Warrior Rogue (The Drift Lords Series) (31 page)

Paz sniffed. “Cors particles. They couldn’t have been here that long ago.”

She whirled toward him. “Then why the flowers? And if they vectored into my apartment, why aren’t they waiting here for us?”

He gave her a mirthless smile. “Because it’s a lesson. They want you to know that they can get to you anywhere. They can get to anyone. Who do you think delivered the bouquet? Their mind slaves. The Trolleks can bend people to their will.”

Her face paled. “I have to get to my showroom.”

“No, we have to go to Florida, but likely they have people watching us to see if I’ll lead them to my team.” He tapped her arm. “Take what belongings you need. We have to leave.”

“You can use my computer to contact your friends.”

But after he verified her apartment was clear of any lingering intruders, he discounted that idea. Her computer had been zapped by disruptor fire. Its melted ruins congealed on her desk.

While Paz stared out the window toward Central Park and kept an eye on the flower shop van outside, Jen filled a zippered tote with clothing and cosmetics that hadn’t been destroyed.

She joined him when she’d finished. “I love this apartment. It may not be much, but for a one bedroom in New York, it’s pretty spacious.” She swiped at a tear running down her cheek. “We can’t stay here now. It’s not safe.”

He liked how she said
we
but felt bad about how her world had been turned upside-down. Feeling partly to blame, he resolved to make things right for her. “I’m sorry, Jen.”

He pulled her into his arms and traced a tender finger across her luscious mouth. His head lowered. He couldn’t help stealing a kiss. Jen’s arms wound around him in response and she clung fast, pressing her mouth to his with desperate insistence.

“We should move on,” he said after a few minutes of savoring her sweetness.

He gently detached her, aware that her sad gaze would forever be emblazoned on his heart. He gritted his teeth, reminding himself they were on a mission. There wasn’t time for sentimentality.

Jen recovered her composure. “We should use the fire escape. Sammy won’t see us leaving then and neither will the guys in the van.”

“Good idea.”

When they reached the ground, Paz followed Jen down a side street. She walked with purpose, her stride fast and her expression determined.

Carrying her bulging tote bag, he matched her brisk pace. “How do we get to Florida from here? The Trolleks will instruct their agents to watch the airports and all departing flights.”

“I could ask my dad to send us a private jet.”

“That wouldn’t lessen the risk. The beasts could vector onboard.”

“Bus or train?”

“Too public. We could use the Chinese junk again to sail down the eastern coastline. The magic protected us from their spatial shifts en route from Hong Kong.”

She shook her head. “Another sea voyage isn’t my first choice. We’ll decide later.” They halted at an intersection. “In the meantime, I need to get a replacement cell phone at a phone store. You can shop for electronics and buy whatever you need to make another PIP. I know a place near Broadway and 47
th
Street, but we’ll have to take another taxi. And I should stop at an ATM to get more cash.”

Upon his nod of agreement, she stepped to the curb and waved vigorously. One of the yellow ground vehicles veered over and squealed to a stop. Jen slid into the backseat and Paz followed. The swarthy driver glanced at them expectantly.

“Let us off a block away from 47
th
Digital,” Jen said.

The hired vehicle swung into traffic. As they passed sidewalks mobbed with people, shops, and eateries, Paz absorbed the visual onslaught. They’d gone from Tokyo to Hong Kong to New York City. How could Jen not get tired of the noisy crowds?

He was right to believe they weren’t suited. She could never live in a place separated from her friends and isolated from society. Yet privacy was crucial to him. His estate held more than his residence. It held his laboratories and his testing ground. His blueprints were finished. He had only to build the prototype he needed to demonstrate his theories.

He imagined Jen in his kitchen, protesting that she didn’t cook and they had to go out to eat. Go out where? The nearest dining establishment was miles away.

Yet the thought of returning home alone filled him with a yawning emptiness he’d never experienced before. Besides, Jen could be an asset in different ways. She knew how to get a business off the ground, how to market her designs and how to establish a network of contacts. He could use someone with her experience. His lack of aptitude in this direction inhibited his progress.

Being a Drift Lord was infinitely easier than coping with business affairs. His father wouldn’t agree, but then Paz had been a disappointment to him ever since they’d discovered his abilities.

“Let us out here,” Jen told the driver, while Paz wondered how he’d lost himself in thought so completely that he had blocked out their surroundings.

Fool, you’re going to get us killed or captured if you keep losing focus.

It was her influence. The sooner he rejoined his team and she met with Nira Larsen, the better for both of them.

Jen fumbled in her purse for cash, paid the driver, and exited. Paz followed suit, and they strolled down the street.

At a cellular phone store, Jen paused. “Wait here while I get a replacement for my phone. It was insured so there shouldn’t be any problem. Then I’ll take you to the electronics place.”

He hovered on the sidewalk while she went inside. Loud music boomed from a food market next door. His bones vibrated from the bass. Down the broad avenue, flashing neon signs made a light show from the sides of buildings. People shoved past: workers intent on their destination, mothers pushing baby strollers, young women giggling as they shopped.

Jen emerged after what seemed an interminable wait. They continued down the block. She detoured inside a bank building to acquire funds while he loitered outside. Resuming their walk when she returned, he sniffed a divine aroma further along.

He gestured. “Where is that smell coming from?”

“The Hershey store. It’s a popular brand of chocolate.”

“As in chocolate chip cookies? Those are Zohar’s favorite treat.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Can we go inside? I’m hungry.”

“Oh, all right. I could use a Reese’s or two.”

“What is a Reese’s?” He trailed her into the emporium.

“It’s milk chocolate coated peanut butter.”

“Pee-nut butter.” He cocked his head. “I am unfamiliar with this foodstuff.” Jen bought a pack and gave him one.

The confection melted on his tongue, a heavenly combination of salty and sweet. “Give me another. I like this pee-nut butter.”

“We missed lunch. Maybe we should grab a sandwich. Candy will only make us hungrier.”

They bought hot dogs and chips from a street vendor then continued along their way as soon as they’d finished eating.

His spirits soared when he spied the electronics store and glimpsed the window displays. Those components would be more than adequate for him to build a new device.

Giddy with excitement, he browsed the aisles and gathered an armful of goods. Most were primitive constructs by his standards but he could use the parts for his purpose.

Jen dragged him from the store after she paid for his items.

“Thank you. I will pay you back later once I get more kewa stones.” He flashed her a grateful grin.

She waved a hand. “Don’t worry about it.”

Outside, a motored scooter roared past followed by a rumbling truck. Food smells from cafés mingled with fumes from a bus chugging down the road. People chattered and bumped elbows as they ambled along the sidewalk.

Despite his complaints about the assault to his senses, Paz could easily get lost exploring the sights and sounds of this great city. He glanced at the faces with their different colored skin and facial features and marveled at the diversity. He’d long felt a fondness for Earth, but now his heart swelled with warm affection for its people.

Despite their conflicts, the citizens of this innocent world would stand fast against a common enemy. He’d studied their history. They may not believe it of themselves, but faced with annihilation, they’d come together as never before.

It might be time to make them aware of the true threat that existed. A united front could be the only way they would expel the Trolleks for good. The American authorities had already recognized something was amiss, so it wouldn’t be hard to convince them.

He glanced over his shoulder, his scalp prickling.

They’d been made.

Who was tailing them—the Trolleks or Federal agents?

If the latter, he’d like to inform their people that his team was on the same side, but this directive must come from Zohar. His first order of business was to contact his commander. He had an idea how to go about it.

Not wishing to alarm Jen, he didn’t mention their shadow. Besides, she was already aware they were being tracked by her wristwatch device. Ceding to her familiarity with the city, he accompanied her to a section of town called the garment district.

“Your name is on that building.” He pointed to large lettering that said,
Jennifer Dyhr Designs
.

She gave him a proud smile. “That’s where I have my showroom. We rent the first two floors.”

“We won’t stay long, will we?” He realized it was important to her peace of mind to ensure the safety of her colleagues.

“No. I just want to check in and regroup before we leave for Florida.”

Jen breezed inside with Paz in tow. The receptionist, a pretty, young brunette, jumped from her chair at their arrival.

“Miss Dyhr, oh my gosh, we weren’t expecting you today.”

“I would have called ahead, but I just bought a new cell phone, and it isn’t charged yet. Let me introduce you to our new model. This is Paz Hadar.”

“Nice to meet you.” Paz nodded a greeting while sniffing for cors particles. He didn’t smell anything unusual in the cool air-conditioned interior.

Tension ebbed from him as he relaxed. He’d been half afraid a reception committee of confounded staff members might be waiting for them.

“I’ll notify Sandi you’re here.” The receptionist pushed on her earpiece and spoke in a low tone while Jen removed her cell phone from the box and hooked it up to an electrical outlet.

“Jen, where the hell have you been?” Sandi, the petite assistant, rounded the corner a few minutes later and rushed forward. “I was worried sick about you.”

Jen gave her a quick hug. “You got my email from Hong Kong, right? I’ll tell you the details later.” Jen signaled for them to move on. They passed various workrooms and offices that he peered into curiously.

Jen waved to her colleagues and fielded a few greetings along the way.

Sandi whispered something in Jen’s ear. Jen muttered something back. They both glanced his way. Sandi giggled while Jen’s mouth curved in a sly smile.

“Good to see you again, Mr. Hadar.” Sandi adjusted her clipboard. “I gather you’re new at modeling. I’d be, like, happy to teach you what you need to learn.”

“We’ll show him the ropes later.” Jen laid a hand on the blonde’s arm. “What’s been going on?”

“Omigod, we’ve been crazy busy. You wouldn’t believe the nine-one-one’s today. Denise called. She needs ten major outfits sent to London by the weekend for Kate’s press tour.”

“You can handle it. I have to go to Palm Beach.”

“What? You just got here.”

“There’s a family matter I have to settle. I’m bringing Paz along. I’ll finalize arrangements for our trunk show while we’re there, plus I can introduce him to people on South Beach. He could use the connections. Is Ted around? I found some fabulous fabrics in Hong Kong. I shipped some samples here.”

“Hey, Jen. It’s great to have you back!” A redhead approached with a sheepish grin. “Sorry to interrupt. Sandi, did you ever find where we can get silicone nipple covers?”

“I already placed an order.” Sandi turned back to Jen. “Chelsea is due here in ten minutes. She’ll be, like, ecstatic to see you. She has five clients to dress for upcoming events and wants options. I hope you don’t mind that we’re giving her a sneak peek at the new collection.”

Sandi’s layered hair fell over her ears as she studied her notes. Her dark lipstick and heavily mascaraed eyes made a sharp contrast to her pale skin and hair.

Paz held up his shopping bag of electronic gear. “Uh, ladies, is there somewhere I can work while you’re talking?”

“Sure, hon, go to the third door on your right,” Sandi instructed him. “It should be quiet in there.”

Paz walked away—glad to escape. He was glad, too, to see the color restored to Jen’s face and the fire in her eyes. She’d been away from home, had come back to see her apartment trashed, and needed to reestablish a sense of order. Being among friends who cared about her and her work environment should help calm her.

He entered a room with a long wooden table, obviously a conference room. Broad windows showed a view of the brick building next door. A couple of old-fashioned radiators sat by the wall, silent in the summer heat. An air-conditioning unit hummed quietly in the background.

Setting out his supplies, he got to work. He became so engrossed that he didn’t realize Sandi stood outside in the corridor until he heard her voice speaking to someone else.

“I meant to reach you earlier, but I couldn’t get away. They’re here, but not for long.” A pause. “Yes, I’ll try to stall them. And my
kabak
, they don’t suspect a thing.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

“Did you get delayed by that monsoon? I heard it tied up flights from Hong Kong.” Ted spoke in his usual effeminate tone.

The styling associate regarded Jen from behind his nerdy black glasses. He had a tall, thin frame, dark hair, and a disarming smile. Dressed in a buttoned dress shirt and bow tie, he looked like a preppy graduate.

“Actually, we did catch the edge of it.” Jen flicked a lock of hair off her face. “Our flight was cancelled. That’s how we got stuck there.”