known to be owned by Bek.
“Can you rescue Bacoj from that person?” Vax’s breathless voice reminded Japohn he was there.
Japohn had led him back to the inn’s courtyard. Few others were in the vicinity, none close. He pulled out his com. “Let me talk to someone.”
He connected to a little-used frequency, but the guy picked up almost immediately. For the next few minutes, Japohn conversed in low tones with an undercover Galactic Council agent who posed as a sex broker in Ler.
As soon as he finished, he turned to Vax, who’d been obvious in his attempts to listen in. The Imdiko’s frown told Japohn he’d not been entirely successful.
The Nobek talked fast. “I spoke to someone who knows the lay of the land as far as what’s happening in the local sex trade. He says Bek wouldn’t grab a Kalquorian for any reason, at least not for himself. However, he might rent his thugs out, no questions asked, to anyone who could pay enough.”
Vax’s brow furrowed. “Karil?”
“That’s my guess. My guy is working to track your stalker down. With his contacts, he might have better luck than local law enforcement. And he won’t rob us blind in exchange for his help.”
“But why would Karil go after Bacoj? His issue is with me. It’s me he wants to—”
Vax’s com beeped, interrupting him. Japohn held his breath, hoping against hope. That fizzled out as Vax puzzled over the frequency. “It’s not Bacoj. I don’t recognize this frequency.”
“Answer it. On speaker.”
Vax did so. Rage filled Japohn as he recognized Karil’s voice. “Hello, cousin. Looking for your boyfriend?”
“What have you done with him, Karil?” Vax yelled, glancing around the mist-heavy surroundings as if he thought the Nobek might be nearby.
“I haven’t done anything. Yet. Switch on your com’s vid, and see for yourself.”
Vax did so and cried out as a shot of Bacoj came up. The Dramok was unconscious and lying on what appeared to be a cement floor. A growl rose from deep in Japohn’s gut, but he choked it off before it could escape. Instead, he rummaged in a pouch on his utility belt.
“You bastard! Let him go, you son of a bitch. He hasn’t done anything to you,” Vax ranted.
“No, but you did. You killed my Imdiko. I’m returning the favor.”
Japohn’s arm shot out to steady Vax, who appeared as if he’d collapse on the spot. “You can’t have killed him. He can’t be dead.”
“He’s not. Just drugged. I’m waiting for him to wake up. You see, I figured out the best revenge was to make you suffer as I did. You get to live, Vax. You get to live and watch while I kill your sweetheart.”
“Don’t. Take me instead. You can have me, just let him go!”
“I’ll com you back, after he wakes up and I’ve had my fun. Don’t worry, I’ll record every second that I make him scream. And especially the part where he stops.” The bastard chuckled. “Enjoy the rest of your holiday, Vax. I’ll be in touch.”
The connection was broken. Vax stared in horror at Japohn, desperation etched in his features.
The Nobek showed him the cable he’d connected from his handheld to Vax’s com. “Traced it. I’ve got a general location of where that com came from.”
Vax grabbed him. “You can find Bacoj?”
“I’ll do my best. Go back to your room while I—”
“Fuck that. I’m going with you.”
“Vax—”
Vax shoved him. “I’m going! Stop wasting time and find my Dramok!”
Irritation and impatience came close to making Japohn snap at him. This was why he worked alone, apart from others who’d slow him down because they had no idea what the fuck they were doing. Damn it, how could Vax not realize the impediment he’d be to the search and recovery of Bacoj?
This isn’t the time for insisting on your own way. The voices of Japohn’s mentor and his mother were in his head, appealing to his better sense.
Clanmates were supposed to work together, except in dangerous situations like this. How could Japohn expose Vax to such a threat? Unfortunately, Bacoj didn’t have the luxury of them arguing about the matter. The minutes were running out for the man Japohn would call his Dramok—as Vax had—should fate be so kind.
He grabbed Vax’s hand. “Let’s go.”
Chapter Sixteen
Was he awake? Or stuck in a nightmare? Bacoj couldn’t be sure. He felt he was somewhere between, trapped in a dark place full of pain. He tried to yell, hoping if it were a bad dream, he’d wake himself up or at