Part 19 (2/2)

”Somewhere you'll be safe.”

They were headed out of the city again. Look- ing for her precious drop point, Wiley a.s.sumed.

He was beginning to have suspicions about this woman.

After several minutes, they approached a group of buildings. A little shanty town, Wiley saw, built around a factory. Nika landed the air- car in one of the narrow streets. As she hustled him out the starboard hatch, two men slid in the port side.

”Valet parking,” commented Wiley, looking back over his shoulder. 'Very nice.”

Nika tugged on his arm. She led Wiley toward one of the tumbledown shops. NORF'S BAR AND GRILL, read the sign. ”Oh, good,” said Wiley. ”I was starting to get the munchies.”

97.

Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

The hostess approached them on tiny cloven hooves. Her slim legs disappeared up under a tight sidrt. ”Dinner or drinks?” she asked.

”Both,” replied Wiley

”We're meeting someone,” added Nika. ”A party of six; tile name is Jones.”

”Right this way. please.” Wiley watched the hostess as she led them toward the back. Maybe if he hadn't blown off so many boring political dinners, he'd know what species she was.

She showed them to a small private dining room. The table was indeed set for six, but no one else was in the room. When the hostess had shut tiie door behind them, Nika went to the far wall, muttering under her breath.

”Come on, Wiley,” she called.

”What about dinner?” he demanded. ”I'm hungry.”

A section of wall slid aside.

”Later. We have to keep moving.”

Wiley shook his head and followed her. Would the surprises never end?

They stepped into a dropshaft, the wall closing as they fell.

Falling through the dim light of the dropshaft, Wiley tried to count the floors. Not a chance. A long way, he could figure that much out.

Then Nika grabbed him and they stopped,

98.

stepping out to a security station. Behind two panels ofglastic, underneath cameras and guns, sat a live human guard. Wiley thought he recog- nized the black uniform.

”You're Kona Tatsu,” he whispered.

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