15 Lawrence - deadly to the touch (2/2)
I swam down to and into the opening. It was so small that I was afraid of getting caught, but Imp said that I could, so I swallowed down the lump of fear and kept going. The narrow tunnel opened up into a small cave, with a trapped atmosphere, that had a small sandy beach onto which I gratefully climbed. It was pitch black, which didn't bother me as my augmented vision allowed me to see well enough. I became aware of the sound of human voices, muffled and low but voices nonetheless. Imp must have been trying to filter because he suddenly said [Got it!] and the voices were suddenly as clear as though I was standing next to them listening.
”. . . all set up for the fall,” said the first voice.
”Good we need her money, but she is a liability. I don't like using women for such important work; you can't trust them,” said a second voice. ”If they think they have you caught in the web of their charm they are safe enough. But enough of this idle chatter. Let's get down to business. I'm about to induct Serina T'gerr as the final member of my Ninjas.”
”Have you sampled her yet?”
”I've yet to get her into bed, but I will. I have to make her think that I've fallen for her so I can bind her to my purpose. Cynthia thought it was enough to offer her an inheritance—as if being the heir of an immortal would do her any good.” They both chuckled cruel deep chuckles. ”I'm going to enjoy watching her be drawn-n-quartered after I have enjoyed her ample charms.”
”Good, then this is our last meeting until we meet as Immortal Emperor and Regent.”
”We'll all be immortal! That is what this is really about, isn't it?”
”In truth—yes. Immortality gives us an eternity to savor our power. As the Emperor, I will make many changes starting with my Imperial Harem.”
”That is the part that I don't like, you as the emperor.”
”You know that I am the only one who has the same build as the Emperor. You have no choice.”
”Yes well, but just remember what we have on you and behave yourself or suffer the consequences.”
”Yes! Well, you—” A full-bellied laugh echoed so that I even heard it with my real ears. ”I think we'll just have to trust each other. After all, we have come too far to change anything now.”
”You're right. Here is my data pack. Remember, don't open the data pack on the Lady de Winters system; she's not to know any of this.”
”Relax, I know my business, and I know the rewards that I will enjoy. Here's my data pack. I have no more time to waste, I must return to the palace before I am missed.”
Several seconds of silence passed and I was about to swim out of the cave when I heard, ”The fool, he lives his life between his legs, but I will use that trait against him, and when the time is right I know just who the council of Regents will appoint as the new Emperor.” Cruel laughter rang out resounding even in this cave.
I waited until I thought the coast was clear and slowly swam the narrow channel, too occupied with my thoughts to be frightened by the close quarters. So the conspiracy had a conspiracy, which had a conspiracy. Just where would it end? The one voice was the Duke of Rathsmor, but beyond the fact that the other was also a Regent I had no idea.