Mesmerized by Lauren Dane Page A

half, with blizzards and their perilous mix of razor-sharp dust mixed with snow.
    There was nothing out there but death, some mining communities that had been abandoned when Andrei had been very young and a few encampments of people generally regarded as insane.
    “That so? What for then, and is the pay any good?”
    “Queerest thing is no one’s of any mind to share details on the whats and whyfors of the situation. I’m of a mind to believe it has to be mining of some sort. All’s out there anyhow.”
    That would be Andrei’s opinion as well.
    “Who’s running this show?”
    “Don’t know those details either. Did see some fellas who didn’t look so native to these parts. One stayed in the back of the conveyance all fancy-like. Had a big scar on his face from here,” Benni pointed to the middle of his forehead, “to here.” He ended up on the opposite cheek.
    Andrei knew that scar.
    “I was thinking ’bout signing on. A man can always use some extra credits in his account.”
    Benni had been one of his first local informants. A native of Borran, Benni had an illustrious future as a prisoner all lined up when he’d shadowed Andrei for days and had broken into his room to steal his belongings.
    Unfortunately for Benni, Andrei had been a better thief and had been lying in wait for him. But Andrei had seen in the boy a great deal of himself. He’d given Benni a chance to work off his debt. He’d been with Andrei ever since. The year before, his wife had joined them, becoming another one of what Benni called Andrei’s people .
    Everyone deserved a few extra chances in life. Especially people like Benni and Aya, who’d never been given much by way of example. Ellis had given that to Andrei, and in turn, Andrei tried to return that favor with others when he could.
    “I don’t know. Body’s got a right to know what he’s to be hired on for. All the way out there and all.” This was dangerous work. The kind it was up to Andrei to do. He wouldn’t risk Benni for a job like this.
    “What I figured you’d say.” Benni pushed a small data chip across the table, and Andrei palmed it.
    “I’ll be off then. I’ve got a lovely lady awaiting my attentions.” Benni looked back over his shoulder at a young woman standing near the entrance, Aya, Benni’s partner in life and in the game.
    “Have a care, then.” He meant it. There had been enough death to last Andrei a lifetime.
    Some time later, after another ale, he brought himself back to the compound, not being stopped, or even noticed by a single person. He needed to speak with Kenner about posting guards or at the very least training the ones they had to keep a better watch.
    He paused, passing by her door, but forced his feet to keep moving. He needed to look at that data and if necessary, report back his findings.

Chapter 5
     
    T ry it this way,” Andrei murmured, adjusting Shilo’s hold on the hand ax. “Hold it like that and when you”—he drew her hand back—“strike, you’re using your strength more efficiently.”
    Shilo gazed up at him, adoringly and, annoyingly enough, lustfully. Piper wanted to step in and shake the girl. Instead, she managed to swallow her satisfied hmpf when Andrei ignored it, returning to repairing the dust screen.
    “You’re a lot of help, Andrei.” Shilo fluttered her lashes at him. Wasted, because his attention was on his hands. “I’m sure you could help me with other things, too.”
    It was a minor miracle that Piper’s snort didn’t break free.
    Then again, he didn’t respond, not even to look up.
    Shilo stared at him for a while longer until Piper took pity on them both and cleared her throat, moving toward them.
    “Shilo, your father was looking for you,” Piper said as she tossed her knapsack on a nearby bench and pulled the tool belt on.
    The girl skittered off with a backward look toward Andrei, who studied the tools in his hands very intently.
    “Did I ruin your moment?” She couldn’t