Rivers of Orion by Dana Kelly (a court of thorns and roses ebook free .TXT) 📕

“Wow! You’re...” Nathaniel shook his head, astonished. “Look at you! You were just a kid when I saw you last.”

“It was ma high school graduation, ye auld bawheid.” She swatted his arm. “And ‘at was twelve yaurs ago!”

“Damn, I got old,” said Nathaniel, and he nodded at Reggie. “How’d this dope ever con you into following him around?”

Zella chuckled dryly. “He promised me one day we’d find an even bigger dope and look! Haur ye are.”

“Touché, Little Musketeer. ‘Twas a fine verbal riposte!” He hugged her close, nearly lifting her off the ground as he beamed. Releasing her with a spin and a flourish, Nathaniel set his sights on Lomomu. “You are?”

“I’m Lomomu,” he said. “Lomomu Thulomo.”

“Fantastic.” Nathaniel picked up his cigarette and took a deep puff as he peered here and there. “Where’s Patrick hiding? Finishing a pint of stout, I bet.”

Zella’s cheer dampened, and she shied away. “Dinnae speak ill o’ ma da.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” said Nathaniel, and he blew smoke her way.

“Nate, uh…” Reggie shook his head woefully. “Paddy died.”

Nathaniel’s throat bobbed. He put out his cigarette, and his voice cracked. “When?”

“A couple years ago,” said Reggie, and he wiped at his eyes.

“How?”

“A story for another time, okay?” Reggie glanced at Zella. “Definitely not now.”

“No, it’s fine,” said Zella. “Ah’ll tell ye.” She cleared her throat. “Ma da was helpin me fix ma planet jumper, tunin up ma reactor exchange manifold, an…” She fought back a wave of tears and summoned her resolve. “Turns out thaur was a haurline breach, an when he went to test it…” She gestured a slow explosion. “A week later, we buried whit little they were able to recover.”

“I’m so sorry,” whispered Nathaniel. “No one told me.”

Reggie sighed. “Well, Nate, you disappeared. Made it pretty clear you didn’t want to be found. Least not by us.”

“You’re right. I… I was dealing with some things. I guess I still am.” Nathaniel glanced at Zella. “I’m really sorry. Patrick was my best friend.”

She hugged him sidelong. “‘At’s okay. Sairy ye had tae find out like this.”

“I’d rather know, so… thank you,” said Nathaniel. “How long are you guys here?”

“Not entirely sure,” said Reggie. “A few more hours. We’re running transport for the Forest of Worlds’ Prime Minister, and she’s meeting with Lord Blösch at the moment. Don’t know what about.”

Nathaniel chuckled quietly. “The mood he’s been in lately, you could be here for days. Maybe weeks. But let’s assume it’s going to be hours. Can I treat you guys to an early dinner? There’s a pub a few blocks over that serves the best cottage pie I’ve ever had. We can pour one out for Paddy while we’re there.”

“Sounds nice,” said Reggie, and he regarded his crew. “What do you guys think?”

“Ah could eat,” said Zella.

“So could I,” said Lomomu.

“Great,” said Nathaniel, and he hailed a cab.

They climbed inside and traveled to the tavern Nathaniel had suggested. Faux wood paneling covered its exterior, and the signboard overhead displayed, “Jump the Moon Tavern.” Holographic projectors buzzed as their wheels turned, and a cow stood triumphantly upon a miniature moon, her cape fluttering behind her.

Chapter 25

The Message

Reggie, Zella, Lomomu, and Nathaniel shared stories and laughter as they dined and drained pints of beer. Years of reverie shifted toward more recent events, and Nathaniel suddenly looked guarded. “I have to ask, because I have to ask—was this really a chance meeting?”

Reggie swabbed his mustard cup with the last of his onion crisps. “It was, unless you conspired with Prime Minister Fenmore.”

“You’re not here about the bounty?” asked Nathaniel.

“What bounty?” asked Lomomu.

“Not bounty hunters,” said Reggie. “But now I’m curious.” He placed the crisp in his mouth and crunched down.

“Aye, an ye’ve got me piqued,” said Zella.

Nathaniel leaned in close. “A few years back, I took a job for the Kore Dominion, over on Gliese Prime. I’ll spare you the details, but the local guerillas held out long enough to land a major corporate sponsorship from Taranis. As soon as word got out, the Korens withdrew everything they brought.” Still wearing gloves, he wiped both sides of his mouth and set his napkin on the table. “Tails between their legs, if you read me. Well, about three months ago, I get word their Board of War finally got around to the post-mortem, and they decided I was due some comeuppance.”

“Of the dead or alive variety?” asked Reggie.

“Both actually, and the reward’s the same either way,” said Nathaniel. “It’s a miracle I’m still alive.”

“When does the contract expire?” asked Reggie.

“In nine months,” said Nathaniel.

Reggie snorted. “You got nothing to worry about.”

“Nothing to…” Nathaniel flushed. “I said dead or alive, Reynold!”

“I got that, but it sounds like your contract’s a formality. Like it’s cosmetic. Bounty teams specialize in one of two things: kill or capture, and they’re two vastly different loadouts. If the reward’s the same for both, you aren’t going to attract either.” Reggie scooped up wayward bits of mashed potatoes and ground beef, savoring the last of his cottage pie. “They’re just saving face, shuffling the blame around long enough for the Board of Directors to forget what happened. A hundred credits says the legalese is so thick, no one would bother trying to collect. Wouldn’t bet on them offering you any more work, but if Kore wanted you gone, youd’ve been gone two months ago.”

Nathaniel managed a slight smile. “Holy hell. That actually makes a ton of sense.” He regarded his friend with visible relief. “I thought you said you didn’t know anything about bounty hunting.”

Reggie smiled. “Said we aren’t bounty hunters. Never said I don’t know the business.”

With a loud laugh, Nathaniel pulled Reggie, Zella, and Lomomu into a group hug. “I love you guys!”

“We love ye too, ye big dope,” said Zella, and her phone buzzed. She paused to read the message. “It’s the Prime Minister. Whit the devil is she callin me fir?”

“You better take it,” said Lomomu.

“Aye, ye’re right. Excuse me,