Children of Junk (Rogue Star Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

held blasters on them while the other two positioned the pallets at the rear of the truck to block the view of anyone inspecting the cargo. The kidnappers still outside closed the doors, locking them in the dark again.
    One of the kidnappers said, “If either of you makes a sound you’re dead.”
    The hauler lurched forward and they were on their way again.

----
    S olomon didn’t know how long they drove before the hauler finally stopped, but he really had to pee. The doors opened, once again dazzling him and blasting him with hot, humid air. The thrum of heavy equipment reached him and a moment later something removed one of the pallets. It only took a few minutes for them to remove all four, by which time Solomon could see again. Their captors in the trailer motioned them toward the doors and Solomon hastened to obey.
    At the rear of the trailer an empty pallet held up by an antigravity forklift waited. On the ground, standing beside the forklift, a man in his mid forties, fit, and wearing military fatigues, stood with his hands clasped behind his back waiting for them. The newcomer didn’t have a mask and Solomon wasn’t certain if that reassured him or worried him, but something about the guy sent his danger meter into the red. One of the masked men poked him in the back, forcing Solomon on to the pallet. Emily joined him and a couple seconds later they stood on the ground.
    A quick look around revealed the kidnappers had brought them to a clearing carved out of the jungle. The only sign of civilization was the rough, dirt road that brought them to the clearing and a large building covered in camouflage netting. The new man approached, a neutral, disinterested expression on his face. Small wrinkles surrounded dark, deep set eyes. The wrinkles combined with brown, leathery skin spoke of a man that spent a lot of time outside.
    “I’m sure you’re curious why you’re here, but that’s my concern not yours.” His voice had a harsh rasp, like someone who’d breathed in a lot of smoke. Solomon’s eyes widened. That’s why the new man made him so nervous, he reminded Solomon of Vlad. He had the same air of control the Mars crime boss exuded. “I’ll make this simple for you. You do what we say when we say and you won’t get hurt. Cause me or my men any trouble and, well, use your imagination. I need you alive with your hands and arms functional, that’s all.”
    The stranger jerked his head toward the building. “Let’s get the hell out of this heat.”
    They walked together toward the building, Solomon sandwiched between the head kidnapper and Emily. Behind them the armed men followed, blasters leveled at their backs. Sweat drenched Solomon when they finally reached the cool, shadowed interior of the building. There was nothing terribly impressive inside the shelter, eight cots, a desk with a portable computer, a pair of racks to hold their weapons. At the very back was a door with a dead bolt. Their cell he suspected.
    The leader led them to the cell door, undid the bolt and motioned them inside. The guy wasn’t much of a conversationalist. Solomon went in first with Emily right behind. Their captor followed them in and removed their cuffs before leaving and slamming the door shut. The bolt slid home, trapping them in the little cell. Solomon sighed, home sweet home. They had two cots, two chairs, and a small folding table. In the back they set up a privacy screen. Solomon sent a silent prayer to the universe and looked behind it. Bingo, a small chemical toilet.
    Solomon emerged from behind the screen feeling much relieved. He barely moved out of the way before Emily raced to take his place. He shook his head, some gentleman; it never crossed his mind to see if she wanted to go first. Solomon sat on a cot and a few minutes later she emerged from behind the screen.
    “You okay?” he asked.
    She nodded and sat beside him. “What are they going to do with us?”
    Solomon shrugged. He simply had no idea.