“Nope. Plain embarrassing, bruv.”
Connor dropped his judgmental act and set upon Trevor. They hugged it out.
“I’ve missed you, Connor.”
“Same here. We need to catch up. You got cigars and liquor in that big office of yours?”
“I do.”
Connor tightened his grip.
“Make your excuses. Let’s clear the fuck out of here.”
Trevor’s joy dampened. Instinct said Connor gave an order – one Trevor dared not refuse.
As if on cue, the floaters returned. Trevor heard Mau’s voice.
“The bag cannot be trusted.”
16
MAU PING BETRAYED NO emotion while standing to Trevor’s left, but the Enzathi’s avatar tilted his head and gazed upward. Trevor put his best face forward after breaking from the hug.
Quiet for two days, and now you show up? Shit.
“The Enzathi says this one is not to be trusted.”
He’s my brother. Go away.
Mau acknowledged Trevor with a slight dip of his chin.
“It is listening.”
He vanished but confirmed what Trevor suspected: The Enzathi could read his thoughts, an intriguing yet terrifying reality.
Trevor raced to salvage the moment before he drew suspicion.
“Look, C, we’re not going anywhere without introductions. And I’m damn sure not walking out on my daughter’s party.”
Connor spied key details.
“Cake’s about gone. Gifts are open. Those guests in the back are leaving. This soiree’s on the downswing, bruv.”
So much for the guy who never saw a party he couldn’t resist.
Trevor acted before this joyous reunion disintegrated. He introduced Connor to Effie’s future husband.
“Reginald Endowi. You two might have met once or twice.”
Connor extended his hand but did not blink.
“No recollection. Sorry.”
“If it makes you feel better,” Reginald said, “I can’t recall myself. But I’ve heard many stories.” He added with a flourish: “All good. I’m honored to meet you, Lt. Stallion.”
Connor betrayed the hint of a smile, their hands still gripped.
“Did they tell you my rank, or do you know the bars?”
“My brother served for eight years. He retired as a Mid-Star.”
Connor flexed a brow.
“Is he young enough to re-up?”
“Possibly. But he has, as they say, let himself go. I doubt he’d pass the physical.”
“Tell him for me: We need vets. Good men for the fight. Get in shape. Re-up.”
Connor let go, not a second too soon for Reginald, who grimaced and shook out his right hand.
“I’ll pass along your message.”
Reginald quickly took his seat beside Effie and reached for wine. Shireena did not wait for an introduction.
“Shireena Balance,” she said, extending a firm hand. “I am Trevor’s Head of Safety and ...”
Connor bypassed the hand to kiss her on the cheek.
