Page 71 of Badass Alien Boss

“I didn’t get a chance to ask,” she replied. “He’d heard I’d taken ill and come to the hospital. While Dr. Kurur ran tests on Ruyn, Korsan and I had a few minutes to chat. I related how Dr. Kurur had asked a lot of questions about what and where I’d eaten. When I told him we ate at Mama Murta’s Café, he told meto stay away from that place. When I pressed him on why, that’s when he told me Murta was Prellim. Then the nurse came and got me.

“At that point, Ruyn didn’t know about Murta yet. But when Dr. Kurur told us Ruyn had been infected with a nanocyte that manufactured antigens, I put two and two together.”

“Where is Korsan now?”

“When I spoke to him last, he was in thecomfort station.”

“I’ll need to speak with him.” Something about Tervik’s posture seemed smug.

“So, speak to him,” Ruyn said.

“If I have more questions for you, where can I find you?”

“Home. Waiting for Dr. Kurur’s colleague on Oberia to develop a cure.”

Tervik tapped into his tech tab. Ruyn’s and Michaela’s devices beeped with a notification. “I sent you my contact info. Keep me apprised of your movements.” The agent sauntered out of the quiet space, leaving a wake of turmoil.

“Cocky asshole,” she muttered. “For what it’s worth, I don’tthinkheseriouslysuspects us of colluding with Murta—I think it was a ruse to get us to spill the beans on Korsan.”

“It worked.” Ruyn sighed.

“I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing else we could have done.” He rubbed his neck. “I’ll do whatever I can to help, except take the fall. There’s nothing worse than colluding with a Prellim. If he belongs to the cartel, he needs to be stopped.”

“Maybe he’s not involved. Maybe he just happened by chance to find out Murta is Prellim.”

“I hope so. That would be the best-case scenario.”

Michaela stood up. “Should we talk to him before Tervik does?”

“Good idea.” He stood. “But first—give me a hug.”

With a sigh, she relaxed in his arms. “I needed this, too. We’ll get through this.”

He hoped she was right. He brushed his closed mouth to hers, uncertain if he could kiss her. What if his saliva contained traces of the antigen? The situation was so phukked up. He gave her a squeeze and released her. “Let’s talk to Korsan.”

But when they got to the waiting area, he was gone. Instead, they found Agent Tervik.

“Any idea where he’d go?” the agent asked.

“His apartment or his office,” Ruyn answered. “Other than that, your guess is as good as mine.” Before he could question them further, Ruyn took Michaela’s arm, and they left the waiting area. Out of sight of the agent, he messaged his brother.NEED TO SPEAK WITH YOU.URGENT.He hesitated, and added,PLEASE.

“Do you think we’ll hear from him?” Michaela asked.

“Probably not. I’m guessing he realizes he’s in deep trouble.”

* * * *

They had the hovercab drop them off at the office. His brother’s assistant was shutting down, getting ready to leave for the day. “Michaela! How are you doing? I heard you were ill…”

“I’m all right,” she replied.

“Is he in?” Ruyn asked.

“No. I haven’t seen him since he left for the hospital. Didn’t he catch you?”

“He did, but I still need to speak to him.”