Eko (NINE Series, #1)

  * * *

  “Why are we heading east?” Renzo asked, peering out of the common room’s window.

  “I’ve been offered a job. To retrieve a kidnapped victim,” Phaira added before Renzo could interrupt. “I can make some money. Which we need. Can’t keep relying on your repair work to support three people and a rickety Volante.”

  “We’re fine,” Renzo said pointedly. “Why not call Nox, let him handle this?”

  “Because the buyers want to maintain their privacy. It’s an extraction job. Nothing more. And no different from any other recon mission I’ve done. ”

  Then an idea occurred to her. “And it might lead to some protection, you know. The employers are expert hackers. If I’m successful, I can ask them to disable my bounty listing as payment.”

  Both of her brothers were silent, considering. It wasn’t a lie, really. These Hitodama could help her disappear, not just from the registry, but from Osha in general. She wasn’t going to say that part to them, though.

  “I can help,” Cohen finally said. He stood on the opposite side of the room, silent and stony until that point. It was hard for him to offer; Phaira could see the struggle in his expression. She loved him for it.

  Still, Phaira shook her head. “Just me,” she said gently. “When we land, keep to the city limits. If there’s any trouble, leave me behind and go.”

  Cohen went to protest, but Renzo held up his hand. “Fine,” he said. “But don’t give us a reason to run.”

  “Not in my plan,” Phaira agreed.

  She hoped it might be true this time.