A Small Degree of Hope. Lyndi Alexander

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      What in all the hells kind of law officer was she? She hadn’t even noticed him.

      His face emerged from her memories with an impish grin, sitting behind the wheel of a fast car. How long had it been? “Cary Ludlow?”

      He got to his feet. “I didn’t think you’d remember.” He came closer, kissed her formally on the forehead. “Secondary school was a dozen years ago. From what the Colonel says, you’ve been very busy since then.”

      “You know each other?” Her father sounded almost annoyed.

      Kylie rolled her eyes. “Seriously? How can you have forgotten that night you came to get us both at the Prefector’s office before he could charge us with malicious mischief for what we did to the school mascot?”

      The Colonel’s face twisted into a sour grimace, but Cary grinned. “I haven’t forgotten.”

      Distracted, she had to wrench her focus to the point of her visit. That’s right, she was mad, damn it. “I can’t say I expected to see you here.”

      “I’m working for the Bestelian embassy, and had some business that I needed to transact with your father.”

      So we both have grown-up jobs now. The thought filled her with warmth. Or was that the memories of some of the late nights they’d spent being naughty?

      Her father interrupted. “Actually, there were several items on our agenda for today’s meeting. Most of them had to do with his diplomatic employer. But we hadn’t gotten to the last one. It’s surprising, but convenient, that you’re here. I’ve decided you need a husband.”

      “You need a hole in your head.”

      “That’s disrespectful.” Her father eyed her with a definite scold.

      “I certainly hope so.” She stared at him, fury building. How dare he? He had no say about her private life. And her life wasn’t even private. Here he was laying all this out in front of an old boyfriend, practically a stranger these days. A nice-looking, well-mannered stranger, taller than she.

      “Perhaps I should step outside,” Cary murmured.

      “Perhaps I should step outside,” she said. “Clearly I don’t belong here. Did you put Mother up to baiting me here for this? Did she join your little conspiracy voluntarily?”

      The Colonel laughed. “Oh, please, Kylie, you’re not that important. I don’t build my whole day around you. Cary made the appointment to discuss the needs of his superiors. He’s impressed me with his upbringing, his bearing, and I thought he’d make a good match.” His amusement turned dark. “He had no idea I was going to bring up this subject.”

      “I wouldn’t have stayed if I’d known,” Cary said. “Please excuse me.” He started for the door.

      “Cary, please. Stay and conduct your business. I’m the one who doesn’t belong.” Kylie set her jaw, meeting her father’s gaze. “Whatever it is you’re really after, you can send a textual message to my office.”

      She brushed past Cary, making it to the door before he did. He wore a very expensive aftershave she recognized. And loved.

      No. No. No. No time for that.

      Footsteps followed her into the hall. They weren’t from her father’s heavy Tirellian boots. She slowed her retreat. “I’m sorry,” she said.

      “Not at all.” Cary hurried to catch up. “Col. Sanderson tends to come on a little strong.”

      A frustrated snort was the best she could offer. She tried to make it sound like a dismissive laugh. “Tell me about it.”

      “It sounds like I don’t have to.”

      They came into the front hall. Her mother and sister had vanished, and Kylie’s cases still sat on the bottom stair. She took it as a sign. “Since I don’t have to go track these down, I think I’ll head out.”

      “Which way are you going?” He waited while she shouldered the two cases then held the front door open for her. He was altogether too kind. She liked that.

      “Returning to the spaceport, I guess.”

      “Well, how about that? It’s just on my way.”

      His grin rejuvenated her spirits. “Perfect.”

      Nissa came running out the door. “Ky? Where are you going?”

      The cloud of her mother’s dress swirled into the doorway, her expression stricken and disappointed.

      “I’m going home. I’m in the middle of a serious investigation. No time to play games.”

      Cary pointed at a sleek black sports car Kylie had noted when she’d arrived, but she had thought it one of her father’s toys. She nodded and walked with him.

      Nissa chased after her, grabbed her arm. “You can’t go now. We haven’t seen you in months. Please. Mother wants you to stay.” Her voice faltered. “She hasn’t been well, Ky. You really should spend some time with her.”

      Kylie suppressed a quick pang of guilt. She’d like to stay, but not at this point in the case. Timing was critical. If her father hadn’t forced her hand, she wouldn’t have come at all, not until these murdering criminals were locked up or dead.

      “Nissa, I can’t. I’ve got to get back to work. If you really need me, you’ll find me at the office.” She reached for Nissa and held her close. “Good luck with him.”

      She let Nissa go and stashed her cases in the back seat of Cary’s sweet ride. Her sister just stood there, mouth open. He held the door open for her, and she slipped into the low, form fitting front seat. Cary came around to the driver’s seat, and started the engine, which rolled out a contented purr.

      “You ready?” he asked.

      “I hope so.” Her sense of relief brought a smile to her face.

      Avoiding Nissa and a couple of gardeners, he followed the driveway, shifting up through two then three gears, until the manicured lawn was a blur. “Hold on.”

      “You bet.” Kylie fastened her seat belt and obediently grasped the side rail.

      Cary swung out onto the main road, cornering nearly on two wheels and floored the accelerator. It was exhilarating.

      Driving twice as fast as anyone on the road, Cary weaved in and out of traffic. Nirvana on his face, he had complete control of his vehicle.

      Not in the least afraid, she leaned back while the thrill erased the bad taste of her exchange with her father.

      Good thing the top wasn’t down. She’d be fighting with her hair all the way back to Andan.

      Memories of Cary flooded in, dances they’d attended, parties she’d hosted, evenings spent walking alone in the woods at sunset. She’d liked him well enough, but both sets of parents had serious plans for their offspring. Cary had apparently followed his parent’s wishes. She was no less proud she СКАЧАТЬ