Dark Choices - I. T. Lucas Page 0,77

logically to yourself first.”

For a long moment, Kalugal didn’t respond, probably pondering what Rufsur had said. Then he nodded. “You might be right, but that still doesn’t prove anything.”

Rufsur pushed to his feet and started pacing. “In the two weeks between the visits, I was miserable without Edna. I kept thinking about her, wanted to touch her, talk to her. I couldn’t wait until I could hold her in my arms again. I couldn’t think of being with another woman. Hell, I didn’t even find my favorite movie girls desirable. I used to think that the Romulan spy chick in Star Trek Picard was so hot, and I was pissed when they killed her off in the last episode. But after meeting Edna, she didn’t do anything for me when I re-watched the first season.”

“Hmm.” Kalugal smoothed his hand over his short beard. “That actress looks a lot like Edna. Apparently, you have a type, which explains your attraction to the judge.”

Rufsur snorted. “The woman can’t hold a candle to my Edna.”

“Now, I believe that you’re in love.”

Rufsur glared at his boss. “Why? What does Narissa have over Edna?”

“Nothing.” Kalugal looked like he was stifling a chuckle. “The actress playing her is just a little taller, that’s all. But we digress. What do you want to do?”

“I don’t know.” He sighed and sat back down. “That’s why I came to you.”

“You must have something in mind.”

Kalugal knew him too well for him to continue the game he was trying to play. “Yesterday’s tour gave me an idea. What if we buy those plots from Kian? We can build our own village adjacent to the clan’s and keep our autonomy while benefiting from the security of a secluded location and the protection of the clan’s Guardian force.”

“I wish it was possible, but it’s not. Even if privacy was not an issue, all the startups I’m buying are in the Bay Area. But as you are well aware, privacy is a big issue for me. I don’t want Kian or anyone else in my business.”

“What if that could be solved? I’m not a tech guy, but Ruvon might have some ideas.”

“I like my independence and my anonymity, Rufsur. I don’t want to be subjected to anyone’s rule. Not my father’s, and not my cousin’s.”

“The clan and us could form a federation of independent communities. We can cooperate solely on safety issues and keep everything else autonomous.”

Kalugal shook his head. “That’s not doable. We are a community of forty-nine people. Are we going to have a fence between the clan and us, with border patrol and guard stations? How are we going to keep ourselves separate and private?”

“I’m sure that if you put your mind to it, you will find a solution. In my opinion, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. But it requires a shift in perspective and a willingness to compromise on your part and on Kian’s.” He leaned closer to Kalugal. “What’s more important? Your men’s futures, or having it your way and keeping everything precisely the same? You have a mate now, so that’s not an option in either case. And since change is inevitable, why not make it grand?”

55

Edna

When Edna returned home, she found Rufsur sitting on her front porch. “You could have come in. It’s not locked.”

He pushed to his feet and pulled her into a fierce hug.

Edna’s heart sank. Why did it feel as if he was saying goodbye?

“What happened?”

Letting go of her, he clasped her hand and opened the door. “I need a drink.”

“That bad, eh?”

“No, but not good either.” He went into the kitchen and started opening cabinets.

“You won’t find anything interesting in there. I still have only wine.”

“Right.” He pulled out a bottle. “Can I order a delivery to the village?”

“Not directly here. Deliveries go to a different location, and the Guardians bring them here.”

“Good enough.” Rufsur took the wine and two glasses to the living room. “Give me the details, and I’ll have booze delivered to you for my next visit.” He uncorked the bottle and poured wine into the two glasses.

Edna let out a relieved breath. He was still planning on coming back. “Just tell me what you like, and I’ll order it.”

He looked up at her. “You don’t trust me with the other address. Is that it?”

She sat next to him. “I’m sorry. But the other place is also a strategic location, and I can’t disclose the address.”

Shaking his head, he handed her one of the wine glasses. “A fine