-Crude Gets the Message Across-

I sat forward and stared into her face. "My visit yesterday with your father in law made your personal life my business, Coreena. So, do you want to dismiss your bodyguard or not, doesn't matter to me one way or the other."

Her alabaster skin turned even more pale as she sat back down in the chair. "Arrtis can hear whatever you have to say, he has been with me for years and there is no one I trust more. Please enlighten me to what Conrad wanted."

I could hear the vitriol in her voice when she said Conrad's name and I could swear the hair on the cathar's scruff raised up an inch or two.

I rested my arms on my knees and locked my hands together. "Conrad wanted me to tell him why you visited me, but of course I didn't, client privilege sets policy, plus I don't ever betray a client, it's bad for business and my reputation.

"The other thing he wanted me to do was follow you, it seems he suspects you of having an affair. He says he fears that this man will influence you somehow and interrupt his business endeavors, or worse yet, father a child with you. Do you know why he would be so concerned, Coreena?"

"I have no idea why he would think such a thing, as for the other, perhaps you should speak with Antois about that, he is the one who is never home."

"You can cut the crap about Antois, Coreena. I know it's not blonds he's attracted to, you weren't quite truthful about that the day we met. Alien addiction, yes? Even if he was home, I very much doubt it would be your bed he would seek."

The look of shock on her face spoke volumes and the slight flush added some color back into her cheeks. Settle in for the ride, sweetheart, I am not done rubbing salt in the wounds yet, and you need a wake up call.

Her nostrils flared as she lashed back at me. "How dare you and how dare he presume to keep tabs on me like I am some sort of chattel. I married into the family, I didn't put on a pair of shackles, Conrad goes too far, and so do you, Mr. Deklinn."

"Tread lightly, Coreena. Did you honestly think that all the dirty family secrets would stay hidden? You hired me and dragged me into this mess, this is what I do, this is what I'm paid to do, so don't go getting all high and mighty or act surprised."

"And just what else did my esteemed father in law reveal?" she spat back at me.

"Just remember, you asked. Conrad also knows you are screwing your cathar. You might want to scan the room for cameras before you two get naked and bump navels again."

Well, that struck a nerve. She rose to her feet eyes glaring and starting to glisten with tears. Arrtis left his spot behind the chair and stepped beside her. "You are vile, and you are fir….."

I stayed seated, posing no threat, but my lips just kept spitting out those barbs. "And I am what, Coreena? Fired? Your pet may be good at fucking and fighting, but that's not what you hired me for. And turn off the waterworks, they won't work again. I am in deeper than I ever wanted to be, a simple recovery job has turned into a cesspool, and I am waist deep. I didn't sign up for this shit and it's too late for me to get out, one of my people has already died."

I let that sink in a bit. Arrtis bristled beside her, but she put her hand up to stay any move he was about to make as she sank back into the chair.

"I am so sorry, Markus, I didn't know. Are you sure it is even related?"

"I can't believe you asked me that." I continued on, not letting up. "Did you know Conrad also has the CPD following you, they just haven't been able to catch you in the act yet, so to speak, but believe me, they will continue until they do. Conrad has very deep pockets and the police captain, Palder, has his hand in up to his armpit.

"You are already shackled, Coreena, and don't even know it."

Her shoulders slumped a bit as she realized what I had said rang of truth. "Del'Moor spins his web like some malignant spider and anyone who touches this family is caught in the strands. It is none of his business what I do with my body, or who I screw, as you so crudely put it, and it damned sure isn't yours either."

"Balls!, Coreena, you made the dirt pile and then get pissed off if someone digs around in it? Get over yourself, this is about more than who you lay with. Why don't you just forget about the fucking diary, run off with your cathar or your mystery lover? What the hell is so important you risk your life and all those around you?"

"I would if I could, Markus, believe me when I say this, the book must be retrieved, I have no choice in this. If you wish to end our arrangement, I will understand."

I answered with a laugh that was a little too bitter. "I can't stop now. I have already pulled Conrad's nose hair, a man has lost his life and I will likely be implicated. I don't have a choice either. I will get your damned book and hope that is the end of it."

Everything disintegrated into an uneasy silence. We had all said enough or maybe too much but I had accomplished what I set out to do, plant the seed that would force her to meet with her sith. What she did from there was up to her, ask him to leave, leave with him or stay until

this whole sordid mess was over. My bets were on the latter.

I stood up to leave, swiping the credit chit from the table and putting it into my pocket. "Just one more thing," I turned toward the cathar. "When you kiss her, does she taste sweet, like sugar or honey? It is important that you answer."

"No," answered Arrtis, still glaring at me with his amber eyes.

"An odd question. What does that have to do with any of this?," questioned Coreena.

"Nothing really, just a theory rolling around in my head. I will be in touch about your diary, Coreena. Just one more thing, is there a back way out of here? It seems you are not the only person the CPD is following."

She got up to walk me to the door with Arrtis shadowing closely behind. "At the end of this hall is a freight lift that will take you down to a loading dock, code is 64294. Be careful, Markus, I fear we are all treading water in a very deep sea."

"A word of warning, if Conrad calls Antois home, you and Arrtis need to be careful. The timing would be perfect for you to end up with a bun in the oven even if you don't remember how it got there. I don't know what Conrad's plans are, I only have ideas and no proof, but he is up to no good where you are concerned."

Let her chew on that one for a while.

I pulled the door closed, walked to the end of the hallway and entered the code for the turbolift, listening to it's ascent. I needed to contact Tandy, I needed someplace to hide and I needed my damned macrobinoculars.

No matter which way I turned, I was in the eye of a shit storm and it gave no hint of letting up anytime soon.