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“Who?”
“That’s not your concern. I might have taken a small loan with a money lender, the kind you don’t find running an online store. The interest rates are ridiculous.”
“Let me guess; you didn’t read the small print?”
“There was no small print, just a handshake over a pint of beer.” Marcus scrubbed a hand down his face. “I have to do this, or I’m dead.”
“You should face up to them. They might only kneecap you.” It was no less than he deserved.
“There’s not much they won’t do to make sure they get what they’re owed.” Marcus jabbed the laser into the side of Ivy’s head. “Now, behave yourself and speak to your boyfriend.”
Ivy nodded slowly. She’d underestimated Marcus. He’d gotten himself into even more trouble since they’d parted company. Whoever was after him sounded like they wouldn’t stop until they got what they were owed. If that meant Marcus had to kill a few people along the way to get the funds, then he might be desperate enough to do it.
“Are you ready?” Marcus asked.
She nodded. “Karn, can you hear me?”
“Ivy! You had me worried. What happened?”
She glanced at Marcus. “It’s nothing, honey. I made a little mistake. You know how ditzy I can be. I wanted to make sure everything was okay with you, and you’re not missing me too much.”
“Honey? Are you okay?”
Ivy tried to sound relaxed. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. I’m taking a trip down memory lane, ridding myself of a few demons so we can move on together. I think we should move in with each other, don’t you?”
“Erm, well that’s good to hear. How about Marcus?”
Marcus jabbed the laser against Ivy’s ear. “Keep talking. Tell him to back off. You don’t want him following us.”
“Sweetie, you go back to Prodigy. I’ll come see you soon.”
“Where are you going?”
Ivy glanced at Marcus. “On a little trip. I’m already missing you.”
“You are?”
Ivy forced herself to remain calm. “Of course. I always do every time we’re apart.” He’d better catch on to what she was doing, or this would end badly for everyone.
“I’m the same.” Karn sounded cheerful. “You don’t want me to come and get you?”
“Nope. I’m good.”
“Ask him about the station security ship tailing him. Are they after us?” Marcus whispered.
“It looks like you’ve got company,” Ivy said. “Is it anything I need to be worried about?”
“Ignore them. They’re interested in my unplanned flight.”
“And the fact we stole a ship,” Billy said.
“Damn! I didn’t exactly get this ship legitimately,” Marcus said. “If they check us, they’ll want to know where we’re going.”
“You should turn yourself in,” Ivy said. “They might not put you away for so long if you give up now. There’s no way you’re getting away with this.”
“If they keep focused on your boyfriend, we’ll be fine.”
“What about this auction? The aliens running it will need to know you got your hands on me legitimately. They won’t take any old humans.”
