Children of Junk (Rogue Star Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

knives covered its shoulders, shins, and forearms. The war bot made his old load handler look as harmless as a puppy.
    The cargo door clanked shut. “If you’re done ogling that robot we’ve got work to do.”
    Marcus patted Gruesome’s leg and led the way to the cockpit. The hold was empty of cargo and his footsteps echoed in the hollow space. It seemed wrong not to have something in the hold. The door slid open without a sound as they approached the corridor. He glanced back at Iaka and nodded toward the doorway.
    She smiled and shook her head. “So you’ve got one door that doesn’t squeak, screech, or clank, congratulations.”
    “Thanks.” They passed the doors to the galley and living quarters then climbed the short flight of steps up to the cockpit. The cockpit door hissed as it slid open prompting a shrug from Marcus. One door out of three wasn’t so bad.
    He stepped into the cockpit and sighed, home again. The scent of leather and oil washed over him as he sat in the pilot’s chair, settling into the familiar dents, forged from years of sitting. Iaka sat beside him in Solomon’s chair. It felt a little strange looking to his right and seeing her there. Marcus clenched his jaw and fired up the comm unit. He’d get Solomon back, one way or another.

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    “ T his is a surprise , Marcus.” Vlad’s familiar face with its white hair, deep wrinkles, piercing blue eyes, and ever present cigarette filled the monitor. “I didn’t expect to hear from you until you finished your vacation.”
    “I am finished with my vacation, though not by choice.” Marcus filled him in on Solomon’s kidnapping. “I thought you might know who I should talk to. I’m sending you some images captured on the hotel security cameras. There’s not much to go on, but I thought you might recognize something I missed.”
    Vlad frowned, took out his cigarette and flicked off the ashes. “I don’t recognize them or the gear. Everything looks pretty generic. There’s only one person out there that can help you, though if she’s involved it’ll be risky.”
    “They’ve got Solomon and I’ve got nothing to go on. If your contact can help I’ll take my chances. Who is it?”
    “Her name’s Madam Margret. She runs a strip club slash whore house called the Hungry Kitty. Perfectly legal and above board. She also runs all the illegal and legitimate business on the planet for the Nine Dragons. She’s a powerful woman, Marcus. Best mind your manners.”
    “When have I ever been less than a gentleman? I didn’t think the dragons cooperated on joint ventures, much less all nine clans together.”
    “They don’t.” Vlad stubbed out his cigarette and lit another. “Pleasure Planet 4 is a special case. They set it up as a safe haven. Somewhere the clans can get together to relax and discuss business. They’ve all sworn to keep the peace and you know how they are about keeping their word.”
    Marcus licked his lips as he thought. “If this is a safe place for them the last thing they’d want is to draw attention. Seems like whoever grabbed Solomon must have done it without their permission. They might appreciate me dealing with them.”
    Vlad nodded. “That occurred to me as well. It’s the main reason I’m sending you to Madam Margret. When you get to the club ask for her and tell the security team the Silver Fox sent you.”
    Marcus raised an eyebrow. “The Silver Fox?”
    “What can I tell you, it’s the nick name they gave me when I made peace with the Black Dragons. Good luck, my boy. If I can do anything else just ask.”
    “Thanks old man.” Marcus disconnected. Well, he had somewhere to start now. If he had to search, a strip club wasn’t the worst place to go. He turned to Iaka. “Did you find anything?”
    “Not much.” She looked up from the monitor. “Far as I can tell she is who she claims to be. Maybe she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
    Marcus shook his head. He didn’t trust