fork clattered against his plate. He set it down. “We should go home. If Karil can’t go to Kalquor, that’s where we need to be.”
“That’s a shame. Dantovon doesn’t refund vacations if they’re not at fault for your stay going poorly.” Japohn paused, appearing unsure of himself for a change. When he spoke again, he did so haltingly. “If you want, I don’t mind sticking close so you two can stay and have fun.”
“Oh. Well, I’d hate for us to infringe on your holiday.” Bacoj scrambled, trying to figure out how he felt about such a suggestion.
“You wouldn’t be. I’m here on my own. I have no real plans except to relax and enjoy a brothel or two, some shows, and a little light betting before I’m off to fight the war. It’ll be more fun to hang out with you guys. Especially if I meet up with that junkie again. I didn’t pound on him nearly enough for my tastes.” The words came out in a rush, the Nobek’s expression growing hopeful, especially with Vax beaming at him.
Bacoj’s uncertainty fled as he saw the ramifications of the offer. He was grateful to Japohn for saving them—they’d be dead if he hadn’t intervened. But this wasn’t the time to become entangled with a Nobek who obviously wanted to be considered as clanmate material. Not when Bacoj hadn’t yet won the Imdiko too perfect to lose.
This holiday was his chance to spend quality time with Vax. Now that he had to remedy his inability to keep him safe when Karil had shown up out of nowhere, Bacoj was desperate to make a decent case to be Vax’s Dramok. He opened his mouth to politely refuse Japohn.
Vax spoke first. “Investigator Yas says he’ll contact the local precinct and raise hell with them to track Karil down. See?” He shoved his com with the text conversation open to show Bacoj.
Bacoj scanned it, then slowed to read the information more carefully. Vax hadn’t shown it to him to underscore Yas’s assertion he’d convince the Dantovonians to take the case seriously. Yas had more to say than that.
Keep Nobek Japohn near if you decide to finish out your holiday there. He’s among the best bounty hunters Kalquor has. You couldn’t do better than that guy for a bodyguard.
His heart sinking, Bacoj glanced at Vax. The Imdiko grinned. “Isn’t Japohn great? With him to watch our backs, we don’t have to go home early.” He put his com away. “Thanks, Japohn. You’ve saved our holiday.”
Japohn was too much a trained warrior to do more than appear pleased, but Bacoj sensed he was fairly bursting with delight. When the Nobek glanced at him for confirmation, Bacoj smiled wanly. “Sure. It’ll be a blast having you along.”
Chapter Twelve
With Japohn’s presence as their third established, the trio made a point to get all the enjoyment they could out of their vacation. Dantovon’s lax laws on crimes not related to money and profit made it a favorite spot for Kalquorians on the run from their own enforcement. As a bounty hunter of such people, Japohn was familiar with the planet, particularly its capital city Ler. With him acting as tour guide, Bacoj and Vax were able to visit interesting spots and enjoy diversions they’d have never found on their own.
As the day wore on, Bacoj had to admit the Nobek made the trip far more delightful than if he hadn’t been along, at least from a tourist perspective. Japohn was a genuinely good guy. Maybe even a great guy. However, he was intimidating too, and not simply because he was a Nobek warrior.
Bacoj’s impression that Japohn possessed a fair amount of experience and confidence hadn’t been misplaced. The Nobek had no problem assuming responsibility for them…responsibility that should have belonged to Bacoj as the Dramok of the group. However, Bacoj was younger by seven years. He felt naïve compared to Japohn, who’d traveled extensively to dozens of worlds. His lack of knowledge no doubt made him appear foolish, so he was afraid to voice his opinions.
It didn’t help that the instant Bacoj wavered on what they should do next, Japohn swooped in with his opinion. In a matter of seconds, the opinion became an imperative. Bacoj and Vax had to check out a particular club, they had to check out the arena with its top-notch fighters, they had to meet the exotic sex divas of a specific brothel.
Deep inside, Bacoj knew Japohn was only looking to impress them. He was