Athena’s Ashes (Star Thief Chronicles #2)(45)
Author: Jamie Grey

Across the hub, she spotted a woman in a long, dark skirt, her jet-black hair woven into dozens of braids down her back. She carried a briefcase and walked with a purpose toward one of the food vendors.

Kara Dezal.

The woman ordered a plate of noodles and sat down at the table next to Renna’s without looking around. She tackled her food like a starving woman, shoveling in great mouthfuls. For someone so tiny, the woman could eat.

Renna pulled out her tablet and scrolled through her newsfeed, carefully ignoring the other woman.

“You going to tell me what you need, Renna?” Kara finally asked, still concentrating on her food. “I can’t sit here all day.”

“Information. But you already knew that.”

“Of course I did. That’s the only reason you ever contact me.” Kara studied Renna’s unusually pale face and shadowed eyes. “You look like shit.”

“Thanks. That’s exactly the look I was going for. You look beautiful, as always.” Even back in the tenement, Kara’s exotic looks had spared her the worst of the beatings and famine. After her mom died, the pimps all wanted to groom her to take over the business side of handling the prostitutes. Kara’s mother had been Japanese, if Renna remembered correctly, and her father had been an Ileth, so her skin had a gorgeous amber tint to it. A stunning combination and one she’d used often to get what she needed from both the politicians and info dealers alike.

“So tell me what you need, Renna. It must be big if you’re here on the station again.”

“I need information on someone. A Dr. Thana Samil. She works—or worked—for an organization called MYTH.”

“I’ve heard of it. The government’s worst-kept secret.” She took a bite and chewed deliberately before responding. “What’s so special about this woman?”

“She’s a traitor. Even worse, she’s framed me for something and I want her silenced.”

Kara nodded. “Understandable. A thief’s honor is her life. For old time’s sake, I’ll put my other clients on hold and see what I can find. But it’ll cost you.”

“Of course it will. How much?”

Kara grinned at her. “Straight to business. I always liked that about you, Renna.” Her smile was gone as quickly as it had come, her expression turning serious. “When’s the last time you were back on Earth?”

Renna froze, fingers curling into her tablet. “It’s been a while. Why?”

“I saw your mother the other month. She wasn’t looking good.”

Dread curled sharp claws into her gut, and Renna shook off the feeling she was walking into another trap. “What was wrong with her?”

“Too much clay. Not enough food. Probably an STD. She was never the same after you left. Didn’t take care of herself at all. Took the worst jobs. I’m surprised she’s lasted this long.”

“Don’t fool yourself, Kara, my mother was ecstatic when I left. No more bastard kid holding her back. I haven’t talked to her since that day, and I don’t plan to, no matter what you say.”

Kara shrugged, brushing her long braids back from her shoulder. “Just thought you’d want to know. You know us tenement rats always stick together.”

“Tell me what you want for the info, Kara. I need to get moving.” Renna watched a station guard patrol the edge of the crowded marketplace. She’d already been sitting here too long.

Kara took another bite of her food before responding. Renna was pretty sure it was to piss her off. Kara had always enjoyed seeing how far she could rattle her clients.

“I need a favor. Something only you can steal,” she finally said.

“Kara, I don’t have time for that.”

“Oh no, I don’t want it now. This is a favor to be redeemed in the future. At a time of my choosing.”

Renna chewed her lip. In any other situation, she’d turn the woman down flat. Getting involved in Kara’s business was…unhealthy. But she was running out of time and options. “Fine. It’s a deal.”

“Good. I’ll get you your information. Usual dropbox?”

“You know the one. I need it tonight.”

“It’ll be there.” Kara pushed the plate away and got to her feet, her long skirt swirling around her ankles. “Watch yourself, Renna. I have a bad feeling about this.”

“You’re not the only one.”

“Maybe you should visit your mom one of these days, too. Before it’s too late,” she suggested softly as she passed Renna’s table.

“Maybe you should mind your own business,” Renna snarled.

Kara stopped and put a hand on Renna’s shoulder. “We all know you’re not that same kid. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. But locking away your past doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Visiting your mom might help you come to terms with it.” Her gaze dropped lower, to the scar that slashed across Renna’s neck from ear to chin.

Renna touched it with a finger. “There’s nothing left for me to come to terms with. But thanks for the concern. I’ll see you later.” She shoved her chair back and jumped to her feet, disappearing into the crowds before Kara could respond.

No matter what the woman thought, there was nothing left for Renna back on Earth but pain. Her mother was an adult—she was responsible for her own choices, just like Renna. And Renna’s choice was to track Samil down and prove she wasn’t a traitor. Whatever the cost.

TWENTY-SEVEN

Viktis’s safe house on Forever Station was a tiny apartment overlooking the casino district. Even behind the closed curtains, lights flashed and danced from the signs and billboards lining the area. But despite the noise and lights, it was a smart location. In the hive of other apartments, his would be difficult to find. Always a plus when trying to stay under the radar.

Renna finished her plate of hastily radiated ramen, then leaned back in the rickety wooden chair. “You going to tell me what the hell is really going on?” she asked, pinning Viktis with a pointed stare.

He paused, fork halfway to his mouth. “What do you mean?”

“Why are you helping me?”

“Why wouldn’t I? I don’t owe anything to Finn or MYTH. There’s no reason for me to help them.”

“There’s no reason to help me either. You tried to kill me once, remember? You wouldn’t help me now unless there’s something in it for you.”