Badlands by Seleste deLaney Page B

in the early morning sunlight. Spencer pulled up short as he spied the man striding toward them—average height, but bearing himself in such a way that he looked tall, powerful. The gray at his temples bespoke wisdom, but nothing in his dress or demeanor gave away the fact that the senator was a greedy bastard who bled his employees dry.
    “Captain Pierce, I see you brought my ship back in one piece. The message mentioned some delay in your delivery?” He smiled, but it brought no light to his blue eyes.
    Spencer nodded. He and Ever had agreed to a modified version of the truth. “That’s correct. There was an altercation at the fortress. The Dark Hawk isn’t outfitted for battle, so we felt the wisest course was to store the cargo until things calmed down.”
    “Such a shame. Without the remainder of the payment, I’m afraid you haven’t fulfilled your contract. You’ll need at least another run before your debt is paid and the ship is yours.”
    Ever cleared her throat.
    “Oh, I’m sorry. Senator Mason, this is Ever, one of Queen Lavinia’s border guards. She’s here on a mission from Her Majesty.” If Spencer allowed this to play out on the senator’s timeframe, they could be here for hours. By the way Ever shifted from foot to foot, he knew her patience wouldn’t last that long.
    Mason eyed Ever, his gaze narrow, lips curling into a sneer. “You couldn’t unload your cargo, but you managed to pick up a passenger? Please tell me how such a feat works.”
    No longer even making an attempt to hide her impatience, Ever spoke up. “I have the queen’s authority to render payment on the shipment. As I understand the situation, that will complete Captain Pierce’s term of service with you.”
    The skin beneath the senator’s eye twitched. “Once his debt is paid, you are correct, I will sign over the Dark Hawk ’s registry.”
    Spencer knew Ever wanted to avoid delays, but with his words her muscles went tight as if something about Senator Mason unnerved her. She stood taller, her chin up and eyes narrowed. “Fine. We will go to the bank and—”
    “Father! What a pleasant surprise.” Henrietta swept past them in a swirl of skirts and wrapped her arms around the senator.
    “My dear, you look unwell.” He stood back and shot an accusing glance at Spencer.
    Henri shook her head. “It has been a long few days, but we’re here now. I wanted to spend as much time with you as I could. Please tell me you aren’t in session.”
    “No, no, Congress is not meeting today. I had planned to be at the lab.” He wrapped an arm protectively around Henri’s tiny waist and turned to Ever. “I will meet the two of you at the bank before you depart.”
    “We’ll be leaving tonight,” Spencer said.
    “So soon? Then before sunset.” He inclined his head toward Ever. “Enjoy your stay in Philadelphia.”
    Once he’d drifted off with Henrietta in tow, Ever tipped her head toward Spencer and hissed, “He is a congressman?” When he nodded, her fists clenched as if she wanted to strike out at something. “Then I will make certain to keep the princess under close guard.”

    Ivy trailed along the buildings. The intent, Ever decided, was to provide a dignified yet homey feel. To her, the plants looked as if they wanted to crush the brick and mortar and drag it back into the bowels of the earth. It was one of the least comforting displays she’d seen in her life.
    Students strolled along the cobbled pathways, swinging wide in their suits and bustle skirts to avoid her. Ever tugged at her rough shirt, fully aware of how she stood out. When she’d planned this, she’d never considered her attire. At least Spencer had convinced her to leave her more obvious weapons on the ship. Those would have sent these elegant people running for cover. The image made a tiny smile curve onto her lips.
    Then she thought of the blades concealed in her boots and the mirth melted away. If there was trouble, they were all the