Beyond the Sapphire Gate: Epic Fantasy-Some Magic Should Remain Untouched (The Flow of Power Book 1) by R.V. Johnson Page A

he admonished everyone else about whenever he noted it. Lack of information tended to do that to him. Perhaps the Dragon Lady was only extending a professional courtesy to him by telling him in person his daughter’s indenture was terminated. No, the gate guard had mentioned how valued she was at her job, though he should’ve known it by now. As much as he hated to admit it, he hadn’t been the best father, not lately. He should’ve been involved deeper in both his daughters’ lives. Grieving over Sureen’s disappearance had left little room in life to interact with his girls outside the daily routine of maintaining a household, but that was his own personal reaction and wrong. He should’ve talked to his girls at every opportunity.
    The spongecrete path led past two large hovercrafts—the most advanced models available—to end at the rear docks additionally widened, stainless steel door. The pulse curtain required the extra space on each end for its integrated neural technology to function. Garn did appreciate how the Dragon Lady had taken his advice by retaining some of the best features from the original building’s design while integrating those with many of the latest advancements in security. Breaking in now would require someone with knowledge in old technology along with new, and—a deterrent in itself—have to have access to the tools required for both systems.
    A much narrower sponge path pointed the way to an off-white exterior door. As Garn neared, the door buzzed loudly. Twisting the handle, he plowed inside before the lock could reengage.
    The Dragon Lady waited inside.
    Garn’s pulse quickened.
    Ruena Day had spent some time facing a mirror and it showed. Dark purple lipstick and eye shadow matched the orchids sewn on her black fishnet dress. The orchids strategically covered the feminine curves of her body the dress hugged, which almost fell to mid-thigh. Black, silk gloves snaked to her elbows, complementing the deep purple sharp-heeled boots that climbed to just below her knees. She still wore the two scythe-shaped bangs curling out from her forehead and down both cheeks that she called dragon locks. Each dragon lock sported mauve, orchid barrettes where it began at her head full of lush dark hair. The overall effect was startling. He was glad he’d selected his last expensive suit to wear or he’d have felt underdressed.
    Eyes dark and shiny, Ruena gazed at him, a half-smile tugging at her generous lips. “Evening, Miss Day,” he squeaked. Why was his voice so high? He never squeaked.
    “Mister Creek, thank you for coming on such short notice,” Ruena said, her voice a purr. She smiled, showing her white, even teeth. “I hope you can appreciate my attire, such as it is. I put some thought into it after we spoke.”
    Garn’s face heated as he wondered what she meant, though he suspected he knew, but found it hard to accept. Surely, she wasn’t flirting with him. He was too old, though he’d heard some women preferred older men. Perhaps so, but he didn’t feel like testing the validity of it. He would maintain a friendly relationship with her, for Crystalyn’s sake. “Call me Garnet or just Garn, please. Everyone usually calls me Garn. Mister carries such an ‘old man’ image. At least, to me it does.”
    “Very well, just Garn. You may call me Ruena or just Rue. Do we have an agreement?”
    “I believe so.”
    “Good. Now, if you will follow me, we can retire someplace comfortable.” Spinning elegantly on one heel, she stepped onto the sealed plasicrete dock. Garn’s body flushed when he noticed the orchids didn’t stay in place as she moved. She did have an exceptional form. He shouldn’t let her get the wrong idea, though. “Excuse me, Miss Day. I mean, Rue. Crystalyn mentioned you permitted her to bring Jade. Are the girls still here?” He scrambled to stay close enough to speak without raising his voice. Ruena’s strides were long, even for him.
    Ruena drew up short,