The Haunted Way (Champions of the Crystal Book 5)

Chapter 6.1

"Well, you're a matched set. The Air Force is looking for both of you," Cynthia announced as Sabrina and Ford emerged from hiding in the hall closet.

"That wasn't the Air Force," Sabrina said. "At least, not anymore."

"How do you know? Who was it?" Cynthia felt she had so many questions she couldn't possibly ask them all. "Sabrina, what the hell is happening?"

"Look, all of what I've told you is true. But it's...more complicated than that. And I don't think you'll believe the truth."

"I'd settle for a good, believable lie about now," Cynthia snapped. "Who was just here, if he's not Air Force?"

Sabrina took a deep breath. "Cynthia, we're going to go now, and hopefully people will stop bothering you. Please avoid saying anything about us to anyone if you can help it."

"Wait just a damn minute!" Cynthia crossed her arms and pinned her friend with a glare. "You are not going anywhere until you tell me what you've gotten me into."

"I don't have time," Sabrina said. "Ford, go pack!" She gave him a push, but he merely stepped out of her reach and looked mulish.

"Make time," Cynthia demanded.

"Look, if you get into any trouble, just contact the man who was just here. You can trust him to help you clear up anything with the government."

"Who is he?"

Sabrina heaved a sigh. "He's Scotty."

"Scotty. Your brother Scotty? No way. For starters, he was a blond."

"He...had an accident some years ago. They had to do a lot of reconstructive work. He decided to change his look completely when they got done," Sabrina hedged.

"I don't believe this."

Sabrina threw up her hands. "I knew you wouldn't! Cynthia, if we don't go now, there'll be trouble. I'm sorry about this, but I'd rather not complicate your life any further than I have already. Please—"

There was a sudden displacement of air in the room, and the three of them gaped at Malvarak, who was surveying the scene with a faintly predatory air. "Good afternoon," he said. "Ah, the lady of the house, I presume."

Cynthia's mouth opened and closed without managing to make any sound. Sabrina's alarm escalated into panic, and she said, "Malvarak, go away! I have enough problems! Khediva's in-system; aren't you afraid they'll catch you?"

Malvarak laughed. "You have such quaint ideas, Sabrina. I told you, you should really write fiction. No Wayship is a threat to me while I'm saturated with Pharon resonance; you should know that. Besides, I've merely come to rescue His Majesty from this backwater before its inhabitants disturb his leisure, or your well-meaning friends do something rash. Your Majesty, I'm prepared to take you somewhere more to your liking, if you are quite ready to depart."

Ford grimaced, looking uncertainly at Sabrina. "I like it here."

"We can't stay," Sabrina told him reluctantly. "But I'm not going anywhere with him."

"Your Majesty," Malvarak said, "I understand that you may be reluctant to force your companion to leave her home. But she cannot grasp all the ramifications of your remaining here, I'm sorry to say. You, with your knowledge of galactic politics, are better equipped to make decisions about which worlds are safe for you. The Pharon have, regrettably, so many enemies about. This world is undefended, and you are tired, no doubt. Let me take you somewhere safe."

"Ford, no, please," Sabrina pleaded, taking his arm. "Let's go under our own power. We can find somewhere on our own. Please!"

In the tense pause that followed, Cynthia blinked firmly and said, "Excuse me, who are you and how did you get into my house?"