Fated Blades (Kinsmen #3)(23)

“When did you sell yourself to the Vandals?” Matias asked.

“Seven years ago. They tracked a fugitive to Rada and needed diplomatic permits that would let them stay in system as they quietly combed the planet for her. I pushed their application through the right channels in the name of fostering diplomatic and trade relations. It was a small favor, and they were generous in showing their appreciation.”

You greedy slimeball.

“How did they find out about seco research?” Matias asked. His voice still had that distant tone.

“The salvager that sold the data banks to you. The fool snuck into the SFR space and got caught. He told them all about it and many other things to save his skin. My connection to you through Cassida was a happy coincidence. I did try to keep your interests in mind. Initially, I pointed them at the Davenports.”

“How generous of you.” Ramona couldn’t keep the venom from her voice. He was lying through his teeth. “Honesty is the best policy right now, Senator. You planned to rip us off from the beginning. You pointed them at the Davenports knowing that their offer for a buyout would be rejected. You demonstrated to them that you were the only path to seco tech, and then you quoted them an exorbitant price.”

Drewery heaved a sigh. “The Vandals are accustomed to doing things their way. Rather than argue with them, I allowed a practical demonstration to take place. It made them more . . . agreeable. I simply bargained from a position of strength. After all, my daughter would be taking the greatest risk.”

“I wouldn’t classify climbing in bed with Gabriel as a risk. More of a sure bet.”

Drewery smiled, and it took every shred of will she had not to slice his face off. “Oh no, my dear. That affair was a month old when the Vandals reached the system. But don’t take it so hard. It wasn’t about you. It was a punishment for Matias.”

“He deserved it,” Lyla squeezed out.

“Apparently, your husband turned out to be a lot more fun than the man she married,” Drewery said.

Fun. Yes, Gabriel was tons of fun.

“The Vandals wanted our research,” Matias said. His measured voice was like an icy shower. “You wanted money. And you wanted Cassida to come out of this alive. Stealing the tech was simple enough. The problem is the handoff. You needed a guarantee that the Vandals would uphold their end of the bargain instead of murdering everyone involved and leaving the system with their prize. As you say, they’re used to doing things their way.”

“He wasn’t just worried about the Vandals. He was worried about us,” Ramona said. “He knew we would catch on and scour the planet looking for his daughter and my husband. The easiest place to avoid face scanners is in a huge crowd.”

“True,” Matias agreed. “And the summer solstice is so well suited for this handoff. No ships are permitted to orbit above Adra during the festival. Half a dozen religions have rituals and commune with the stars on that date. The sky must be clear, and Planetary Defense parks several military vessels nearby to make sure it is so. The Vandals would be cut off. They couldn’t simply slaughter everyone and shuttle up to that lovely ship they parked in orbit. The security for the festival is tight. They’d have to fight through it, and even if they managed to escape, the Planetary Defense would cripple their ship, so they’d never leave the planet. You had to sweeten this deal to get them to agree to it, so you offered yourself as a hostage, letting the Vandals camp out here in case we knock on your door while conveniently keeping an eye on their bargaining chip.”

“Don’t forget the bonus,” Ramona added. “Once the research is sold, you and I go bankrupt, while his daughter and Gabriel jet off planet for a well-deserved vacation. Cassida is free and much richer, you are a broken wreck, and I am collateral damage.”

Drewery raised his arms. “You got me. Here I am, utterly defeated. You have what you came for. Now do get the fuck out of my house.”

Ramona glanced at Matias. He gave her a shallow nod. She released Lyla’s wrist and stepped back. The older woman scrambled to her feet, her face trembling with rage.

“Come, my dear.” Drewery held his hand out.

Lyla locked her teeth, turned, and joined him at the desk.

“Breaking into my house was a mistake, Matias,” Drewery said. “A colossal mistake. I was going to let you keep what was left of your enterprise after the handoff, but I’ve changed my mind. You should’ve known your place. I don’t need the Vandals or your research to bankrupt you. By next week, your companies will be a distant memory. I’ll bury you both and your families with you.”

Wow. She took a step forward. “You colluded with a foreign power, you let them into our orbital space, and you allowed their combat troops on Rada’s soil. Are you not worried at all, Senator?”

Drewery laughed. “Truly, the naivete is refreshing. The Vandals are here on a diplomatic mission. They have all of the right permits, they enjoy diplomatic immunity, and the men you killed were guests in my home who took it upon themselves to protect their host against a surprise attack. You broke into my home, slaughtered my guests, and assaulted my wife. By the time I’m done, the entire planet will stand in line to suppress you. Make no mistake, I will survive this. You won’t be so lucky.”

Matias shut his eyes for a moment. Three vid screens slid out of the walls and flared to life, displaying documents.