Read Online Contact Imminent by Kristine Smith - Free Book Online Page A

to keep the Commonwealth off both our backs. There would be more privacy for you—we have private slips at every dock between here and the Outer Circle, so you won’t have to worry about being hounded by the press.”
    Jani had to give John credit. His ability to sustain an attitude of studied innocence had improved over the years. “You’ve been thinking about this.”
    â€œNot at all.” John glanced at her, and the light in his eyes flickered, the first crack in the façade. “Well, perhaps just a little.”
    â€œIt makes sense.” Lucien still stood at the bar. He had finished his vodka and moved on to fruit juice, a sign that recess was over and the time for clear-headed thinking had arrived. “Everyone will be so fixed on trying to figure out whether or not you’ve resumed your relationship, they’ll forget about all the other possible reasons for your being together.”
    Jani sensed John’s surprise at an unexpected ally, Val’s restlessness as he waited for what would come next. “The ones whose opinions count won’t be so easily distracted.”
    â€œThey will be if Doctor Parini and I drop a few well-placed hints.” Lucien looked to Val, his smile brilliant. “I think we can come up with a story acceptable to all, can’t we, Doctor?”
    Jani stared at Lucien until she drew his attention away from Val. Then she raised her glass. “Bravo!” She savored Lucien’s discomfort, the sight of his smile slowly fading. “You play the pimp for me and wedge Val into a corner, all in one masterstroke. John and I can’t say no, because I need to get to Elyas, he needs to see to Eamon, and we both need to find out about this alleged hybrid. Meanwhile, you stay behind with Val and plan, and oh the planning you need to do. Hours and days and weeks worth, as all the while you work to wear him down.”
    Lucien had been leaning against the bar. He drew up straighter now, his free hand clenching into a fist. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” His hand relaxed. “I’m merely suggesting a strategy for getting you off Earth with as little complication as possible.” Clench. Relax.
    â€œThat would make two of us with an in at Neoclona. You’re tallying the ill-gotten gains already, aren’t you?”
    â€œI really don’t know what you’re talking—”
    â€œHah! Liar! ”
    â€œJani?” John rose. He pocketed the imager and the sound block, then edged toward her in a sideways shuffle, asthough approaching an animal he didn’t trust. “Did anyone in Service Medical examine you after you left the enclave?”
    â€œNo. Why?” Jani grew conscious of her pounding heart, the sing of blood in her veins. Her skin prickled, as though she sensed an approaching storm. “I feel fine.”
    â€œI’ll get the bags.” Val shot out of his seat and headed for the door, waving a dismissive hand at Lucien along the way.
    Jani tried to bolt as John closed in, but his hand on her shoulder stopped her before she could rise from her seat. “I’m all right.”
    â€œHumor me,” John said, his grip like a trap.
    Â 
    â€œFollow the lights.” Val held a black cube the size of his head, dotted on one side with an array of pinpoint red illumins. “When I say ‘Now.’”
    â€œDo I have to?” Jani sat atop the kitchen counter, pounding out a beat against the cabinet doors with her heels. “It’s just my augie experiencing a storm surge. It’s been happening off and on for the past month or so.” She gave the doors an extra hard kick—one jarred open under the impact, and she pushed it closed with a bang.
    â€œDo what Val says, please.” John set up the sound block, then stepped off to the side, arms folded. “If your augmentation is still firing, we may need to bring you