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“In other words, I wouldn’t be able to account for where we’ve been for the past six months?”

“No, but surely your… mate would be too happy about your safe return to be concerned with the details.”

His gaze dropped to the child, still humming contentedly, but she gave a bitter laugh.

“I don’t have a mate.”

Why did that knowledge please him so?

“And everyone else I know would expect an explanation for such an extensive disappearance,” she continued before her words were interrupted by a crash from somewhere nearby.

“We need to move,” he said, gesturing at the guard’s limp body. “Whatever you decide, this location is not safe.”

“I know.” Despite her statement, she didn’t move, studying him with that crystalline gaze. “What’s your name?”

“I am Thraxar.” He didn’t add his name and legacy, but he still found himself bowing to her as he’d been taught so many years ago.

“I’m Kara, and this is Rory.”

“I am pleased to meet you both.”

She hesitated, then straightened her shoulders.

“If we do go with you, what would you expect in return?” she asked bluntly.

He knew the nature of transactions in places like this—nothing came without cost—but that didn’t prevent the wave of anger that washed over him. His instincts flared, demanding he remove her from this hellish place immediately. He fought them back and managed to keep his voice calm.

“Your safety is payment enough.”

“And you can promise that?”

“Yes,” he said immediately. He would protect her—them—no matter what.

The guard groaned, and the child returned to his mother’s side, pressing against her leg.

“You do not have much time to decide,” he added, watching her internal struggle play across her features.

“Very well. If your offer is genuine, we’ll come with you.”

A wave of satisfaction washed over him, but he did his best to ignore it.

“If you can get us away,” she added. “The road to the landing field is heavily guarded, and the field is surrounded by monitors.”

“I know. Grentz does not wish his workers to have easy access offworld.” He pulled the disruptor out of his belt andhanded it to her. “You will have to bypass the road and circle around the perimeter. This will disable the monitors for a brief period so that the two of you can get through.”

“Won’t the failure also attract attention?”

“It is just a momentary interruption and, like everything here, the system is old and not well maintained.”

She frowned up at him.

“How do you know that?”

“I never leave my ship without making sure that I can return to it.” Some of his trading ports were less… reputable than others.

“You won’t need this?” She looked pointedly at the disrupter he had handed her, and he shook his head.

“Not if we leave before they discover the guard. I will return back through the gate as normal. My ship is the small black freighter at the rear of the field. I will open the engine compartment so it appears as if I am doing some last minute adjustments.” He hesitated. “I will wait for one hour.”