Read Online The Enclave (The Verge) by H.M. Clarke - Free Book Online

remember that whatever we both do, we do it together.”
    Katherine said nothing but nodded. As long as what we decide to do coincides with what I want.
    “Good.”
    “Now, I need to get back to my ship.”  Katherine did not wait for John’s reply as she stormed out of the room.
     
     
     
    Chapter
    Seven
     

I need a drink
    This thought repeated itself in Katherine’s mind as she stepped out of the underground car park and onto the street.
    The heavy scent of evening flowers assailed her nostrils and Katherine breathed it in deeply, savoring every sensation it caused within her.  She held the scent in her throat long enough she could even taste it.  The smell calmed her fear and her rapidly beating heart began to drop back to its normal rhythm.
    Across from her stood a park and Katherine remembered the string of bars that Liam had pointed out to her before they pulled into the car park.  She would choose one, go in and have a few drinks without any of her crew being none the wiser.  She needed to forget, to numb the pain, just for tonight.  Tomorrow she will begin the hunt for Daniel and for Hyde.  She could live with the newly dredged up hate and pain while doing that.
    Katherine buried her hands in her coat pockets and headed across the street to the park.  The park was quiet and peaceful but Katherine hurried through it and stepped into the first bar she came to.  It was neat, tidy and not too crowded.  And it was quiet.
    She went to an empty spot at the bar and ordered a scotch, but Katherine delayed drinking it.  She sat staring at the glass but was very aware of the people around her.  It was then that she realized that what she really wanted was not to be left alone with her thoughts or feelings.  At Yunga she was always alone; except when he was able to talk to her. 
    Daniel.  His name is Daniel. 
    Katherine took a sip from her drink and let the mouthful of scotch roll over her tongue before swallowing it. 
    Did Daniel find out her name? Or did he wish to forget as well?
    She took another sip from her scotch and then glanced around the bar.
    The small crowd that was here sat scattered about the small, intimate tables, most looked to be couples out enjoying a drink.  The others were like her.  Alone and sitting at the bar.  Katherine looked at the row of people sitting closest to her.  All were male and all looked like they had come straight from the office.  Katherine knocked back the rest of her glass and signaled for another drink.
    Bastard.  Cold blooded bastard.   Katherine grimaced into her glass.  How could he?  Orders or no orders, John should have known better.  Whatever goodwill Katherine had for her brother was now quickly slipping away.  Yunga had effectively smashed down and cleared away the rubble of their new found relationship from her side. 
    Did he play nice just to get her onside to bait Hyde? 
    Katherine finished her second glass but did not call immediately for a third.  She hoped her brother was not that shallow but a little voice deep down inside was skeptical. 
    Being her brother would have been the main reason Naval Intelligence chose John for this mission.  If he had a conscience he would have refused.  Should have refused.
    Katherine called for another drink and the bartender bought her a double.
    “You might want to slow down your intake there.”
    Katherine looked up at the bartender and the man took a step back.  She blinked and shook her head, smoothing away the anger she could feel plastered all over her face. “Legal warning right?”
    The man nodded.
    “Fine.  I’ll make this my last,” she said raising the double.  The bartender pushed a datapad over to her.  Katherine raised an eyebrow at the price but still passed her finger over the Gentec scanner to approve payment.  The bartender then left her in peace.
    This place was too quiet.  After this drink is finished, she will leave to find somewhere louder and more crowded.  Somewhere