Hathor Legacy: Outcast Page 5

  She was at the corner now. There was a footbridge arched over the street. He could make out throngs of people streaming across. Lights on the other side of the bridge illuminated the sky. And he could hear music. Must be an entertainment area. If she went across the bridge, she'd get jammed up in the crowd.

  She dashed up the ramp. Now he knew he had her. He slowed his pace as he approached the bridge. A small group of tourists exited as he got on the ramp. Two of the women were laughing, their faces animated as they clung to each other. What a contrast to the woman he was pursuing. Nadira acted like she'd rather be locked in a mineshaft than to show any humor.

  Jon strode across the bridge. Could she sense him coming? He hoped so. By now she had to know she wasn't going to get away from him.

  When she got down the ramp, Nadira stood off to the side, waiting. She wasn't smirking anymore. But she wasn't fearful either. Instead, she glared at him, her brown eyes defiant, her lips pursed. Funny, the more annoyed she tried to be, the more amused and attracted he was.

  "So, we meet again," he said. "Why did you run away?"

  "I wasn't running."

  "Okay, you weren't. Why were you watching me? I thought I was cleared."

  She looked away for a moment, composing her thoughts. "You're not under suspicion, Mr. Keel. But Ilana Travac is."

  "Then why follow me? I told you I don't know where she is."

  "She might contact you."

  "Why can't you find her? Don't you have special Guardian powers or something?"

  She stiffened. So, Nadira didn't like to be questioned. Good. He didn't like being questioned either.

  "I don't have 'special Guardian powers.' I have abilities that allow me to read people's emotions and to--"

  Jon waved her away. "Okay, no need to explain it all. By the way, have you had dinner?"

  Her mouth hung open for a few seconds before she responded. "What did you say?"

  "Dinner. I haven't eaten since I got off the shuttle. Is there somewhere to go around here?" He motioned towards the shops and restaurants that lined plaza. "Lots of places to choose from."

  "I--I--yes, I eat dinner," she said. "But I'm not supposed to--"

  "Eat dinner with someone you're following? Why not? You want information? I'll tell you what I know. Then you'll tell me what I want to know. How about that?" He smiled, hoping it would affect her the way it did most women he encountered.

  "All right."

  "Lead the way." He felt strangely exhilarated. Standing here close to her, his body was reacting in ways he didn't want to think about right now. There was something beneath the surface that intrigued him. He had to find out more about her.

  8 Welcome to Hathor

  After dinner they walked through the plaza, which was still bustling and showed no signs of quieting down. Overhead, the moons, Isis and Osiris resembled two golden orbs in the night sky. Though with all the floodlights illuminating the square, to Nadira it looked more like midday than evening.

  She was surprised that their conversation during dinner had gone so well. Jon told her that Matt Bento, who had picked him up from the Administration building, was one of Brandon Keel's oldest friends.

  As soon as she'd heard the name, she knew why he lived in a place like the Diamond Star. Bento was a prominent and wealthy businessman and had recently opened a private club for Novacorp executives.

  Throughout their meal Jonathan had been very charming. She'd sat across from him in a private lounge of a very expensive restaurant. She'd never had enough credits to eat there, but Jonathan's supply seemed inexhaustible. He'd even persuaded her to try some seafood delicacies from the North Country, the area where she and mother had lived.

  "You don't eat much, do you?" Jonathan asked.

  "I wasn't as hungry as you were, obviously."

  "When security picked me up, they didn't ask if I'd had lunch." He chuckled. "Still can't believe I actually ate real chicken. It's sort of funny that when the first settlers came here from Earth they brought chicken with them. You'd think they would've thought of something better."

  "The First Families wanted to bring things from Earth that would survive and remind them of home."

  "First Families? What's that?"

  "The seven families who were selected from the different lands on Earth. They were the first people to settle here. The Guardians are descended from them."

  "Are you serious? How could just seven families populate a planet this size?" Jonathan scoffed. "Who told you that?"

  Of course he would act superior. What did he know about Hathor or its people? "It's a story that was passed down to remind us of where we came from. I didn't say that other people didn't settle here as well. It's supposed to be symbolic. Didn't anyone in your family ever tell you stories?"

  "Sure, my mot--I mean, my father never had time for stories. He was busy with the mine," Jonathan replied.

  She was certain that Jonathan was holding something back from her. What was he hiding? As much as she was able to read him, there was a part of him that was locked down. It felt like a wall that was impossible to break through. He had to be hiding something very important. Maybe it was about Ilana Travac's whereabouts--or his father's.

  "Mr. Keel, are you certain no one has been in contact with you since you arrived?"

  "You asked that question already at dinner, and I answered: no. And, it's 'Jonathan.' Remember?" He hitched his travel bag across his body.

  "I remember."

  When they got to the footbridge, it was still clogged with pedestrians streaming back and forth. Straining to keep as much space as possible between herself and the people around her, she folded her arms across her chest as she walked.

  Even the slightest contact could leave her reeling from the emotions of the person she touched. Normally Nadira was able to relax and let the feelings pass through her. But right now, surrounded by so many people, she felt a bit overwhelmed.

  At the base of the footbridge, she noticed that Jon was staring at her. Better not to let him see how uncomfortable she was. She dropped her arms to her sides.

  "Where to now?" Jon asked, as he watched the transports moving past.

  "You never mentioned why you decided not to stay with Matt Bento."

  "We had a difference of opinion."

  He wasn't going to share anything more right now. In fact, she could feel the tension underneath his calm expression. "Are you going back home?"

  Jonathan glared at her. "I'm not going anywhere until I find out what happened to my father. Besides, the shuttle for Astarte doesn't leave for 5 days. I couldn't go now if I wanted to."

  A couple walked past them, so wrapped up in each other that they bumped into Jonathan. He absently nodded to them as they apologized, then continued on.

  "Guess we're in the way," he said, as he took her arm and led her over to the side. "Look, I'm going to the Emerald Club to check in. Why don't you come with me?"

  Why was he standing so close? Did he realize how hard it was to look into those grey eyes and stay focused on her work? Not to mention she wasn't used to having to look up to make eye contact with anyone.

  Jon was very much aware of the effect he had on women. All that smiling and touching. He knew exactly what he was doing to her. But she was determined to keep her distance and stay detached. No matter how hard she had to work at it.

  She placed her hands against his chest and nudged him. He took a step back, but she felt him resist being moved more than that. Underneath her palms she could feel his heartbeat pulsing against her. It was causing all kinds of reactions in her body that she didn't want to think about right now.

  "Do you like touching me?" he asked, a slow smile on his lips.

  She jerked her hands away as though she'd been burned. "You don't have to stand so close."

  "I thought we were friends. We just had dinner didn't we? Come walk with me. We can talk on the way."

  She didn't want to go anywhere with him. How dare he ask her such a th
ing. Who did he think he was?

  "I could use your help. Okay?"

  Another smile. Why did he keep doing that? Brant had instructed her to protect Jon. And who knows, Ilana Travac might show up. Yes, it made sense to go with him. It was part of her job.

  "We should take a transport," Nadira replied. "It'll be quicker."

  *****

  Inside the vehicle, Jonathan stretched out his legs on the opposite seat. The cushions were rather comfortable. And as the vehicle trundled along the streets, he had to fight to keep his eyes open.

  "Nova Entertainments welcomes you!"

  Startled, he jumped up. "What? Who said that?"

  "It's from up there. We're coming into the Entertainment district," Nadira replied.

  Through the clear roof of the transport he saw a huge vid screen projecting images of people dancing, laughing, and walking. Aircars zoomed by, swooping down to avoid other craft.

  Music blasted from the clubs and restaurants, one tune mixing with another and another until he couldn't tell where one ended and the next began. The bustle on the streets was waking him up. Jon patted the seat cushion to the beat.

  "Do you come to this district often?" he asked, guessing what her answer would be.

  "I have no reason to."

  Based on Nadira's discomfort when they were in the plaza, he could tell she didn't like crowds. Even sitting here in the transport she'd left as much space between them as possible. If she moved over any more, she'd be outside.

  "You don't like having fun? he asked.

  "Not when I'm working, Mr. Keel."

  "It's Jonathan. Remember? Say it with me: Jonathan."

  She gave him a withering look. "Jonathan."

  "Much better." That wasn't so hard. Just give him enough time. He'd get her to loosen up.

  *****

  Nadira got out of the transport first. She'd heard a lot about the Emerald club. It was one of the most expensive hotels in the city. But this was the first time she'd seen it up close.

  Her attention was drawn to two male security officers to the right of the entrance. They were in a heated discussion, their gestures animated. Dressed in black uniforms, they looked like city security. But they weren't wearing the standard helmets. They were probably private guards for the hotel.

  Nadira joined Jonathan as he climbed out of the vehicle. "Are you sure this is a good idea? Matt knows where you were going to stay. If he wants to find you--"

  "I don't know what he's into, but I'll be careful." He slung his bag over his shoulder. "Why don't you come up with me?"

  "I have to go now." She didn't want to go inside. And she certainly wasn't going upstairs with him either.

  He brushed his fingers along her arm. "Look, we can help each other, just like we talked about at dinner. There's no record of my father coming here. So if we find Ilana, we can make her tell us what happened at the mine. We can do it together."

  "I didn't say we were going to look for her together." Nadira stepped back. Why was it he was always standing so close? "If she contacts you, let me know right away. Don't do anything on your own."

  He smiled. "Come in with me. Maybe she's waiting inside."

  "That's highly unlikely, Jonathan. But let's see if she left a message for you."

  He flashed her a charming smile, his grey eyes warm and very inviting. Inviting her to what? She wasn't sure she wanted to know.

  As soon as they walked into the lobby, the attendant greeted them with a smile. "Mr. Keel! You've returned. Is this your guest? Was everything taken care of with your father's account?"

  "This is a friend of mine, Mr. Renard. I'll use my account instead," Jonathan replied.

  Nadira felt energy pings shoot through her as Jon touched her arm to guide her. Flinching, she steadied herself as she sat next to him.

  "Any messages left for me?" Jon asked.

  "There were no messages," Renard said. "If you would place your palm on the sensor plate, we'll use your ID to access your credits."

  Nadira drew in a deep breath. Her heart rate was speeding up, alerting her to something on the edge of her consciousness. But what was it? Once she got away from Jonathan it would help. It was getting harder to keep her emotions from being affected by his.

  When the attendant was finished getting Jon's information, he directed them to the lift. Next to it, the smiling face of a computer-generated woman appeared.

  "Good evening, Mr. Keel," she said in a low, raspy voice. "My name is Lorena. Will you be staying long?"

  "Just a few days," he replied.

  "Jonathan, I have to leave now." Nadira wanted to put some distance between them. "I'll contact you tomorrow."

  He reached out to touch her. But she moved away before he could make contact.

  "Are you sure? Why don't you come up for a bit?"

  "I have to go. We'll talk tomorrow."

  Not wanting to wait for his reply, she hurried away. Behind her she heard the "swoosh" of the lift doors closing. She could still feel his emotions though, and she was unable to block his feelings of disappointment at her sudden departure.

  Outside in the fresh air her heartbeat slowed, allowing her to relax and focus again. The transport was still waiting at the curb. But as she was about to take a step, she stopped.

  Out of the corner of her eye she detected movement. The two security officers had stopped talking and were rushing towards the entrance. Nadira's body tingled as she watched them.

  There was a threat nearby. But who was in danger?

  The guards entered the building. She ran over to where they'd been standing. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on the energy trail they'd left behind.

  Pictures began to form in her mind along with snippets of their conversation. They'd argued over instructions they'd been given…over orders to bring someone from this hotel to another location…and if the person didn't come willingly…they were to do whatever was necessary.

  "May I help you?"

  Behind her, the smiling face of a holo was displayed on the glass wall of the building.

  "Do you require assistance? Would you like a transport?" he asked, breaking into a broad smile. His greenish gold hair matched the shimmering surface. Unfortunately his bright green eyes were a bit disconcerting.

  "No, I don't need one, thank you."

  "Would you like to know about the opening of the new entertainment complex?"

  Was there a way to stop him from talking? Another picture materialized in her mind. The guards were at a door…there was a sign next to it that read, "Alpha." Now the door was slowly opening and--

  "May I recommend a new café nearby? It has been given the highest approval rating by Novacorp Entertainments."

  "I'm not hungry!" she shouted.

  "Are you certain you do not require a transport?" He was still smiling, his green eyes glowing as he worked to please her.

  She closed her eyes and saw the guards again…the door was open and they were pushing their way inside…Jonathan was visible for a few seconds…then the door closed.

  Nadira ran back inside. "Where is Jonathan Keel staying?" She held up her left hand, identifying herself as a Guardian.

  Mr. Renard's eyes grew wide. "A Guardian! What has happened?"

  "Where is he?"

  "He's--he's on level 30 suite Alpha." Renard replied, his voice shaking so much he barely got the words out. "Is he in danger? At the Emerald Club we ensure the safety of all our guests and--"

  "Call city security now!" Nadira yelled, rushing to the lift.

  Inside, Lorena's image appeared on the wall next to the door. "Welcome to the Emerald Club. Where would you like to go?"

  "Level 30 right away!"

  The doors closed and the lift headed up. It was so quiet that for a moment Nadira wasn't sure it was moving. But a moment later she heard a soft female voice in the background.

  "3…4…5…6…"

  Lorena was still smiling. At least she didn't have bright green eyes like the man dow
nstairs. Lorena's were a subdued golden brown.

  "You'll find the city has a great deal of entertainment. Would you like to know more?" Lorena asked.

  "12…13…14…15"

  "Not right now." Nadira closed eyes. Nothing materialized. Why couldn't she see what was happening in the suite? She paced as each level ticked by. Why was the lift moving so slowly?

  "20…21…22…23"

  "Can't this go any faster?" she asked.

  "I'm sorry. The safety of our guests is most important to us, and we can't--"

  "Okay, Lorena. I get it."

  At level 30 Nadira jumped out as soon as the door opened. In front of her, a sign indicated that suite Alpha was to her left. She broke into a run, her feet pounding the stone floor. A gold-toned door stood at the end of the corridor.

  She touched the fingerpad. Nothing. It must be locked. More noises from inside: the hum of a weapon discharge and glass shattering.

  By now her heart was slamming in her chest. Pings of energy flooded her body. She had to get in there now. Summoning all her strength, Nadira pressed her palms against the door and directed her force into it.

  Within seconds the door went from gold to bright white, then blue. Her energy burned through it. White-hot sparks flew up, pinging against the walls as the door disintegrated, then blew apart.

  Almost pushed off her feet by the force of the blast, Nadira caught herself before she fell. Inside the suite, one guard was on his knees, the other had an arm around Jon's neck. They'd stopped in mid-action, staring at her through the smoldering remains.

  Jonathan recovered quickly and got out from under his attacker. He took the man's arm and twisted it behind him. Still on his knees, the other guard glared at her as he reached for his weapon. He staggered to his feet and aimed it at her.

  As he raised his hand, Jon released the man he'd been struggling with. He launched himself forward and knocked the guard to the ground. He and the armed man struggled, each fighting for control. The weapon discharged. A bright golden blast of heat burned into the couch.