They turned to see a small group of men and women in expensive business suits entering the hangar through a previously unnoticed rear door. A roundish man emerged from their midst and looked at them with glee in his beady, pig-like eyes. Olivia's heart sank as she recognized the plump features and odd fly-away, carrot-colored toupee of Roland Grundfest.
The multi-billionaire walked forward with his hand extended, flashing his unnaturally white teeth in a broad smile. "Ambassador, it's a pleasure to meet you at last."
"I wish we could say the same." Olivia glared at him. "There are laws against kidnapping diplomats, Mr. Grundfest."
"Kidnapping? Who's kidnapping?" The pig-eyed man dropped his hand and put his arm around Hernando's shoulders instead, giving them a menacing squeeze. "All I want is a quiet word with the ambassador to BloodDark concerning matters to our mutual advantage."
Hernando's features darkened with rage. He twisted away from the man's clasp. "Then make an appointment with my secretary and maybe I'll get back to you."
"Ha! Yes, I like your spunk." The expensive dentistry disappeared and the tycoon's eyes glittered with a cold light. "I make the terms here, boy... Don't forget it—ever. You may be a hotshot on your world, but on this planet I'm the Alphan, uh alpha male. Here I rule." Grundfest scanned the hanger and frowned. "Now, where are the others in your party? Two of you are missing."
"Our companions are both still on the plane." Olivia lowered her eyes to conceal her lie. "One of them took sick, and the other is looking after her."
"I see." Grundfest jerked his chin at Tony, and the man nodded and went out the door. "Tony will fetch them. Then we can all go up to my summer house for a drink and have a little chat."
Olivia glanced up and spied motion at the back of the hangar. Annara emerged from some darkened concealed corner, walked up behind the rearmost woman of Grundfest's entourage and rendered her unconscious through some means too quick to follow. With a wink to Olivia, Annara dragged the woman back to her hiding place without making a sound. Olivia turned her gaze away, trying hard not to watch her friend and give the game away. Lucky for them, Grundfest's and the others' attention was still focused on Hernando.
"We've gotten off on the wrong foot, I'm afraid. Let me rephrase things. I can make you rich, son." Grundfest's voice was a soft purr. "You can practically name your price in exchange for a few small concessions regarding trading rights between Earth and BloodDark."
Another of Grundfest's assistants disappeared as silently as the first. The remaining two in his group didn't appear to notice a thing. Olivia knew Hernando had seen Annara too, but his blank expression gave nothing away. Olivia smiled to herself. His face would be the envy of every poker player.
"All trade concessions are handled by the ruling council back on BloodDark," Hernando said in a calm and professional tone. "I'm just the spokesperson, Mr. Grundfest."
"I think you're more than just the spokesman, hmm? Aren't you one of the heroes of your rebellion? I bet you've got a fan club of millions." The tycoon glanced over at Olivia and snorted. "I see you brought your fan club president."
A small twitch at Hernando's mouth revealed the strain he was under to keep his emotions in check. "We were all heroes that day. Ms. Brown is my personal assistant while on Earth."
Another aide vanished. His remaining companion must have heard something, for she turned and frowned. Looking back at her boss she hesitated, on the verge of saying something, then shook her head and walked away to investigate. Olivia guessed Grundfest didn't like being interrupted and would castigate his aides for doing so. His impatience was to their advantage. Reaching the back of the hangar, the female assistant jerked in surprise as Annara struck her from behind. The woman crumpled, unconscious, and then Annara dragged her out of sight.
Grundfest looked irritated. "Where's that damned Tony? Frieda?" he called over his shoulder. "Go find Tony." When nobody answered he looked back and gasped, "What the...?"
Annara sauntered toward him, hips swinging, a mocking smile on her lips, although the smile didn't reach her eyes as she observed Grundfest, sizing him up.
Olivia shivered. "Please, don't kill him, Annara."
Annara shrugged and unsheathed a large knife. "I should. He kidnapped us, didn't he?"
"No killing," Hernando commanded her. Annara put the knife away.
"What have you done with my staff?" Grundfest roared, grabbing for her, but his short arms and small hands made his attempt appear childish and futile.
As swift as a striking snake, Annara's hand swung up holding a small black canister. It hissed. Grundfest clutched his eyes and screamed, the piercing sound echoing throughout the hangar as the pepper spray did its work. He fell to his knees, still screaming. Annara regarded the cylinder with raised eyebrows. "Well, what do you know? It's as good as BloodDark pepper spray, but not as bloody."
Olivia closed her jaw with a snap. "I...uh, think we should leave. Now."
"Yes, I think we'd better go." Hernando looked at the fallen businessman with distaste. Grundfest kneeled on the polished concrete floor, hands pressed to his eyes, his screams reduced to a pitiful keening sound.
They returned to the airplane, climbing the steps to the cabin. Tony the bodyguard lay on the floor outside the little galley, snoring softly with a surprising high pitch. Valori looked up from her seat. "I don't think my visitor was prepared for what I could do."
Olivia smiled at her friend and laughed. "No, I don't think he was. Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine. Annara seems to have had a good outing."
Annara grinned and winked. "It goes without saying—or the reading of minds."
"Valori, is the pilot still in there?" Hernando jerked his thumb at the door to the cockpit.
"She has not moved."
Olivia frowned. "I doubt we can persuade her
