as possible. Otherwise, they’ll screw me over. I’m sure they’re looking to save money anywhere they can.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’ve never been subjected to a surprise inspection on a work site, but I’ve heard about it happening to other survey teams. They were given no warning until a shuttle landed and suddenly, company representatives were there. Anyone who refused to instantly comply by answering questions or showing their work were docked pay. They probably lied about when they were going to arrive just to catch me off guard.”
Roth snarled and spun away, going to his dresser. She felt relief as he quickly got dressed too. They exited their bedroom and took turns using the bathroom.
By the time Vera had brushed her hair and teeth, and splashed water on her face, the rest of the Veslors had assembled in the living room. They’d also brought weapons. She tried not to stare at the pair of laser blasters Roth strapped to his thighs.
He held out his hand to her, and Vera immediately took it. Roth made her feel safe. She also loved the sweet gesture of holding her hand.
“Are you ready?” He studied her features, concern showing in his eyes.
“Yes.” She wasn’t about to admit to feeling nervous. He could probably already tell.
Darla came out of one of the bedrooms with the cubs. All of them wore matching pajamas. “What’s going on?”
Gnaw went to his mate and gave her a kiss on her forehead. “Vera’s people are here. We are escorting her to speak to them.”
“They aren’t really my people. It’s two representatives from the company I work for,” Vera corrected.
Darla grimaced. “That doesn’t sound like fun.”
No, it won’t be. Vera sucked in a deep breath and blew it out. “We should go.”
Drak and Gnaw took the lead. Roth kept hold of her hand, and Maith trailed behind. They passed a few crew members on the way to the lift. No one shared it with them as they went to deck two. When the doors opened, Clark stood there in full military uniform. Vera noticed he also wore weapons.
“Our appreciation to you for being here,” Roth told the older human.
“You’re my boys. I’ll always look out for you. Congratulations on your mating, Roth.” Clark’s gaze fixed on Vera. “I informed Commander Bills of the news. He’s given his permission for you to stay onboard. He also sends his congratulations on your mating.”
Vera swallowed hard. “I hadn’t even thought about that. I’m afraid I’m not too familiar with protocols for the fleet.”
“It’s been taken care of. You’ve officially been listed as part of the Veslor grouping.” Clark turned, moving down the corridor. “We’re meeting in conference room two instead of George’s office. It’s larger,” he called out over his shoulder.
Two officers stood from behind a long counter when they entered security. One of them cleared his throat. “This way, sirs.” The man had them follow him deeper into the offices.
Trowly sat on the far side of a round table when they entered the room. A man and woman dressed in business attire were seated on each side of him. Both appeared in their mid-fifties and displayed stern expressions.
The woman spoke first. “Thanks for bringing us our employee. Now leave. This is a private matter.”
Roth’s hold on Vera’s hand tightened. “We are not leaving Vera.”
“These are the Veslors I was telling you about.” Trowly motioned for them to take seats. “They are all a part of Miss Wade’s protection detail.”
The man in the suit scowled at Trowly. “You’re saying that one of our employees isn’t safe on one of the biggest battle cruisers in your fleet? Especially inside your own security offices? Some of the things we need to go over are classified. The last thing New Worlds needs is a bunch of gossip circulating about what in the hell happened on that planet. I understand that you have to be here because fleet stuck their nose where it didn’t belong, but I want those men to leave while we question our employee.”
“Don’t be insulting, Mr. Danver,” Trowly snapped. “These men were in your facility as part of the rescue detail. They saw the result of the sabotage. And we answered a distress hail. Be thankful for that, or every employee would be dead and you’d have no one to question. I’ve opened my files to you about our investigation results so far, and informed you of what happened to Miss Wade in the bar. You haven’t been so forthcoming. Who has the most motivation