Crescent by Phil Rossi Page A

polished floor and seated herself on the thick mattress, just across from the mayor.
    “Do you know why I’ve asked you here?” Kendall looked into his empty snifter and got to his feet; the robe parted slightly and he felt a draft on his member. Marisa’s eyes snapped up to his face; she had noticed. Good for her.
    “I think so,” she said. Snifter refilled, Kendall returned to his seat.
    “Good. No sense in beating around the bush then. I appreciate that. It was unfortunate. The incident at Heathen’s. Core Sec is sending someone to audit the operations of this station. Imagine that. An auditor. Here. You know as well as I, Marisa, that I—we—run a tight ship here. Still, there’s bound to be a mistake or two, here or there. It is a crying shame that your superior saw fit to file an official report on one small incident. Not to mention, place a permanent mark on your record as an officer.”
    Marisa’s face remained calm; there was no hint of emotion. He admired her control. The supposed betrayal must have been hard to swallow.
    “I thought Captain Benedict was a man I could rely upon. I’m sure you felt the same. But his prudence in this matter seems to be lacking, wouldn’t you agree?”
    Marisa didn’t answer. Her features remained still and she almost appeared disinterested. Kendall imagined the rage that must be bubbling up inside her. He felt his cock give the weakest of twitches.
    “Of course you would. After all, you’re the one who took the blame for the whole incident. Marisa, as Mayor of Crescent, I’m in a fairly powerful position. I could have your record wiped clean.” It was a lie. He had no strong relations in central Core Sec. He cared as much about the lie as he did about her record. The incident at Heathen’s was not even the impetus for the auditor’s visit, Kendall knew. General Audit was the only reason given on the notification. Heathen’s was but a footnote. None of that was important, what was important was that her eyes brightened. Kendall had her. He was pleased.
    “Go on,” she said in even tones.
    “Nothing is for free, Marisa. I’m sure you understand that. If you want a shining record of service again, you’re going to have to work for it, dear.”
    She stood suddenly, cheeks flushed, and she wrapped her arms around herself protectively. Her dark eyes fell to the twisted sheets and then moved to the door.
    “No, no, sweetheart. Nothing so dramatic.” Kendall smiled, attempting to lace the grin with as much reassurance as possible. They’d get into that bed together in due time, but not now.
    “It is clear to me that I’m going to need a second set of eyes, ears, and hands within Crescent’s security force when this auditor arrives. It is also clear to me that I cannot trust Captain Benedict with the task. Do you think that’s something you could do for me? Act as my eyes and ears?”
    “What would it entail?”
    “Whatever I ask. That is what it will entail. If you please me, then I will make sure your record reflects your stalwart service. Get us through this rough spot with Core Sec and we can move forward from there.”
    “Okay,” she said.
    Kendall nodded. He got to his feet and extended a bony hand. She took it in her own for a single, downward shake. Her skin was soft and warm. She began to withdraw, but he gripped her fingers for an instant longer, his smile going from sweet to venomous.
    “Don’t fuck this up, Officer Griffin. I wouldn’t want to have to punish you as much as you wouldn’t want to be punished.” Another lie—he’d love to punish her. He released his grip.
    “Are we done here?”
    “Unless you want to join me for a brandy, yes. We are done here.”
    She began to move toward the door.
    “One more thing, Marisa. Let’s keep this little talk between you and I .”
    “Of course,” she said, the words almost lost in the whine of the door motors.
    Kendall felt better. He activated his cochlear.
    “The young prostitute with