Cush’s gaze flitted between thetwo of them before he acknowledged. “Of course.”
“Lieutenant Commander McReidywill take care of you during your stay.”
“A pleasure indeed.”
Cush placed his fingers aroundMcReidy’s and lifted her hand to his lips. His blue eyes pierced through hersand she reddened slightly. His gaze moved from her to John as he released herhand.
“I do not have to read your mindto know what you are thinking.”
John was quite confident thatCush had no idea what he was thinking.
“Rest assured, Commander, mycompanions and I will not be scanning any of your crew.”
“And the other ambassadors?”
“This is neither the time nor theplace.”
John was mildly satisfied. Theship was overcrowded as it was and there was no need to make things any moreunpleasant. He excused himself, leaving the Manadosians to McReidy’s care.
The Manadosians were interestedin seeing around the ship. It was always easier to show their guests wherethey were and weren’t allowed than to tell them, though most had shown moreinterest in the areas they weren’t allowed. McReidy was more than prepared forthe onslaught of questions on their restrictions as well as the “Why have theygot proper accommodation and we’re in the cargo bay?”
As she showed them out of thetransporter room, Cush grabbed her arm just above the elbow. “I need to speakwith you.”
She turned and caught his eyes. There was something in them that piqued her curiosity.
“Will you join me for dinnertonight?” he asked.
“Yes.” She didn’t know if shehad already made arrangements. She answered before she had time to think aboutit.
Some of the other ambassadorswere put out by the arrival of the Manadosians. Telepaths – how dare they? How could they be trusted not to invade minds? How would anyone know if theydid? They should be confined to sick bay or the brig. Sealed off fromeveryone for everyone’s protection…
McReidy’s mind was in two placesat once.
She left them in the bar – mostof them anyway. The chance to avail themselves of Dunlop’s facilities wasenough for the medically inclined. Dunlop was just as pleased to renewacquaintances.
Bela was attracted by Cush’srugged good looks the moment he set foot in the bar. He was equally fascinatedby her charms. His brilliant blue eyes mirrored her green for a moment. McReidy felt uneasy about leaving them together. She would have denied any senseof jealousy had anyone suggested it.
* * *
McReidy was late for dinner. Shedidn’t know why she paid extra attention to her appearance. As she looked ather watch when she went off duty, she realised she was already late. Whatdifference would a few more minutes make?
She was glad to see that Belawasn’t with Cush. At this hour, she was probably out hunting. With any luck,she wouldn’t get him either.
McReidy picked on a pasta whileCush devoured what could have passed for as a steak. Accompanying his mealwith a red wine, she had a lemon squash. She preferred something stronger andthe wine looked tempting, but she knew better than to let her defences down andrelax.
“Fell free to relax. I am notinterested in your mind.”
McReidy must have given Cush acurious look because he laughed to himself.
“It is possible to shut outcompletely. Highly desirable at times. My companions and I have shut off ourtelepathic abilities. I will know if any of them break it.”
McReidy looked a littledoubtful. They both silently agreed that she had good reason to be. McReidywaited for Cush to continue. After all, he was the one who wished to speak toher.
“I had a very interestingafternoon with Ambassador Bela.”
“Did you now?” McReidy couldn’tkeep the slight antagonism out of her voice.
Cush picked up on itimmediately. “I find her most charming. Do you not agree?” His eyestwinkled.
“That is not exactly the word Iwould use to describe her. Her intentions are not honourable.”
“Oh, I know that. She is as openas a book. The best defence is real love.”
“Or complete avoidance.” McReidythought of John. When she brought her attention back to Cush, he was watchingher intently. His eyes penetrated through her.
“Tell me,” his voice was low. “What abilities do you use when you are after something…? Your negotiationskills are excellent and you fight for what you believe in. But I’m talkingabout something you want.”
McReidy had no answer. Sherotated her fork, coiling the long strands of pasta.
“Is there nothing you desire foryourself?”
“Not that I can think of,” sheanswered honestly.
“If there were, how far would yougo to attain it?”
“That would depend on what itwas,” she countered, chewing a mouthful of food.
“Indeed,” he agreed smiling, andturned his attention to slicing and consuming a slab of steak.
The conversation was becomingdangerous. From their previous encounter, he already knew more about her thanshe would have wished.
“You did not invite me to dinnerto discuss Ambassador Bela,” she smiled sweetly.
“No, I did not.” He saw throughher diversionary tactics. “You may be surprised to know that I have a wife, towhom I am extremely faithful, and more children than I care to count.”
“Why would I want to know that?” She couldn’t hide the slight disappointment in her voice.
“To put your mind at ease.”
“Where are they?” McReidyimmediately regretted the question. Since they had not picked up any women orchildren, the answer was obvious.
All emotion disappeared fromCush’s face. “On Manados.” He lowered his eyes and stared down at the table. “That is what I wish to speak to you about. Not my family,” he added quickly.
McReidy waited for him tocontinue. When he looked up, he was his usual self. His eyes didn’t havequite the same sparkle, but it was returning, his voice was serious.
“I would like to apologise forthe encumbrances I put upon you. The invasion… it was too fresh on my mind… Icouldn’t keep it out.”
“That’s not important.”
“Isn’t it?”
He doubted her answer. One lookat her face was enough to tell him she didn’t want to remember.
“I can erase the memories foryou.” His voice softened.
“Really?” she asked halfsurprised.
“I put them there. I can erasethem.”
McReidy didn’t know if that wassuch a good idea. “Why target me?”
“We were told a ship would bearriving to collect our ambassador. It was destroyed and we lost contact withyour world. If more ships
