Smiley(52)

“You’ll have them. Why don’t you work? That will pass the time.”

Smiley spun away before he said something he’d regret and stormed out of Security. It was tempting to ignore orders and just show up at the helipad to greet Vanni. He refrained though, because Fury had made a good a point. He might be the last male she wished to see after what had happened between them.

He bypassed the vehicles and sprinted off toward the north wall. He knew the helicopter fly zones and at least wanted to watch it pass over to make certain she arrived safely at Homeland. A few miles later he was out of breath when he stopped at the wall. The male above shifted his hold on his weapon and removed his helmet.

“Is something wrong?” Slash peered down at him from above.

“I’m relieving you.”

The male arched his eyebrows. “No one told me.”

“Just do it.”

“Is this about the female?”

Smiley ground his teeth in frustration. “Yes.”

“We got word they are flying in. Aren’t you going to meet the female when they land? You’re far from her here.”

“I was told to stay away.”

The male set his weapon and helmet down. He leapt, landing in a crouch a few feet away. The feline straightened and stared at him with narrowed eyes. “You’re angry.”

“Wouldn’t you be?”

“She requested you not go near her?”

“Justice and Fury did.”

“Why?”

“They want to question her.”

“You’re going to allow it? You could do what True did and just refuse to allow them access to her. They had True ask Jeanie questions and interview her himself.”

“Why does everyone keep bringing that up?”

Slash hesitated and then smiled slowly. “It was brave and it worked for him. True got to keep the female. Perhaps that’s why you were asked to stay away. They suspect you could do that as well.”

It wasn’t as if he hadn’t considered just grabbing Vanni and keeping her away from other Species. They hadn’t taken Jeanie from True. Darkness had stood up for the male and threatened the task force team with violence if they tried to interfere. He’d also had support from other Species who’d known her from captivity. Vanni was an unknown to all but him.

“I don’t want to traumatize her if she doesn’t wish to see me. She might not want to.”

“But you want to see her.”

“I do but I won’t force the issue.”

“Smart.” Slash nodded. “Need help up the wall? I’ll let them know where you are and that you’ve taken my place.” He touched his radio.

Smiley pointed at the tree. “I’ve got it.”

“It’s been quiet.”

“Good.”

Slash turned and walked away, disappearing behind some large bushes. Smiley walked over to the tree next to the wall and started to climb. He had to jump from a branch to the top of the wall that surrounded the perimeter of Homeland. The four-foot-wide walkway ended in a waist-high barrier. He picked up the discarded assault weapon and helmet, putting the latter on. He fixed his attention on the out world. Nothing moved as far as he could see.

His gaze lifted to the sky. Vanni would be flying over soon with Justice. It seemed like forever passed before the sound of the approaching helicopter drew his attention. It flew overhead and he turned, watching it land near the center of Homeland.

Vanni had arrived. He turned his back and kept a close eye on the ground for movement. The last thing he wanted was an attack to go down while Vanni visited the NSO. He was angry enough at that moment to kill anyone who dared try to breach the wall in his section.





Chapter Eleven




Vanni hated the way her stomach grew queasier when they finally reached Homeland. It might have been caused by not having eaten all day but nervousness mixed with the helicopter ride seemed more logical. Justice North smiled encouragingly when she looked at him. The helicopter landed and the uniformed guards opened the door. He motioned her to follow him.

Justice exited but then reached up to assist her down. Her anxiety increased when she glanced around the area. At least a dozen uniformed New Species stared at her, minus the helmets with tinted face shields. Their grim expressions weren’t welcoming or friendly. She followed Justice to a waiting Jeep.

“Take the passenger seat.”

She climbed in but tensed when two large New Species got in the back. Justice slid into the driver’s seat.

“I’m taking you to my office first. It will give my people time to prepare guest quarters for you and we still have a few questions.”

“Okay.” It wasn’t as if she could protest.