Judit, Captain Frazier and the rest of the crew were going down no matter what I did. My testimony didn’t change that. If I really wanted to harm your organization, I could’ve rolled over on all of you.

Larsson merely nodded her head. I was concerned about that, Reece. I shut down the entire outfit for a month expecting CBP and Sec-Pol to storm my fronts all across Svea.

Lochlain gestured emphatically at her. But it didn’t happen, did it? See? I’m on your team. The dolts at Vosstäder Correctional might think I’m a snitch but I knew that you’d be smarter. You know that as the last, free crewman of On Margin, I still have access to all the records and manifests. That means you haven’t lost those revenue streams. That’s why I did it, to save credits and resources for your business, Judit. He raised his hands dramatically in exasperation before letting them come to rest on his hips. And at great cost to my personal reputation, I might add!

Not just your rep, Larsson corrected as her icy facade began to melt. The entire outfit’s reputation. She launched a finger toward him and heatedly accused, Because you saved yourself, I’ve got a fleet of captains wondering how many CBP moles have infiltrated their ships. The shadows under her eyes turned darker as she lowered her chin. "I’ve already had an entire crew poached from me by another firm and who’s to say that the next time you’re picked up that you won’t use me as your next bargaining chip? She slowly shook her head. You’re a confirmed snitch, Reece."

Lochlain backpedaled as bargaining came next. All right, he stated with solemn resignation. I see where this is going. Despite my best intentions over the last few months, you don’t think you can trust me. I want you to know that I came here so we could continue at least our business relationship but if you can’t understand that what I did, I did with your interests in mind, then maybe it’s best to just part ways amicably. He let his hands creep further around his waist. It was a good run, Judit. No, it was a fantastic run but I guess you’re going to let the best smuggler you’ve ever had slip through your fingers. Lochlain took short, tentative steps for the door behind him.

Larsson held out her hand and her next words were pure contempt. Just stop it, Reece. We both know you aren’t leaving my club alive. You’ve either got more guts than any three of my ship captains put together or less common sense than a Svean mudrunner. She chuckled darkly to herself. I think I know which one. Still sniggering, the woman began to reach to her desktop.

In the blink of an eye, Lochlain drew the APEX 10mm and pointed it directly at her. His stomach plummeted as he fully realized he was challenging a prominent head of Capeland City’s organized crime. He idly wondered if it would be safer to point the gun at his own head but it could not be helped. He had tried his other tactics. His mind raced to Plan B. Don’t, he cautioned. Goosebumps ran down his arms as he gauged the hateful expression on Larsson’s face.

The woman’s eyes narrowed at the weapon, anger flushing through her cheeks. How did you get that past Mitchell?

An impish grin took hold of Lochlain. "He gave this to me. He warned me about this. The perverse pleasure he experienced telling the lie almost made him feel guilty. Let’s just say that there are a lot more people on my side than yours, Judit. He twitched the gun’s barrel upward. Stand up and don’t even think about trying to go for that cannon under your desk."

Larsson moved to place her hands on the desktop to help herself up.

Stop! Lochlain ordered harshly. I’ll shoot you down before you can activate those force field controls. He let his eyes roam over the woman’s body mischievously while arching an eyebrow. I know you’re a fit woman. You’re perfectly capable of standing without using your arms.

The woman rose from her chair slowly. For the first time since Lochlain had known her, he saw real doubt creep into her blue eyes. What are you planning to do with me, Reece? she asked with a tinge of fear in her voice. I hope you’re not stupid enough to think you can walk me out of the club. That’s going to get us both killed.

Lochlain’s free hand dug into a pocket to produce a thick, polymer tie. Relax, I’m not a kidnapper. I just need you not to sound an alarm before I abandon the premises. He motioned her forward with a wave of his pistol.

Larsson eyed the tie sharply before observing, You came here with the noblest intentions yet just happen to have a zip-tie in your pocket?

He threw the restraint at her with a jaunty look. What can I say? I’m always prepared for a good time. Secure one end around your right wrist and the other to the door handle. His grin grew wider. Be thankful I’m not telling you to strip first.

Once the task was complete, Lochlain ordered, Now open the door but stay quiet. I’m not a killer so don’t make me one by screaming your head off.

You already know I’m not a screamer, Larsson remarked scornfully. And I don’t mind giving you a head start. She drew close. Her expression became lethal and her voice soured. You’re going to need it, she promised.

With false bravado, Lochlain gave the woman a carefree salute. Farewell, Judit. I hope you’re smart enough to leave well enough alone. He passed through the doorway, careful to avoid stepping on the human lump prostrate on the floor. Pistol pointed vaguely at Larsson, he trotted down the hallway for the front of the club. Without a look back, he burst through the door and into the crowd of patrons.

The constant throb of bass and drum was loud enough to cover any screams from Larsson, if any came at all. Lochlain dropped the pistol into a trashcan near the bar before ricocheting his way through the crowd. The most direct route to the exit took him past two other bouncers but he risked it for expediency. Halfway across the room, his eyes locked accidentally onto Lacy Allred’s and witnessed her immediate outrage. The pulsating music covered the woman’s indignation.

Upon reaching the exit, Lochlain smashed his jacketed elbow into the pane of transparent carbon foam protecting a fire alarm. At last, the music’s relentless thumping found its perfect counterpoint. Seconds later, Lochlain was lost in the pouring rain and sea of humanity fleeing the club.

Chapter 3

Two hours later and nearly two hundred kilometers from the mind-numbing music of Larsson’s nightclub, Lochlain swore he could still faintly hear ringing in his ears. After dashing through the flooding streets of Capeland City and taking two taxi rides to random destinations, his heart rate had finally slowed to something approaching a normal level. He spent a drenching ten minutes looking for any indication that he had been followed and then took public transportation to the nearest spaceport. Once there, he rented an aircar for one hour, the duration of a quick hop to the city of Streasskogan.

Lochlain’s clothes had mostly dried by the end of the trip although they were now wrinkled from sitting. He landed the aircar in the parking lot of High Tide knowing that the rental company would have little trouble tracking and recovering its property. The fine it would attempt to levy for failing to return the vehicle would be enormous but irrelevant. Lochlain ran his hands over his pants to smooth the fabric and entered the crowded restaurant… and promptly ducked back outside.

Reece! The piercing shriek made his ears ring anew even though the call gushed with surprise and delight.

Lochlain cringed and unleashed a curse he normally reserved for CBP patrol craft. He performed a half turn back to the restaurant and waved excitedly before digging out his datapad and pointing it at his rented aircar. The vehicle chirped obediently, informing him that its security alarm was active. With the confirmation, Reece turned back to the restaurant and entered with a huge smile plastered on his face.

Hi, Melissa! he greeted her warmly and rushed up to her table, bypassing the restaurant’s hostess. He nodded back toward the entrance and muttered, Forgot to lock the aircar.

The tall woman with chestnut hair practically leaped from her chair to take him into a deep embrace. Reece! I didn’t know you were in town! How did you find me here? You could’ve just flashed me on your datapad.

Lochlain squeezed her hard and leaned his cheek to hers, avoiding most of her kiss. Finally, he released his hold and answered, You’re worth hunting for, Mel. How are things?

The ASA is still the same, Melissa replied as she snapped her fingers at a waiter. Speaking of, you really are falling behind on the continuing education courses for freighter captains. She looked at him with a faux sternness before continuing. I can only keep approving your extensions for so long before the sailing association will be forced to report you to Appiation for a lapsed captain’s license.

A waiter stopped at her table and the still standing woman barked, We’ll need another chair. She turned to her seated friends and asked, Diane, Macey, you don’t mind if Reece joins us, do you? She did not wait for an answer before gesturing impatiently at the waiter to bring the chair.

Lochlain shook his head with regret. I can’t stay, Mel. I really wish I could but I have a meeting I can’t avoid.

Here? Melissa asked skeptically before her voice dropped an octave. "Are you meeting her again? Brown hair tumbled around her as she swung her head from side to side, searching. Is she here? I want to finally see what she looks like."

He let his shoulders drop in defeat and hung his head shamefully. You see right through me, Mel, but I have to see her one last time to end it.

Melissa stopped her fruitless search, crossed her arms and snorted. You’ve been breaking it off for the last year! I’ve been waiting all this time! When are you going to be able to be with me? When is she going to take ‘No’ for an answer? she demanded in rapid-fire succession. The volume of her voice ensured that the surrounding tables knew her displeasure.

Tonight, Mel. I promise, Lochlain soothed while taking her hands. He kept his head low. It’s just so humiliating, he muttered. She’s so needy and I know she’s unstable.

Melissa shot dirty looks to silence the whispered protests at her table. I’ll never understand how you got yourself mixed up with someone like that, she declared as she tried to retract her hands from his.

Lochlain raised his head and looked at her with soft eyes. I never knew what a good woman was until I met you. I’m just worried that she’ll do something rash if I don’t end it the right way. He nodded with a fatal acceptance. I have to do the right thing, Mel. You know that.

The woman’s resistance crumbled and she dropped petulantly back to her chair.

Thank you, darling, Lochlain cooed. He hesitated a moment. Uh, Mel…

What. The woman rolled her eyes up to him.

Would you mind… leaving? he asked sheepishly. I’ve told her about us and she knows who you are. If she sees you here, her power core will overload. She’s already jealous of you.

This is the last time, Reece, she promised as she began to stand. She brusquely waved her hand at her friends to get them moving and ordered, Ping me tonight when you’re finished with her, Reece. I want to hear that it’s finally over.

Lochlain smiled and helped her from her chair. Thank you for understanding and I’ll flash your datapad the second I’m done although it might be a while. He looked around the restaurant and mumbled, At least we’re in a public setting. Maybe she won’t melt down as much.

Lochlain escorted Melissa’s party out of the restaurant. He shared a parting affection next to the woman’s luxury aircar and waved dutifully until the craft had lifted off and jetted from sight. After a quick wipe of his brow, he turned back toward High Tide.

* * *

Mercer Brooke was waiting for him but then she felt like she was always waiting for him. She slowly rotated her shoulder underneath the strap of her simple, dark blue camisole. The garment hugged a lean, athletic body and fit close to the small swell of her chest. A thick, brown leather jacket hung loosely over the snug top. Dark pants with cargo pockets stretched across her hips and tapered down to black mid-calf boots, each bearing a strap and buckle over the instep and a second that wrapped around the shaft.

Her sharp, hazel eyes caught Lochlain’s entry into High Tide for the second time that evening. The smuggler faltered at the entrance and searched the booths and tables before a hypnotic smile erupted on his face at the sight of her. She tried to offer him a dubious look in return but failed. Despite her best efforts, she felt her lips curl pleasingly in response to the man’s irrepressible charisma.

As he walked eagerly toward her, she cursed her lack of impulse control and slipped out of the booth to meet him halfway. She threw her arms around him in an enthusiastic hug, although it was he that initiated their kiss.

Brooke tasted the faintest trace of strawberries on his lips.

I honestly wasn’t sure you’d show, Brooke admitted candidly before slipping back into the booth. She took a long pull from her stout, attempting to hide her smile. Finally, she let the mug rest on the beverage strip atop the table and grinned