Mission: Planet Biter (Veslor Mates #4)(35)

“You said one of your ex’s works for New Worlds.”

“I got him the job,” Vera admitted to Trowly. “I didn’t meet him at work. I also haven’t seen him or worked with him since we broke up. That was at least four years ago.”

Roth softy growled next to her, probably remembering her telling him about that.

“Well, someone wants you dead, and only fleet personnel have access to you on Defcon Red.”

“That’s not true, and you know it.” Clark stared hard at Trowly. “We have civilian workers onboard. Don’t forget what happened on that planet we took her from. Someone drugged all those people. Miss Wade is the only survivor. It’s possible whoever is responsible didn’t like that she got away. They could have offered money to anyone on this boat—civilian or fleet—to kill her. We need to start checking all messages from Earth.”

Trowly leaned back in his chair. “We have over two thousand souls aboard. That could take months. Right now, we’re focusing on trying to find whoever left the poisoned beer at Miss Wade’s table. He was careful not to leave any prints or DNA traces. We may not have seen his face, but we’re analyzing everything we can to try to identify the culprit.”

“How long will that take?” Roth asked.

Vera wanted the answer to that question too.

Trowly hesitated a bit too long before he spoke. “Days to perhaps a week. The culprit was very careful to shield his identity. We’re narrowing it down to men between five-nine to six feet tall, approximately one hundred and fifty to one seventy-five in weight.”

“What about the bar employee jumpsuit he wore? How did he gain access to it?”

Vera kept silent, happy to let Roth ask the questions. That wasn’t something she’d considered.

“Anyone with access to laundry services could have stolen one,” Clark answered. “Or bribed someone who worked there to steal one.”

“We’re looking at ex-employees of the bar and ones who weren’t on shift first,” Trowly shared. “Not all of them are civilian workers. Some of our fleet members earn extra money taking shifts in bars and other establishments.” He looked at Vera. “I’ll assign one of my security officers to stand at your cabin door. For your safety, you will remain sequestered there until you leave us. We got word that New Worlds is sending a shuttle with company representatives to collect you in two days. An officer is waiting outside to escort you to your cabin.”

“No,” Roth suddenly growled. “Vera will go home with us.”

She turned her head, staring at him in surprise.

He looked at her. “You’re in danger. No one will harm you. I won’t allow them to. Do you trust me?”

She didn’t have to think about it. “I do.”

“You will come with me.” Roth rose to his feet.

“Wait a minute. I’ve already made arrangements,” Trowly protested.

“Too bad,” Roth snarled, glaring at him. “Vera is in danger. She stays with me.”

“Thought you’d say that. And Commander Bills already approved it.” Clark got to his feet, too. “Miss Wade will be safer with the Veslors. It means you won’t be short any security officers assigned to protection duty. I’ve already rescheduled the Veslor shifts to keep at least two of their males off duty to provide protection for her around the clock.”

Trowly scowled. “I want access to her if I have more questions.”

“Of course.” Clark nodded.

Vera kept hold of Roth’s hand as they left the security area. Two Veslors led the way. Roth stayed at her side. Clark, whoever he was, followed behind with the fourth Veslor. They all climbed onto a lift together but no one spoke until the doors sealed them inside.

“Wait until we reach your family cabin,” Clark said quietly, lifting his head to glare at something in the corner.

Vera followed his line of sight, noting the surveillance camera. She pressed closer to Roth and lowered her voice. “Thank you for coming for me.”

Roth held her gaze, giving her a sharp nod.

The lift stopped and the doors slid open. Two Veslors took the lead again, with Clark and the fourth Veslor trailing close behind Vera and Roth. They reached a door and it opened.

She found herself in a large living room, and a wide entryway revealed what appeared to be a second huge living room. A long table with lots of chairs sat between the two spaces. There was a massive open kitchen to the left of the living space, but as she studied it, she realized it was two duplicate kitchens, side by side. Several closed doors that were probably bedrooms were on the right.

“Not all living spaces are this big. It’s two family cabins combined,” the older man told her.

She turned to face him.

“I’m Clark Yenna, currently in charge of all the tactical teams on Defcon Red. You’re looking far better now than you were the first time I saw you, Miss Wade. Let’s all take a seat at the dining room table. There’s plenty of space there.”

“You can call me Vera,” she offered.

Roth tugged on her hand, and she was led to one end of the table. He pulled out a chair next to the end seat, and she gratefully sat. He took the chair at the head of the table, which unfortunately meant he had to release her hand. Clark Yenna planted himself on her other side but left an empty chair between them. The three remaining Veslors seated themselves across from her.