to complete the job now that he’d gone to law enforcement? Some goon not debilitated by Elate?
“Coming after you after Karil made an attempt on your life is too obvious a move for Respel. He’s careful; I’ll give him that.”
“Karil isn’t.” Vax wondered how much trouble the Nobek would be in with his Dramok.
As if hearing his thoughts, Yas said, “He’s probably earned himself a world of hurt from Respel. Respel will want to take a pound of flesh from his ass, not yours. Even so, you shouldn’t return to your home tonight. Let’s not make it easy for anyone who decides you’re more trouble alive than dead.”
At Vax’s horrified expression, Genwa waved a scarred hand in a calming motion. “Again, Respel isn’t likely to target you, not when you know zip about his operation. We’re just taking precautions.”
Yas glanced up at the silent man behind Vax. “If I assign a patrol to watch your apartment, can he stay with you, Dramok Bacoj?”
“For as long as he needs.”
Despite the horror of the past hours, Bacoj’s steady voice made Vax smile. If any good could come of this nightmare, it would be because of Bacoj.
“If you have vacation time saved up at your job, Imdiko, I suggest you use it rather than accepting the extra payout. Maybe you could go out of town until we’ve caught up with Karil.” Yas continued pounding his handheld. Vax wondered how many of such devices the investigator had gone through with his rough handling.
“Do you think Karil will come after me again? I mean, if Respel is really that extreme, won’t he make him leave me alone after this?”
Genwa scowled. “Karil’s a junkie. Worse still, he’s a Nobek looking to reclaim some skewed notion of honor over his clanmate’s death. He has to realize how furious Respel will be, but in his current state, even that might not stop him from searching for you. Absence from the places he’d expect to catch you is a highly recommended course of action.”
“We’ll be in touch with you, Imdiko. You can go.” Yas didn’t look up from whatever kept him so dedicated to abusing his handheld.
Vax rose on shaky legs, relieved that at least this part was over. Genwa, surprising him yet again, escorted him and Bacoj to the door. For such a terrifying creature, he had wonderful manners.
Out in the corridor, Bacoj wrapped his arm around Vax’s shoulders, holding him close until they stepped outside the station. The cavern that housed the station was closed in, but the ceiling vid gave the wonderful illusion of the outdoors. Vax gazed up at the stars and the moon Lobam and drew a deep, grateful breath.
Bacoj grabbed his arms and turned him so they faced each other. “I want you to do as they say. Call in sick tomorrow. Use your vacation now. You have what, two weeks?”
“Yeah. It falls short of the notice I gave though. I hate to put Nepor on the spot to fill in for me.” At Bacoj’s raised-brow stare, Vax ducked his head. “You’re right. Showing up where Karil can easily find me could put others in danger. I’ll com Nepor and the bar first thing in the morning.”
“Give law enforcement time to locate Karil. Maybe then you can go back to Nepor and enjoy your last few days of work without looking over your shoulder.”
Vax peered up at him through the hair that had fallen over his eyes. “I’m sorry. You weren’t looking for trouble, and it seems I have a lot of that.”
“This situation isn’t your fault. Come on. I’m taking you home.” Bacoj’s arm circled his shoulders again. Vax leaned into his support, unashamed to accept the other man’s strength.
He’d needed a real Dramok tonight, and Bacoj had filled the position perfectly.
In Bacoj’s apartment, Vax let himself be led to the sleeping room. He felt raw. Fragile. As if the slightest blow would fracture every inch of him. He couldn’t stop shaking as reaction to the night’s events set in.
Bacoj stopped him by the sleeping mat. Cupped his cheeks in his warm palms. Kissed him gently, his lips moving over Vax’s with the softness of a cloud.
He undressed the trembling Imdiko, moving Vax with care as he pulled off his shoes, trousers, shirt. Naked, Vax felt more vulnerable than ever.
I almost died tonight.
The sobs came then, wrenching from his guts. Harsh, violent cries quaked him harder than before. His knees unhinged, threatening to spill him to the floor.
Bacoj was there to keep