13
She lowered the gimlet and pushed it into a holster on her hip.
‘What do you mean?’
Forcing myself to my feet, I stood in front of her.
‘I was going to take one of the Kwanon captive and trade his life for the lives of my friend and his son. The Kwanon are going to sacrifice them.’
She smiled condescendingly.
‘Your plan wouldn’t have worked. The Kwanon would’ve gone along with it, then they would’ve tracked you down and killed you all.’
‘You think?’
‘I know. I’ve seen them do it. That’s why we never trade prisoners with them. Kill on sight is our creed. It’s the only way.’
A man appeared behind her in the doorway.
‘They’re all dead, Maya.’
‘Are you all okay?’
‘Yes, apart from Jed. He lost part of an earlobe.’
‘At least that’s not too serious. I want all four of you to see w
