Nykyrian rubbed his jaw. "What were the negotiations between the Probekeins and Gourans over?"
At Rachol's negative head shake, Nykyrian scowled. "You're supposed to stay informed of all contracts for assassinations. I want you to find out the definite reasons for the killings as well as the name on the last contract and who holds it. My guess is, the murders are over the new weapon the Probekeins are building. If not, we need to know!"
Nykyrian sat back in his chair. "You'd best inform Biardi immediately his daughter is safe. I'm sure he's about crazed over her disappearance."
Rachol stood, m oving to com ply with Nykyrian's directive.
"I think we should target Emperor Abenbi," Hauk said, watching Rachol leave. "It's time we showed the Probekeins they can't continue to frighten other governments."
Nykyrian shook his head. "That's not our decision. We had best attend to our contracted hits. Our backlog is already too long. It'll be several weeks before we can take on any new assignments. At this point, it would have to be a major emergency for new hire."
Jayne sighed irritably. "Why don't we expand our number?" she asked, toying with her long, black hair. "Surely out of the multitude we employ, there are a few suitable to doing the physical executions of contracts."
Nykyrian cocked his brow. "Would you trust them at your back? The five of us are friends, have been so for years. Our loyalty to one another is without question. Are you willing to put your life at the disposal of a stranger?"
"Not with the price on my head," Jayne answered. "I suppose you're right."
Rachol returned. "Biardi will be expecting you," he said to Nykyrian. "He also wants a meeting with me. Funny how we're wanted criminals until they need us," Rachol mumbled, sitting down. "I think Biardi's going to propose a contact for Kiara's protection."
Nykyrian's heart quickened. "Did you schedule a meeting?"
"This evening."
Hauk turned around in his chair, a smirk twisting his lips. "I thought we were too backlogged to take on anything new."
Nykyrian shot him a venomous glare. Hauk held his hands up apologetically. Satisfied that Hauk knew better than to question him further, Nykyrian retrieved the sheets from the table and handed them out to the appropriate specialist.
Hauk complained immediately about his schedule. "Why am I always the back-up for Darling and Jayne?" he muttered. "Especially Darling. I wish you would teach him how to breach access codes. He's dangerous!"
"Me dangerous? Last time we went out together, you set off two alarms. For a circuitry engineer, you're seriously lacking."
"Careful human," Hauk warned, showing Darling his fangs. "I might get hungry one of these nights and decide we no longer need a Weapons Tech."
Nykyrian shook his head at their play, knowing they were good friends, but continually harassed one another about their racial differences.
Darling was from Caron, a human system. Hauk was Andarion— an advanced human, predatorial race that sometimes fed on lesser human's meat. A hybrid of the two races, Nykyrian often found himself settling their skirmishes.
Hauk had the traditional Andarion features, an exceptionally handsome face—the Andarions valued physical beauty above everything. Hauk's long, black hair fell in a warrior's braid down his back to his waist. White irises ringed in red, stared laughingly at Darling. The long canine teeth flashed as Hauk smiled. Nykyrian was grateful his own teeth were smaller versions of Hauk's. Still, they were long enough to mark him as a bastard half-breed, especially when combined with his eyes.
"Jayne," Nykyrian said, facing the assassin. "If you need help with your hits, I'll back you. That will free up some of Hauk's time." Jayne gave him a seductive smile. She loved the thrill of hunting and killing the corrupt. Nykyrian remembered a time past when he had shared her enthusiasm, but those days had long fled. Now, he just wanted peace and solitude.
"The number is low this week, "Jayne said, scanning her list. "I think I could schedule an opportunity to take out Abenbi." She smiled at Hauk.
Nykyrian shook his head. "Stick with the assigned political assassinations. I want no messages of the Probekein Emperor's murder."
Hauk curled his lip and sat forward in his chair. "He deserves to die!"
Nykyrian tensed at the direct confrontation. "We need solid proof before we act. When I have it, I shall gladly allow you and Jayne to have him," he compromised, unwilling to fight with one of his few true friends. He had enough enemies for that.
Hauk retreated back into his chair.
Nykyrian glanced around at each of them. "We haven't any missions in the near future that will require the entire group. There are some overlaps, note them and plan accordingly. Keep your links open in case of an emergency. Our next meeting is in eight days, the time is noted on your schedule. Good luck," Nykyrian finished more out of habit than necessity.