sorry about the updating schedule. but i want to thank everyone who reviewed and let me know that this is a story that i should continue. my friend "fixed" my computer so now i don't have an operating system, thank god for school computers. enjoy
Jack was still in her room when Riddick had finished updating his space. The square concrete room in the corner of the house had everything he had so far managed to collect from the other planets he'd left his catches at. He downloaded several new credit slips into his main base and stowed a couple of trinkets that he'd forgotten he'd had stored in his other hideaways. Imam's house was a safe house in a way that his other places weren't. Once again he updated his "final" message to Jack, in the event that anything happened to him, and he shook his head as he turned off the vid-recorder and cursed himself again for this strange attachment he had to the waif.
Riddick joined Imam in a courtyard that was cooled by the roof fans. His wife served a cool drink, fruity, non-alchoholic, but Riddick was used to the fact that the holy-man kept nothing "mind-altering" as he put it, in his home. To get a stiff drink, which he would want later in the evening, he would have to go to a bar- which he would.
"So this time, I think my friend, you would have something to ask of me?" Imam leaned back in his chair and sighed as a breeze flittered over his cheeks.
"I need you to keep Jack for a while. And if you have the inclination I would like to leave Patty here as well. Though you don't need to keep her if you don't want to, I just need to get out of here without any baggage." Riddick kept an ear out for the girls, the last thing he needed was two stowaways.
"What is different about this time Richard? You took Jack because she was miserable in school here. I do not think she would enjoy it again. She can not miss school if she is on planet, it is illegal."
"And I know you and your rules. I get it, but hopefully it won't be too long. I'm going to a couple planets where my largest hides are, but I don't want Jack around those places. They're one short step toward hell if you know what I mean."
"And you are afraid for her?"
"Hell no." Riddick denied, "she'll just slow me down. I can't watch my back and hers at the same time." Imam smiled but hid it behind his glass. He knew that the hunter cared for the girl, but if he wanted to hide it behind his tough façade, it was up to him.
"I will take care of the child for you Richard, and the other is welcome to stay as long as she obeys the laws." His head came up in a large grin as Jack entered the courtyard.
"Hello." She bowed her head slightly and whirled around to show Imam the robe he had placed on her bed when he knew they would arrive. "Its beautiful Imam." A light blue that fell around her young body like a cloud, and the smile on her face was softer than the ironic grin she usually shared with Riddick.
"It pales in comparison to your beauty young one." Imam rose and took her hands in his own. "It suits you." Jack blushed, Riddick looked away, feeling guilty for abandoning her in advance to his actual departure.
"Riddick?" Jack asked, noticing his reluctance. He looked up and nodded gently. It did suit her, it reminded him that she was younger than he usually thought she was. On the ship she was competent and sure of her own skills as a "Jack of all Trades". She was only… he blinked, she was seventeen now. They'd been traveling for years and all the time had somehow gotten away from him.
"You look good kid."
"You know Riddick…"
"I know, I know… you're not a kid." He smirked.
"That's right!" she jerked her head and crossed her arms under her chest. The mounds that were defined under the robe did nothing to convince Riddick that she was an adult. He chuckled under his breath, but coughed when he realized he'd been staring at Jacks chest. He looked away from her puzzled expression and cleared his throat.
"Where's Pat?"
"Right here." The voice was over his head, he looked up and laughed. Someone had decided to gift Reider with a robe as well. But the robe they had given her was pink. "Imam, not that I don't appreciate the hospitality, but your wife took all my clothes."
"She has taken them to be washed, they will be returned to you in the morning." He smiled pleasantly as Riddick got himself over his laughing fit. Even Jack looked a little smug. Riddick pulled Jacks arm down until her ear was at his lips.
"You minx." He muttered as Jack grinned and nodded.
"Dinner is soon to be served. Please relax and I will return to guide you to the table." Imam bowed out gracefully and left the trio alone.