“I’m sorry you were so hurt, Javonna. I never expected to fall in love with Torak and never expected him to fall in love with me. Where I come from it is normally one man and one woman. I am glad you understand there was no malicious intent.” River said softly. Let the bitch take that to the bank. Two could play this game.
Javonna drained the rest of her drink before replying. “Yes, well I hope you long life.”
“Thank you, Javonna. Long life to you, too.” River said politely not meaning a word of it.
Acting like she was taking another drink River waiting until Javonna looked at Star and Jo walking towards them before she discretely poured the rest of the drink in a nearby plant. When Javonna turned to look at her again it looked like she had just finished the drink. River handed the empty glass to a nearby servant.
“If you will excuse me, Javonna.” River said turning to look at Star and Jo.
“Of course, My Lady.” Javonna said with a broad smile. Javonna walked by Star and Jo giving both of them a smile as she moved into the crowd of ladies.
“What was that all about?” Jo asked suspiciously.
“The bitch must not watch American television very often. I bet you a hundred dollars she tried to give me a doped up drink.” River murmured.
“So, how do we prove it?” Star asked watching Javonna move across the room.
“It’s show time, girls. I have a feeling shit is about to hit the fan. I am going to act like I suddenly don’t feel well. You ready?” River asked quietly.
Both Jo and Star grinned. “Oh, I love a great performance.”
River groaned softly placing one hand on her stomach and one on her head. Swaying she let her knees bend. Jo and Star reached to grab her as she collapsed. Moaning, River let her head drop back on her shoulders.
“Help, someone help!” Star called out frantically. “River, oh River, are you okay.”
River just moaned and let her eyes close as Jo and Star carefully lowered her to the floor. The women in the room started calling out for help. Almost immediately, two uniformed men approached.
“Lady River, what seems to be the problem?” One of the men asked kneeling next to River.
River moaned barely opening her eyes so she could look at the man. The digital reading from her contact lens told her it was not one of their security men even though he was wearing a uniform. Manota had made sure all the members of the security team were programmed into the database in the lens.
River looked at Jo and Star shaking her head before moaning again. Speaking in Italian she mumbled. “These men are fakes.”
The men looked at Jo and Star to see what River said.
“She must be out of her mind. She’s mumbling nonsense.” Jo said letting tears fill her eyes. “Please, you have to help her.”
“Move back. We will take her to medical. Both of you may follow us.” The taller of the two men said. The one kneeling next to River bent and lifted her gently into his arms. River moaned again letting her one of her arms reach around behind the man while the other moved over his chest.
“Torak. Please, Torak.” River whispered before closing her eyes.
Star began crying as the taller of the men placed his arm around her waist. Leaning on him, she sobbed as he escorted her and Jo out of the room. Jo moved to stand on the other side walking so close she was practically touching him.
“She’ll be alright, Star. You’ll see, baby. River will be alright.” Jo kept saying over and over as Star sobbed into the side of the one security guard.
Chapter 21
Torak stood near the doors of the huge room the men had been escorted too. He waited as his brothers and father moved into position as well. They would cover every exit to ensure Tai Tek did not escape. As the performers filed onto a make-shift stage the lights lowered. Dozens of scantily clad women appeared on the stage and began dancing. Torak never took his eyes off Tai Tek.
“Do you have anything?” Torak asked Manota.
“Nothing yet. It shouldn’t be long before the bastard tries something though.” Manota responded. “What about you, Jazin?”
“Nothing except if Star finds out about the women in here I will probably be dead by morning.” Jazin said letting his eyes roam over the crowd. “Several of the females are identified as belonging to Tai Tek’s house. I am not sure I like this.”
“I would not put it past him to threaten them with punishment if they did not do as he told them.” Ajaska responded. “Manota. Can you identify the group of men who just entered through the east entrance? Those doors were to have been sealed.”