Break Out - By Nina Croft Page 0,37
well, the obvious suspect is Skylar, but it can’t have been—she was with Rico.”
Rico smiled at the memory. “Yes, she was, wasn’t she?”
“So, does that mean we have a traitor on the ship? One of the crew?” Tannis ran a hand though her hair. “I don’t believe it. Do we abort the mission?”
“No. As you say, it couldn’t have been Skylar.”
“But we might be compromised.”
“It’s probably unrelated. We’ll look into it when we get back. We need to leave now if we’re going to do this.”
Tannis looked at Rico suspiciously.
He kept his expression blank. “Think of all that money.”
She sighed. “Okay, let’s do this.”
Rico turned to Janey. “Have you managed to isolate the frequency?”
“Not yet, but I will soon.”
“Good. Comm it through to me when you have it. Now, I suggest we leave.”
. . .
Skylar’s hand slid down to her waist, only to remember that her laser pistol was missing. She’d wanted to wear it, but Janey had assured her it didn’t go with the dress and had muttered something scathing about accessories under her breath.
Personally, Skylar considered a laser pistol the perfect accessory for any outfit.
Getting on board the transport ship had been easy. She’d flashed a bit of cleavage at the monitor, did her best to look helpless, and they’d almost dragged her shuttle on board.
When she’d tottered onto the bridge in her high heels, the three crewmembers had been lined up waiting for her, only too eager to help a damsel in distress. Unfortunately, it was becoming obvious that they expected her to reward them for their services.
The tallest of the three had introduced himself as the captain. He insisted on helping her to a seat, refusing to relinquish his hold on her when they got there. Every few seconds, he squeezed her arm, while the other two stood on either side, leering down the front of her dress.
Lovely.
Not even in the line of duty would she let any of these assholes touch her.
She considered taking them out. She could probably do it, even without her weapon, and it would feel so good. But she really couldn’t take the risk, not when they were armed and she wasn’t.
Putting her hand to her forehead, she let out a little moan of simulated pain as she studied the layout of the bridge through her fingers. She’d gotten used to the sleek, graceful lines of El Cazador. By comparison, this ship was utilitarian, bordering on downright ugly. She spotted the control panel she needed directly opposite where she sat, but she had no chance of getting to it with the crew sticking so close.
She dropped her hand. “I’m really not feeling too well. Could I possibly have some air?”
She hoped they’d take the hint and move away—no such luck.
“You look fine to me.” The captain gave her arm another squeeze. “Doesn’t she look good to you, Joe?”
Joe licked his lips. “Good enough to eat.”
Now she really did feel ill.
El Cazador would be in range by now, just waiting for Skylar to knock out the shields. She wasn’t too worried yet. If she couldn’t get to the control panel, she still had Janey’s gadget as backup. All she needed to do was convince them to scan her. She clutched her stomach. “Please, I think something is seriously wrong.”
No one moved. Heartless bunch—she could be dying here.
Gritting her teeth, she raised her head, widened her eyes, and batted her lashes at the man beside her. “Please, Joe, I hurt. Right here.” She ran a hand over her left breast and pressed her ribcage. Three sets of eyes followed the movement. She licked her lips. “Check me out, and I promise I’ll be grateful.”
Joe grinned. “I’ll go get the scanner.”
At last.
He was back in seconds. He ran the scanner over her breasts, frowning as he read the readings. He shook the machine, and Skylar bit back her frustration.
“I said, here.” Grabbing his hand, she guided the scanner to the right place.
Nothing happened.
Had Janey’s brilliant gadget failed?
Skylar gritted her teeth and pressed the scanner a little closer. The shrill sound of the ship’s alarm rang out of the bridge.
“What the fuck…?”
Skylar made to rise from the chair, but the grip around her upper arm tightened, and she was shoved back into the seat.
“What’s happening?” She tried to keep her tone innocent. Right now was the most dangerous time, but with a bit of luck, they wouldn’t suspect her.
“Perhaps you could tell us.”
The captain rammed his laser pistol into the side of her neck, and