paid for wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow morning. If Sulen was correct, that would be too late and neither of them would be leaving. He had to get Saedra to safety then come back and do what he was paid to do. “I need to be out of here before then.”
Sulen arched a brow and his green eyes narrow. “You’re lucky I like your non-social ass.”
More keys clicked on the other side. Garik waited and every second that passed increased his level or worry. Outwardly he remained calm but inside he was a roiling cauldron. He wanted to get back to Saedra, he wanted off of Quantoon and he had a very bad feeling about this.
“Alright. I have someone willing to come there. A former friend from the Guild. Only one problem. They’re several hours away. By the time he arrives, it will be cutting it pretty close.”
Garik gripped the back of his neck. Checked on Depphi who was sorted clothing and seemed to be distracted. Former friend could mean anything but it wasn’t like he had a lot of options. Lowering his voice, he asked, “How close?”
“Eleven. He’ll come in under the guise of delivering cargo. You’ll need to take off within minutes of landing because the records he’ll use won’t hold under scrutiny.”
Garik would make it work. “Done. Give me the info.”
Sulen rattled off the details using a code they’d learned in the Guild. Garik locked it in his memory. He and Saedra had until tonight and then they’d be on a ship leaving Quantoon behind.
“Thank you, Sulen. Consider the favor paid.”
Sulen nodded. “Good luck.”
Garik ended the transmission. Depphi immediately stopped doing what he was doing and faced Garik with an eager expression. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“No. We need to get back.”
Depphi grinned. “No problem. When this is over, my favor to you will be paid in full right?”
Garik folded his arms across his chest and eyed Depphi until his ever changing skin blanched three different colors. “Yes. As long as you don’t betray me, Depphi, we can consider us done.”
His smile was relieved. “Good. Good.”
***
When Garik returned with the Chamele, Saedra was instantly relieved. The nerves which had been brewing during the short time they were gone had been close to breaking.
“Is everything alright?” she asked as soon as they entered and crossed to his side.
Depphi offered her a slight bow. “I will leave you both in my home. It is time for me to open shop at the marketplace. If I stay closed, it will look suspicious.”
Garik placed at hand at Saedra’s waist but spoke to Depphi. “Remember, don’t mention to anyone that you’ve seen us. At all, Depphi.”
“Of course, of course,” Depphi agreed, backing away toward the door.
“It wouldn’t end well for you,” Garik added.
Depphi swiped at his face and hurried out the door, the lock clicking behind him.
“What did your friend say,” Saedra pressed.
“Maurin is closing the transport station at midnight tonight. No ship or shuttle will be allowed to land or take off from that point on. My contact has someone with a ship who will be here tonight one hour before that deadline goes into effect.”
Saedra processed this and did the calculations. “Is there anyway we can leave sooner?”
It seemed awfully dangerous to wait to the last possible moment to go.
“It’s the earliest possible arrival time. I know we’ll be cutting it close but for now it’s the only option.”
Saedra placed her hands on Garik’s shoulders needing the touch to ground her. “So we only need to stay hidden until tonight. Then we can leave?”
“Yes.” Garik placed his other hand on her opposite hip and kept her faced toward him. “It will be dangerous. If this goes the way I think, we’ll have to rush to the ship and have them take off instantly. Maurin will also have more guards out because he knows its our only way off this rock.”
Oh, her father would definitely increase the patrols. Shutting down the transport station was his way of forcing Saedra to stay here, but he couldn’t understand her level of desperation. He didn’t think she had it in her to push back and rebel like this. “Do you really think we have a chance, Garik?”
He cupped her chin and tipped her face up. “Nothing he does or tries will keep us here. I promise you that.”
She wanted to believe it. “Alright.”
Saedra leaned forward and placed her head on his chest. The thud of his heart provided its own reassurance.