Silent Flyght – Chapter 16

Back on the Amagi, I avoid all the public areas and head straight to my room. Fuck Almas. And fuck his wife, too, while I’m at it. As I close the door to my room, I teeter between the two extremes waiting to call me into the void — depression and anger. I’ve been courting anger for weeks, employing Bitch Vivian at every turn. Anger has fueled my search for men, my search for Tomu, and my search for freedom. But it’s not productive enough to get me anywhere I truly need to be. Anger has led to stress and anxiety, and the stress and anxiety are ruining me. I’m barely sleeping, barely eating. I run my fingers through my hair and stop. No. I have to stop doing that. I shake my hands off without looking at the hair entangled within my fingers.

I head straight for my desk. Okay, I have to deal with these losers, or I will never get anywhere. Almas and his wife think they have me penned in, right? Well, I still have people I can call on for help. Marcelo wants me to call in favors, so that’s what I’ll do.

If Almas thinks he can blackmail me into becoming his blushing bride, he doesn’t know me at all. Everyone is so busy screwing me over, they keep forgetting to clean up behind them when they’re done. If he can blackmail me, then I can blackmail him.

There are two people I can call about this mess, and one of them has already gone out on a limb for me. I check the time on Ossun, and it’s in the evening there. Perfect.

“Vivian, to what do I owe the pleasure of your call?” Alipha’s face is in front of me, and I have to school myself to smile. Remember, Vivian. She’s no longer my foe.

She’s a friend.

At least I hope she is.

“Hello, Alipha. I hope I’m not bothering you or interrupting your dinner.”

She waves her hand. “Oh, no. We finished dinner an hour ago, and I’m catching up on some of my favorite dramas. But I’m happy to take your call.”

I recognize the room she’s in as the one we sat in together, the library, and in the background, a fireplace crackles with a roaring fire.

“Looks like you’ve got a nice fire going. It’s been cold there?” I rest my chin on my propped hand.

“Very,” she says with a smile. “We had our first hard frost a few days ago. But you know Ossun. It’ll be spring in no time. Winter never lasts more than eight weeks. It’s good downtime, though.” She tucks her legs up next to her.

“I’m on Sonoma, and it’s harvest time here. I spent the whole day at a vineyard, understanding how they harvest grapes and process them. It was fascinating. I had the best day learning how everything is done here. It’s been my dream to own a vineyard and winery someday.”

I drop my head because admitting this to Alipha is hard. I remember the ribbing I got as a kid for being so into farming. Sure, people like Alipha own farms, but they don’t get their hands dirty doing it. Just like India Dellis said, that’s for the hired help.

“I detect a possible ulterior motive, though,” Alipha says in a sing-song voice. She laughs, and I lift my head, trying to hide my blush. “Is there someone working for this vineyard you’re interested in? I know Marcelo is one of the best matchmakers in the Duo Systems, but I’m surprised he’s worked this fast. It took me six years to find my last two men.”

“He is working as fast as he can, that’s for sure. And the man I’m interested in is an owner. So far, the courting is going well. We have a lot in common.”

Alipha leans in. “Do you want to tell me who it is?”

I try to twist away my smile. “Not yet. If it doesn’t work out, then at least I won’t have to hear about it from anyone.”

“You were always the smart one, Vivian.”

“And you were always the connected one, which is why I’ve called. Did you hear that the bank has moved the auction up? The sale of my land is happening within two weeks.”

Her eyes widen. “No.” She grabs a datapad from her right. “Son of a bitch. They just messaged me about it this morning. It’s a general call to all female landholders on Ossun.” Her eyes zip down the message. “They’re only inviting other landholders to the auction ‘to expedite the transfer of the deed.’ Ugh. That means they want to get rid of it quickly, without having to vet someone who is not currently a landholder.”

She sets her datapad aside. “What do you need from me, Vivian? I’m here to help, remember?”

I swallow and consider the person in front of me. Alipha, though she is an ally now, is ruthless and vindictive. When she was younger, she did what she could to keep me at arm’s length because I wasn’t the type of person she wanted in her social circles. Since I was happy to stay away from her, we didn’t talk or socialize. We were polite, at best, with each other.

Now I have to use her ruthlessness, use her influence. To say I feel conflicted about this arrangement is an understatement.

“There’s someone on my case, and I need you to use your skills to… convince him to back off. Well, him and his wife. And maybe tell him to fuck off and never come back.” I sigh and press my fingers to the spot between my eyebrows. “Sorry. It’s been a long day, and I have a headache from day-drinking.”

“Then you should continue on to night-drinking. It’s your only choice,” she says, with a small smile. “Who?”

“Gabriel Almas and his wife, Lena.”

Alipha’s eyebrows climb. “Running with the big guns now, are we?”

“Trust me. Not my choice. They came out of nowhere. Fucking Reformers. Before my brother betrayed us, he was in deep with them. In fact, I’m pretty sure that’s where all the family money went. Straight into their pockets.”

Alipha thinks for a moment, her eyes turning to the ceiling. “I know Lena Almas, through mutual friends. I always thought it was interesting that she married a man like Gabriel.”

“Why is that?”

“Well,” she says, combing through her hair with her fingers, “Lena was always about popularity, wanting to be with the ‘in-crowd,’ you know? She married Gabriel for his family’s assets. Her family had very little. She thought it would be a leg-up in society. Kinda backfired on her a little.”

“Yeah, especially since from what I hear, she doesn’t go out or do anything.”

“She’s been trying to dig herself out of that hole for years. There’s nothing she wants more than to be back with the ‘in-crowd.’ So tell me, how and why are they on your case?”

I swallow, aware of how this is going to sound. “They propositioned me. Told me that if I join their relationship network as one of Gabriel’s wives, that they would buy my farm back for me.”

Alipha’s eyebrows launch into her hairline. “Holy fuck. Are you serious? He wants a harem of women?”

“He already has a harem. Several women across the Duo Systems. Marcelo has been hard at work, figuring Almas out.”

“I hope you told him no in a very vociferous manner.”

I laugh. “I wasn’t subtle about how much his offer offended me. But Lena is now threatening to buy the farm out from underneath me. I’m sure the news on the gossip channels is that I have no friends, no one to back me up. They wouldn’t be wrong —”

“They are wrong now, Vivian,” Alipha insists. She holds out her hand. “I’m not sure how much I can do, but I can try.” She shakes her head. “You’ve been in a world of trouble lately.”

“I’m so sorry. I really am.”

“Stop,” she insists. “All you can do is get back to work, right? Convince this new man you’re courting to step up. We only have a short time left to get this farm back to you.”

“Yes, you’re right. I’ll work extra hard from now on.”

As if I’m not working myself to death already.

“You were always a hard worker, Vivian. I have no doubts you’ll get the job done. I’ll call again soon once I know more.” Her face softens into a smile. “Enjoy your evening.”

“You too. Talk to you soon.”

The call ends, and I don’t feel any better than I did at the start.

Despite all the hard work I’ve already put in, I know that nothing I do will make a difference. Nothing.

The depression I’ve been fighting off for weeks washes over me from head to toe. It’s a dark, heavy blanket, pushing me down, smothering me. Anger fades away, and a great sadness replaces it in my gut.

Seems like now would be a good time to start drinking.

—-

“How was your day at the vin —?”

Jinzo stops in his tracks as he enters the galley. I’m sitting at the table, drinking wine from a giant glass and wearing the sweatshirt that Gus gifted me, my most comfortable pair of knit pants, and fuzzy socks. A case of wine Mat had delivered to the Amagi is open with a gift bag sitting next to it. They were both on the table when I finally dragged myself from my room.

He narrows his eyes and pulls back a bit.

“Maybe it didn’t go so well?”

I gulp at the wine in my glass. I’ve had enough wine to kill a small animal.

“It had its ups and its downs. Mostly down. Maybe you should see what’s in the bag?”

Jinzo looks over his shoulder, and Ken joins him in the doorway.

“You haven’t opened it?”

I shake my head and stare off into the kitchen, not looking at the guys.

Jinzo approaches carefully, setting the plate he was carrying on the table before sitting across from me. Ken follows him in. I can’t look at either of them, but I know they’re concerned from their rigid stance.

Jinzo takes the bag, removes the rice paper filler, and pulls out a small, white box. He opens it and raises his eyebrows. I drink more wine.

“You have… excellent taste in men, if I do say so myself.” He lifts a coiled, silver bracelet from the box and sits down next to me. “And Matias has excellent taste in jewelry.”

He takes my left hand and slips the bracelet over my knuckles, down to my wrist. The weight of the metal is comforting like I needed grounding there but never knew it until now.

Ken opens up the wine box, pulling each bottle up, and inspecting the labels. “These are some of his best vintages.” He reaches for the bottle of pinot I’ve already opened. “Vivian, this is a three hundred credit bottle of wine.”

“It tastes delicious,” I say, lifting the glass. “Enjoy it while it lasts.”

“What happened today?” Jinzo asks, grabbing the bottle of wine and refilling my glass.

“I had a lovely morning on the vineyard. It’s the most excited I’ve been about work in forever.” My voice shakes, but I hold back the tears. Gus appears in the doorway. “There’s so much science and technique and creativity in winemaking. It’s not just grapes.” I hold up the glass of wine and peer into the burgundy liquid. “Magic happens in there.”

“And what happened with Matias?” Jinzo asks.

“Mat,” I correct him. “That’s what he wants to be called.” I shrug. “You see the gifts. He’s game. He’s said he’s interested in me, in us. He kissed me today.” I close my eyes and rest the glass of wine against my forehead because now I can’t hold the tears in. “I’m sorry. So sorry I got you all into this. We are so screwed.”

Ken and Gus drop into chairs across from me.

“Mat’s best friend, his chief of staff, Peter, wants me gone. He’s advocating against me.”

I let the tears fall down my face into the glass, and I hate myself even more. I hate crying in front of the guys. I hate that I’m so fucking weak when I need to be strong. Damn it, I need to be strong one hundred percent of the time. This is unacceptable.

I wind back my arm to toss the wine glass across the room, and everyone scrambles.

“Whoa!” Jinzo dives over the table and holds my arm. Ken grabs the glass before it can leave my hand.

“Jesus, Viv. That’s almost a hundred credits worth of wine. Don’t waste it.” Ken holds the glass against his chest like a baby before taking a sip.

“Forget about Peter,” Gus says, sitting next to me. “I’m sure we can deal with him.”

“It’s not just Peter. It’s not just Athens Industries or India Dellis. It’s not the military, though it could be any of those things at any moment.” I rest my head back and thump it on the wall. “I met with Gabriel Almas today.”

“What?” Jinzo stands up. Ken and Gus protest, but I raise my hand.

“I brought Marcelo with me. I got the invite to meet him a few days ago…” I think about the message he sent me, and I use my palms to wipe away my tears. “Actually, I got the demand for my time a few days ago. I was going to ignore him, but then I knew he would just keep trying. So I asked Marcelo to look into him, dig up dirt on him.” I shake my head. “It was all for naught. They have a wall around them so high, no one can scale it. They’re going to outbid us at the auction, and there’s no escaping them. They’re worse than Athens.”

I close my eyes and press my hands to my face.

The room is quieter than I expected it to be, and I imagine all three of these wonderful men are regretting ever having met me. I am too determined for my own good. Way too stubborn. Each time I’m swiped down, I keep getting back up again.

I think this time I might be done.

“Oh well,” Ken says, his voice intensely blasé.

I let my hands fall down. “What?”

“Look,” he says, reaching across the table for one of my hands, “I’m in this for you, not the farm. We’re not going to break up with you because you don’t get the farm back.”

“We signed those contracts to be with you, Vivian.” Jinzo shrugs. “We’ll do our best to win that auction, but if we don’t, we’ll come up with something else.”

I turn my head side to side, sure that I’m imagining this exchange. But Gus forces a smile and nods at me. Ken mock toasts and drinks my wine. Jinzo leans in to kiss me on the cheek. I drop my head to the table.

“I don’t deserve you,” I mumble at my pool of tears on the tabletop.

“The feeling’s mutual,” Gus says, hugging me from the side.

Jinzo joins him, and Ken continues to hold my hand.

I don’t deserve these guys. I really don’t. I’m nothing special. I’m not pretty or talented or popular. The only thing I have going for me is my smarts and my good family name. And yet, I’ve made the most of my faults. I have three guys who all want to be a part of my network, no matter what I do.

Should I make it four and move on with my life?

I sniff up and raise my head. “I want to add Mat if he’s willing. You’ve seen his assets and good nature. We should consider him.”

“But Peter is a problem?” Gus asks, letting me go but taking my hand instead.

I nod. “He’s got something going on. Maybe a side business? Something that makes them more money than the wine?”

“I don’t see how that’s possible,” Ken says, humming and staring into the glass. “His winery is one of the most sought after on Sonoma. He makes good money. Marcelo and I looked at their profits before we even got you involved.”

The wine has dulled my reaction time, so it takes a moment for this to sink in. Behind the scenes, the guys are watching out for me so I can get business done. Ken and Gus are helping vet anyone I interact with. Jinzo and Marcelo are making sure I get where I need to go and arrive home safely each time.

I’ve never been ‘cared for’ like this before. I’ve always been strongly independent, made my own decisions, did my research about everything. This is new territory for me.

“Whatever they’re into — maybe both Peter and Mat? — it’s enough that Peter wants to keep me away. I’m thinking drugs, maybe? They have a lab for testing the wine. It would be easy to repurpose it for drugs.”

I rub my face again, and the room spins. This is a bad way to be. I should be in bed.

“But I’m too tired and drunk to figure it out right now. I need to go to sleep.” I push myself up from the table and sway. Jinzo catches my arm and keeps me from falling over. My new bracelet falls down my arm to my wrist and startles me. Oh, right.

“He wants to see me tomorrow, but…”

“Mat? What’s the problem?” Jinzo asks, guiding me around the corner of the table.

“We’re supposed to leave tomorrow. We…” I smack my lips a few times. “We need to get rid of Tomu.” I hiss as Jinzo’s hand comes in contact with the one I slammed against the wall. He looks at it and frowns.

“What happened? Did you fall and hurt yourself?”

“’S nothing.”

Crap. My drunken state is even more apparent now that I’m on my feet.

Ken joins me on my other side. “I’ve seen Drunken Vivian enough times to know that this will not end well. Let’s get her to her room, hydrate her, and tuck her into bed.”

I try to squint my eyes and concentrate on the walk to my room, but it’s hard. Really, really hard. Everything is blurry, and even breathing is a task. My lips and face are numb, too. Great job, Vivian.

That’s what I get for drinking all day and then drinking some more. I should not have followed Alipha’s suggestion.

My hand connects with the stair rail to the upper level of rooms when a chime breaks my labored breaths.

Nanci’s voice echoes in the hallway. “Captain, there is someone at the aft airlock door requesting entrance to the Amagi. I have kept your security protocols in place like you asked. Ai has informed me that this man is your father, Nuno Kawabata. Would you like me to screen him further?”

My world crumbles around me. My dad, the one I’ve been lying to about Tomu for the past week, is here.

“What? My dad is here?”

Why?

Wait.

There’s only one reason why he’s here.

He’s come to catch me in my lie.

And there’s no way to stop him.