Three days later, Zander fingered the laser g*n hidden beneath his robe. He had four other weapons also hidden within quick reach. Seke and Lium flanked him as they faced Joan-Angeline, the Ocretion smuggler.
“Your ships are on the way. I require the remaining payment now.”
He shook his head. “Payment will come when I have the ships in my possession, as we agreed on.”
She smiled an ugly smile. Half her teeth were blackened or missing. “I’m changing the arrangement.”
He turned, daring to give her his back. Seke and Lium would cover him, and the feigned nonchalance was more important than his personal safety now. “Deal’s off.” He walked away, not turning to look back as he spoke.
“Wait a moment, Zander the Zandian.”
He didn’t stop.
“The ships are here,” she called out.
He paused, but
