Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(86)

Riley

Riley took off the gaudy costume jewelry after pretending to admire it. She handed the overly large necklace back to the Topus merchant, then took a set of gold chandelier earrings from another outstretched tentacle. With Hoda and Nequam nearby, Riley did her best to disregard the presence of another shopper, biding her time for the right moment. Aculus had been shadowing her from the moment they exited engineering.

She stiffened when Aculus casually stepped up to the counter. Riley glanced to see Nequam was still standing at the door, and Hoda was perusing the clothes.

“Do you have anything less ostentatious?” Aculus asked the tentacled merchant, ignoring Riley entirely.

The female retrieved a few items for Aculus, while assisting Riley at the same time, thanks to her many dexterous appendages.

“I’d like to try on this one, and the matching necklace over there,” Riley requested, gesturing to a bracelet in the case and the choker on the wall.

Riley pulled off her access band and set it on the counter, then tried on the flashy bangle. When the merchant turned to retrieve the matching necklace off the display behind her, Riley subtly pushed her access band over to Aculus.

“It’s done,” she said under her breath.

“Pardon me,” the merchant asked.

Riley looked up at the tentacled female.

“It’s dazzling,” Riley covered.

“Yes, but it’s just for show. No real value,” the merchant replied.

“That’s what I’m looking for. Do you have any earrings that are similar?”

“Maybe in the back. Just a moment,” the merchant replied, then slunk off on her tentacled feet.

“Any time now,” Riley whispered to Aculus, while pretending to admire herself in the mirror. “I’m supposed to be on stage after lunch.”

“My cruiser is in place. Be prepared when the charges detonate.”

Aculus palmed the access band, then headed for the door. Riley wasn’t sure what Aculus planned to do after he gained access to the back halls, but she would need his help to get Cyprian and Vintor out of their cell. Once that was done, she was certain they’d all have to fight to get to Aculus’ ship. Hopefully the confusion of the blasts would secure their getaway.

“I found this,” the merchant said when she returned.

“Great I will take the three pieces of jewelry, and these clothes.”

“Add this,” Hoda said as she placed a swath of fabric on the counter.

Riley lowered her arms to her side, so Hoda didn’t notice her access band was missing.

“Very good,” the Topus merchant nodded.

“We must head back,” Hoda said. “The Overseer has another pet project he needs me for.”

“I think I have enough for now. Nequam are you ready?” It was a rhetorical question. Nequam stood ready at the door, from the moment they entered the shop.

The trio crossed the main vestibule, and passed through an employee entrance. Riley’s steps slowed as they neared Cuttles’ office. That was the last place she wanted to be at the moment.

“Come on. We can’t keep the Overseer waiting,” Hoda encouraged.

“Sorry. I have a hard time keeping up. These boots are murder on my feet,” Riley commented as they entered the back hall. “I’m sorry. Just a second.”

Riley leaned against the wall and pulled off her boot. She rubbed her foot with a groan. She wasn’t really fibbing about her feet being sore with all the dancing and walking she’d done lately.

“Thank you,” Riley said as she replaced her boot. “Isn’t the viewing gallery back this way?” Riley asked, indicating the opposite direction.

“No. It’s quicker this way.” Hoda shook her head.

Dammit! Riley couldn’t delay them much longer. The best she could do was find a reason to hustle everyone past the Overseer’s office. I really could’ve used a freaking watch.

They rounded the corner, and Riley froze in her tracks. Fifty yards ahead, Cyprian walked with the Overseer, while Vintor trailed beside him. They were about to enter Cuttles’ office. Riley’s heart was suddenly in her throat.

Don’t go in there, she wanted to scream.

Just before they entered the Overseer’s office, Cyprian glanced up, and his eyes met hers. Riley implored him to get out of there. She opened her mouth to say something to distract the group, but the door was already closing behind them.

Riley fumbled for her pendant and pressed the sensor, as she started down the hall.

Maybe Aculus can halt the countdown.

She’d barely taken a dozen steps when the blast rocked her, throwing Riley off her feet. Riley hit the floor, her head smacking against the hard stone wall.