Page 5 of The Last Aquarius
“I’m getting to that. We got on the topic of nanotechnology and how he was fascinated by it, and did I know anyone who worked with that tech.”
“You told him about me,” she growled.
“Of course not,” Lance hastily exclaimed. “I would never, but by the time the bar closed down, I was smashed. Given I couldn’t walk straight, Reece insisted on accompanying me home. I vaguely recall getting inside my apartment, but then I passed out.”
“With a stranger in your apartment,” her flat reply.
“Yeah, not one of my finest moments. In my defense, he seemed like a really chill guy. Anyhow, I woke to find him gone, and at first, I thought all was good, but then my log files showed him accessing my system. More specifically, our communication, which contains your current location and?—”
“And you’re just telling me about this now?” she snapped, although the fact Lance lived had to be a good sign. The enemy usually didn’t leave behind loose ends.
“I only found out an hour ago.”
The time frame made her blink. “When did this actually happen?”
“Last night, meaning you’ve got plenty of time to prepare in case he actually shows up.”
“Here’s already here, at least, assuming it’s the same guy.” Which seemed likely, even as it should be impossible. No human could travel that fast, not even her enemy.
Silence followed her statement then a sputtered, “What do you mean he’s there? There’s no way. We met less than seven hours ago.”
She rolled to her belly to see the stranger striding in her direction, unerringly, as if he knew where to find her. “I gotta go.”
“But—”
She hung up and grabbed her rifle, debating whether to shoot. Killing him meant she couldn’t ask questions, and his death would likely bring trouble down on her. Then again, his very presence didn’t bode well.
The man stopped a few paces from the rocky mountain wall, sheer and unclimbable. His head tilted upward, and she’d swear he stared right at the cave hiding her.
“I know you’re watching. I don’t suppose we could have a civilized conversation? I’m not here to cause any harm.”
He shouldn’t be here at all.
“I’m Reece by the way.”
A name that confirmed him as the same guy Lance met. The skin on her nape prickled and her stomach tightened knowing he brought trouble. She lived far—far—away from the world for a reason. For him to seek her out…
“Listen, I’m here about that nanobot you worked on a little while back.”
Her unease deepened. She did recall. Recalled how she’d debated getting involved but not acting would have led to severe consequences.
“I need your help. You were the only one to figure out that little bot.”
Because she could fix anything.
“The Earth is in grave danger.” He paused before adding, “Help me, oh wise techie, you’re my only hope.”
Did he seriously parodyStar Wars?
Oddly enough, it worked better than any threat. She stood and let herself be framed in the cave mouth.
“I don’t like visitors.”
“Obviously.” He glanced around before tilting his head to offer a lopsided smile.
“To confirm, yes, I fixed the nanobot, so I’m not sure what else you want from me.”
“Do you mind if we talk face to face?”
