Price of a Bounty - By S. L. Wallace Page 0,13

was true then, they really were friends, but why hadn’t Scott ever mentioned him before?

“Yes, I was surprised to learn that you two knew each other,” I said.

“We met a long time ago.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about him?”

“I’d rather discuss that in person.”

Does Scott know that Richard is part of the Resistance? How much does he know about all of that anyway? The Resistance was a topic we’d never discussed. After all, Scott was military, and military personnel were loyal to the Gov. Scott only kept my secrets because I was family.

“He was hoping to impress you with roses. How would you feel about that?” Scott asked.

“That would be wonderful! I do love roses.” I really didn’t, and Scott knew that, but that didn’t matter because this wasn’t about flowers. What could Richard possibly have to tell me about Rose?

“Then it’s too bad that he’s decided against them. He seems to think it might scare you off if he gives you roses so early in the relationship.” He paused. “Is this the beginning of a relationship?”

“Relationship?” I laughed. “Do you really think I’m ready for a relationship with anyone?” Scott knew how I felt about love, but I had another question. “Do you think he’s worth it?” Will he understand what I’m really asking?

He didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I do. You can trust this Guy. He wants to know what other types of flowers you like. I think he wants to give them to you in person.”

This Guy? He did understand, and he knew about Richard’s ties to the Resistance. Apparently, Scott was willing to keep secrets for friends as well as family, or more likely, for close friends.

I looked down at my dress. “Daisies. You can tell him that I like daisies in the spring. I saw some beautiful flowers blooming in Liberty Park the other day.” Now I sounded like April. “Scott, can you get away this afternoon?”

“Sorry, I’m heading out of town later today. I won’t be back until the middle of next week.”

“Then let’s get together next weekend. It’s important.”

For the first time, I was glad I hadn’t killed Richard. Scott never would have forgiven me for killing his good friend. He didn’t approve of my line of work. He’d wanted me to join the military. By working as a Freelancer instead of a soldier, Scott worried that I’d be placing myself in “unscrupulous situations.” I’d asked him if he even knew what unscrupulous meant because that’s exactly why I wouldn’t join the military. In my opinion, they were the Gov’s lapdog.

-Keira-

What Happened to Rose?

A couple of hours later, I sat on a wooden bench in Liberty Park enjoying the sunshine when Eberhardt walked by. I stretched, stood up and followed far behind.

Eventually, he turned and entered an apartment complex in an Elite neighborhood, but I continued on. When I was sure I wasn’t being followed, I made my way back. Eberhardt stood waiting just inside the front door. He led me down the hall and up the back stairs to an elegant two-bedroom apartment. Richard sat on a royal blue sofa in the living room, watching a newsvid. I settled into a comfy blue chair while he paused the teleview embedded in the wall across from the couch.

“Does this apartment have a whirlpool bath too?” I joked.

Richard ignored my question. “I was just checking the news. I’m dead.”

Does he always have to be so serious? “Yes, as expected, but that’s not why you contacted me. What’s up with Rose?”

“She’s dead too.”

“What?” Okay, this isn’t the time for jokes. Richard indicated the teleview, unpaused it and reversed the newsvid. Then he let it play from the beginning.

A typical announcer’s voice spoke as footage of ambulances with flashing lights appeared on the screen. “In another tragedy, a hit and run caused the death of young Rose Brackaby, daughter of Minister Brackaby.”

“Her father was in the Gov?” I mentally kicked myself for not knowing that.

“I thought you’d done your research.”

I continued to watch the news as I replied, “Only on you. It can make my job more difficult if I know too many details.”

“You mean if you begin to think about your targets as real people?”

What’s he getting at? I tried to make eye contact, but Richard looked back at the teleview and avoided my gaze. “Was she important to you?”

“No.” Richard laughed sadly and rested his head in his hands.

“What is it then? Do you think she would have joined the Resistance if Elaine Ramsey hadn’t gotten