Read Online A Fistful of Dust by Sharon Bidwell - Free Book Online Page B

the…?”
    Arnaud spat while massaging his throat. “Trust me. I enjoyed that no more than you, but short of braining you and possibly myself in the process I chose the less painful option.”
    “I…” Highmore stared around the engine room as if he failed to understand what he was doing there. “Forgive me.” Highmore rolled clear, staggered to his feet. “I…am myself again. I don’t know what came over me.”
    “And that, sir, is a problem, but not the only one.”
    Highmore stared at him, clearly puzzled.
    “You did something to the venting system. We have to find it and repair it before it becomes critical.” Highmore grew pale even as he watched. “Help me, Highmore. Think! What did you do to the ship? Help me to repair it, and then we can pick up your sister and the landing party. We can…discuss what has happened here sensibly at a more convenient time.” He took Highmore’s nod as an affirmative, but made the other man walk ahead. Arnaud stooped to pick up both the wrench and the cane on the way.

Chapter Six
    “In Which There’s Fear in a Handful of Dust”
    1.
    “I KNOW YOU want me to explain what happened, but the simple answer is I cannot! Now, sir, will you release me from the brig?”
    “I would hardly call my cabin the brig,” Folkard said.
    “It looks no better,” Highmore said then relented. “Forgive me. I realise my attitude is not about to gain your trust, but neither of us must forget the reason we are here. I still have a man to find. Release me.”
    “When I have had a chance to discuss the situation with the others.”
    “But you heard what Stone said!” Highmore’s protest accompanied much gesticulating, before he no doubt realised such wild expressions would not help him gain his liberty. He sat down on the cot. “The others were affected out there as much as I was here on the ship. You, yourself, Captain, have felt the effect of Phobos.”
    “I do not know what I have felt though I am prepared to be open-minded. Nevertheless, I request that you remain here while we make our final move towards Stickney. I will have you escorted to the common room as we approach. Until then, think upon gaining command of yourself and maintaining control.”
    Highmore reddened as Folkard turned on his heel and left.
    “I owe you an apology,” he said to Arnaud. “I’ve left bruises on your neck.”
    “That you have.” Arnaud managed to ignore the urge to swallow. To do so would only hurt.
    “I…don’t know how.” Highmore looked at his hands as if they belonged to a stranger. “I would have thought you and I were at least well-matched.”
    “You seemed motivated by something…otherworldly.”
    Highmore seemed to consider this. “From what little I can remember it felt that way. I cannot recall everything I did. I thank God I did not kill us all. Despite my protests, I understand Folkard’s reasoning. I will…require watching.”
    “As will we all if something here is affecting us.”
    The other man regarded him. “And you, Arnaud, are you affected by something here?”
    “That I do not yet know.”
    Highmore nodded, although what he meant by the gesture was lost to Arnaud.
    “The…manner in which you stopped me…”
    “Let’s not dwell on it.”
    “You are…contrary, are you not, Doctor Fontaine? Unorthodox, some might say.”
    “I prefer avant-garde,” Arnaud said with a smile. “I suggest we leave what occurred here, and I will come fetch you myself as soon as we sight Stickney.” He left Highmore nodding and went to find Nathaniel. He’d just been strangled half to death. Nothing like a good throttling to focus your reasons for living.
    2.
    “I’M NO PHYSICIAN but there seems to be no permanent damage.”
    This close to him, Arnaud was aware of Nathaniel not only examining his neck and applying some soothing balm to the developing bruises, but the concern in the other man’s eyes. Despite his modesty, Arnaud was well aware that Nathaniel had been