Chapter 81

Valta was shut down. I could see if he can find out whether an investigation

is underway.”

Joris smiled. “That’s a handy connection to have. But hold off. I’ll try a

more direct strategy first.”

“I’ll be standing by.” Ellen rose.

“Thank you, Ellen. I’m glad to have you on my side.”

She inclined her head. “I’m sorry there was ever a time I wasn’t.”

Ellen departed, leaving Joris alone with his thoughts.

He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. Why would the

Guard defer an investigation into Hale? The most obvious explanation was

that they already knew something and didn’t want to share. If that were the

case, he—and Elusia—might not be as safe as he thought. KIRA THUMBED THROUGH the entertainment selection on her tablet. Despite

having an entire galaxy’s worth of content at her disposal, she still couldn’t

find anything to watch.

With a heavy sigh, she turned off the tablet with a click of the remote