Cassandra's Challenge Read online

  “William its….what time is it?”

  “Early. You’ll eat. Then you’ll sleep some more. I’m not having you all but collapse again.” Sitting on the edge of the bed he runs his fingers deep into her hair. “I love you. I will protect you, even from yourself.” As she opens her mouth to protest William cuts her off with a fierce kiss.

  “Damn, you make it hard to argue.”

  “Good.” Waiting for the food they lay in their bed, talking about everything and nothing, learning those little things that only lovers know about each other.

  As they are eating the Admiral’s comm rings. Ignoring the headset William answers the call.

  “Zafar.”

  “Admiral, this is Tar. Falco is demanding she be interviewed to prove her innocence.”

  “She’s in no position to demand anything.”

  “She has the right to demand an interview within twenty-four hours of her arrest if she believes she’s been falsely accused. It’s in the regs Admiral.”

  “Fuck.” William looks at Cassandra who’s listening.

  “Totally agree Admiral.”

  “Get it set up, I’ll be there shortly.” William disconnects.

  “What kind of trouble can she cause for you?”

  “None.” He swinging his legs to the floor.

  “William….”She puts her food aside.

  “No real trouble.” Caressing her bruised cheek he continues. “She’s going to try and justify what she’s done, and if that doesn’t work, lie.”

  “She’ll bring up your past relationship.”

  “Yes.” He watches her closely.

  “What?”

  “I can make it go away.” Cassandra gives him a confused look. “I have the power to do that.”

  “But why?” Moving closer she rests a hand on his knee. “Why would you do that William? She’s guilty.”

  “Yes, but she’s going to say things, things that might upset you. Things no one else has the right to know.”

  “So for me, you’d do what San did.”

  “Yes.”

  “No.” She frames his face in her hands. “William, I know you had a past relationship with her. But that was before our time. Others knowing isn’t going to change anything between us. She’s the past. We’re the future. She needs to pay for what she’s done, to you, Tori, me, those crewmen she’s injured. You’re the Admiral, you solve the problem, not push it off on someone else.” William carefully draws her close.

  “You continually amaze me Cassandra.” He rests his forehead against hers. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” Pulling back she smiles into he’s violet eyes. “You need to get dressed Admiral.”

  “And you need to finish eating.” Giving her a quick kiss he hands her back her plate, rising he heads for the closet.

  Cassandra watches as she finishes her meal. With every piece of clothing he puts on he becomes more and more the Admiral, the jacket being the final piece. She loves watching the transformation, loved both men.

  William feels her eyes on him as he dresses, but says nothing. Turning to her he pulls on his jacket. Seeing she’s finished eating, he leans down to kiss her. “You’ll rest while I’m gone. Hopefully this won’t take long.”

  “I’ll be fine, go do what needs done.” With one final kiss, the Admiral leaves their quarters securing the hatch on his way out.

  Entering the brig the Admiral’s met by Tar’s. “I put her in the main interrogation room. It’s set for all monitoring and recording.” As they walk to the room he continues.

  “Her consul’s in with her, Bayard. Chief Tibullus is reviewing the evidence that was collected, reading the reports. He should be ready to start the interview in fifteen.” Opening the observation room door the Admiral enters.

  “I need to speak with Tibullus before he goes into interview.” Tar raises an eyebrow.

  “I’ll get him.”

  Waiting he watches Bayard talking intently to Falco. She just sits with a small smile on her lips. Bayard finally turns away from her, disgusted with her lack of response. Facing the window he knows they are being watched even though he can’t see them. He wishes he hadn’t drawn this case. It’s going to be a mess. Word spread swiftly throughout the fleet that the Admiral has claimed Cassandra, attempted murder on the Admiral’s life mate. Shit.

  When the door opens the Admiral turns watching Tar and Tibullus enter.

  “You needed to speak with me Admiral.”

  “There are some facts you need to be made aware of before you go into interview.”

  “I’ve read the reports Admiral.”

  “This isn’t in the reports. Nearly eight cycles ago, on Diomede, for three days, Falco and I were involved. She was not under my command. It ended there. I’ve had no further contact with her until she was assigned to the Retribution six months ago.” Silence greets the Admiral’s statement. “I believe she is going to claim it’s been on going to justify her attack on Cassandra.”

  “You were never involved with her after Diomede.” Tibullus asks.

  “No.”

  “And her assignment to the Retribution?”

  “I had nothing to do with it I didn’t even recognize the name. It wasn’t until we were on tour that I even remembered the leave.”

  “There has been nothing on this tour?”

  “The Admiral already told you that Tibullus!” Tar’s voice is furious.

  “It’s okay Quinn. No there has been no personal involvement. I can think of only two times I’ve been alone with her. Once in my ready room eight days ago and then today in my command center with the security shield engaged.”

  “What happened eight days ago?”

  “I reamed her ass for being in my ready room without authorization.”

  “You found her there?”

  “No. Cassandra did.”

  “Cassandra has access to your quarters.”

  “Yes, Cassandra and Victoria both have security access.”

  “So when she informed you she suspected Falco, what did you do?”

  “She didn’t inform me. She informed Lucas.” Tibullus silently looks at the Admiral, not wanting to ask his next question.

  “What’s her relationship with your son, Admiral?” William stiffens, his eyes blazing as he answers.

  “You’re questioning the ‘relationship’ between my life mate and son?”

  “Will Falco?” Tibullus shoots back. While William doesn’t like it he’s realizes Tibullus is right. Falco is going to imply many things.

  “If you want to know Cassandra’s relationship with Lucas you need to ask her.”

  “If you could get her to talk to me that would be helpful Admiral.” Tibullus knows there is no chance of this happening but throws it out there.

  “Colonel,” William turns to his long time friend. “Would you go to my quarters, inform Cassandra that Chief Tibullus has some questions for her and see if she’s willing to answer them.”

  “Yes sir!” Quinn exits leaving Tibullus stunned.

  “Admiral…”

  “We’ll wait for Cassandra.”

  Hearing the hatch secure Cassandra lays back down on the bed. It’s been an eventful day already. Finding her mind isn’t going to let her rest she carefully rises from the bed, Bliant’s shot has worn off. A hot shower is in order.

  Little aches start to vanish as the hot water works its magic. Tipping her head to the side Cassandra groans softly as the pulsating water encounters a bruise.

  Stepping out of the shower she thinks about what William had offered. ‘To make Falco go away.’ He’d been concerned about her reaction to the information getting out. Why?

  Drying off she leaves her hair down to cover her bruises, knowing they bother William. Opening the bag of clothes Javiera brought her she’s surprised to find her own boots on top. She’d have to make sure to thank her for getting them. Would Javiera be able to explain it to her? Could she ask her?

  Leaving the bathro
om she goes to the comm center. Punching in Javiera’s code she waits. If she doesn’t answer then she doesn’t need to ask.

  “Hello?”

  “Javiera?”

  ”Cassandra! Is everything okay?” Javiera’s heard the rumor the Admiral had claimed her.

  “Everything’s fine.” Cassandra pauses. “You remember when you told me I could come to you if I had questions?”

  “Yes. What do you need to know?

  “If you knew that before you’d met Leander, he’d had ‘leave’ with another woman, and now people were talking about it. Would you be upset by it?” The question isn’t what Javiera thought she was going to ask.

  “Why would people talk about it?”

  “Because the woman wants to start up with him again, and is saying as much.”

  “Well, it would be embarrassing, people talking about it his life before me.” Javiera starts.

  “But why? You know he had one, just like you did.”

  “I… I don’t know…”

  “I mean it’s just talk, he isn’t involved with her now, so why would it be a big deal?”

  “It wouldn’t bother you?”

  “That it’s in the past? No. That she is trying to rekindle it? Yes. If he were interested… well that would decide it wouldn’t it?” Javiera is trying to figure out what is going on.

  “But if he isn’t interested, is committed to another, then it would be very upsetting…for Leander. Carinian males, especially from the Arm of Carina take the protection of their wife…life mate very seriously. That includes being embarrassed by something they might have done in the past.”

  “Really?”

  “Really. Cassandra, what’s going on?” Cassandra debates with herself but before she can decide the hatch buzzes.

  “Javiera, I have to go, someone’s at the hatch. I’ll fill you in later.” Disconnecting she heads for the hatch. Opening it she finds Tar on the other side.

  “Colonel?” She steps back allowing him to enter the ready room.

  “The Admiral asked me to see if you thought you would be able to answer some of Chief Tibullus’ questions.” Tar’s tone is formal.

  “What?” Cassandra is confused. “Who’s Chief Tibullus? What questions?”

  “Chief Tibullus is the investigator in the Falco matter. He will be interviewing her shortly. The Admiral felt he needed to inform him of his past relationship with Falco. Some questions came up that the Admiral believes you should answer.”

  “What questions?” The Colonel just stares at her. “Fine, don’t answer. Sometimes you’re a real ass hole Colonel.” Spinning around she heads into the private quarters.

  Quinn isn’t sure what stuns him more, being called an ass hole, from this small woman or the fact that she seems to be willing to answer Tibullus’ questions. Following her he finds she’s bent over trying to tie her boots.

  “You’re going?” Quinn asks kneeling down to help her. Cassandra slowly stands, her muscles protesting.

  “Of course I’m going. The Admiral asked didn’t he. Thank you.” Heading into the bathroom she pulls her hair up high. She’ll leave no doubt what Falco has done.

  “Let’s go.”

  Stares follow the pair as they walk towards the brig. The extensive bruising on Cassandra’s cheek runs down her neck disappearing under her shirt would be enough to draw attention. But with Falco’s arrest and the rumor that Cassandra is the Admiral’s life mate speculation running rampant.

  Quinn leads her to the observation room, opening the door he allows her to enter first. Entering her eyes find William’s she can tell he’s furious about the situation he’s put her in.

  William takes a visual inventory of his life mate as she enters the room. She’s pulled her hair back showing every bruise, the clothes she’s wearing obviously not hers, except for the boots that still show smears of her blood. Looking in her eyes William can tell she’s on a mission. Turning her head she zero’s in on Tibullus.

  “You’re the investigator for the Falco matter?” She goes on the offensive.

  “Yes.” Tibullus isn’t sure what to make of this small woman who’s obviously been injured, but still standing in front of him.

  “You have some questions for me?” Chief Tibullus clears his throat.

  “Are you aware that the Admiral and Senior Chief Falco are involved with each other?”

  “Were involved. Nearly eight cycles ago.” Cassandra corrects him.

  “And you’re aware of this because?”

  “The Admiral felt I should know about it after Falco entered our quarters unauthorized.”

  “When was this?”

  “I believe nine days ago, but that could be off a day or two, a lot has happened.”

  “You discovered her in the Admiral’s ready room?”

  “Yes.”

  “What happened?”

  “When I discovered her there she demanded to know what I was doing there. Since it was none of her business I refused to tell her. She threatened to call security. I told her to go ahead but that maybe she should check with the Admiral first. She called him in communications. He ordered her to leave.”

  “Can anyone confirm that?”

  “I can.” Quinn tells him. “I was in communications with the Admiral nine days ago. Falco called requesting a secure line. The Admiral ordered her to leave immediately.”

  “What did she say to you then?”

  “Nothing. She left the ready room.”

  “Then why suspect her?”

  “She didn’t verbally say anything, but I know hatred when I see it in someone’s eyes. Just like I see doubt in yours, Chief.”

  “Are you sure they haven’t been involved in the last eight cycles.” She feels William stiffen behind her.

  “Yes.”

  “How?”

  “Because that’s what the Admiral told me.”

  “And you believe him.”

  “Yes.”

  “Why did you tell Lucas of your concerns about Falco…not the Admiral?”

  “I told the Admiral I had ‘concerns’ as you put it the night she entered our quarters. The quarters are now always secured.”

  “After the bombing?”

  “You mean in medical?” She can’t see where this is going.

  “Yes, why tell Lucas?” Cassandra looks at William, confused.

  “Once I realized that the poisoning of Victoria and the bombing were both aimed at me there was only one person I could think of who could be responsible. Lucas was there, I told him my concerns, asked him to look into it.”

  “What’s your relationship with Lucas?” Tibullus asks.

  “My relationship with…” She looks at William. “That’s what this is all about?” She can tell William’s furious with the question but is letting her answer. Turning back, Tibullus finds himself pinned by a pair of blazing blue eyes.

  “I met Lucas Zafar when he crashed his Blade on Earth twenty seven days ago.” Her voice is hard and pointed. “He was hurt, my family and I helped him. He was on Earth approximately three hours. A Raptor came to rescue him, on board where two pilots, Dodge and Scratch, I believe, and the Admiral. While they were picking up Lucas, Strikers attacked setting off a nuclear bomb. The Raptor returned to the Retribution with Victoria and me on board. The Earth was destroyed. Lucas made a point of checking on Victoria and me to see how we were settling in. I consider him a good friend. He’s never been anything more to me than that, other than the Admiral’s son. Does that answer your question on my ‘relationship’ with Lucas, Chief Tibullus?”

  Tibullus clears his throat. “Yes, thank you.”

  “Any other questions?” Cassandra demands in a frosty voice.

  “No, no mam. Thank you for your assistance.” Tibullus finds himself stuttering. “Admiral, may I have your permission to access your personnel file?”

  William’s eyes narrow, “As Chief Investigator you don’t need permission.”

  “I know sir, but I’m ask
ing.”

  “You have my permission.”

  “I believe I’m ready to start my interview.”

  “Dismissed then.” Quinn looks from Cassandra to the Admiral.

  “I’ll be outside for a few minutes.” He tells them following Tibullus out.

  William closes the distance separating them gently caressing her bruised neck. Her eyes are still blazing.

  “You handled that very well. I don’t think I’ve ever heard Tibullus stutter before.”

  “That was bull shit William. A ‘relationship’ with Lucas? Please!” Her eyes question him. “You never thought…”

  “I might have, in the very beginning.” His eye burned into hers. “He’s closer to your age then I am. Then you were hurt,” he’s thumb gently caressing her cheek where the new bruise is. “I had to see for myself you were okay. When you responded to me then I knew.”

  “Knew what?”

  “That you were mine, my life mate.” Leaning down he kisses her, Cassandra wraps her arms around his waist.

  “I love you William.”

  “I know.”

  At the discrete knock on the door the two separate. Tar reenters the room. On the other side of the glass Chief Tibullus enters the interview room.

  “They can’t see us?” Cassandra asks as she approaches the window looking at Falco’s smug face.

  “No.” William walks over to stand behind her. Quinn pushes a button so they can hear the interview.

  “Let the log show this is Chief Tibullus in interview with Senior Chief Delondra Falco and her consul Lieutenant Bayard. This interview is to show if there is just cause to charge the Senior Chief with two counts of attempted murder and one count of sabotage of a coalition vessel. Senior Chief, do you understand the charges filed against you?”

  “Yes.” Falco final speaks.

  “What is your answer to the charges?”

  “Innocent of all charges.”

  “Senior Chief, explain to me how you believe you came to be charged with these crimes.”

  “It’s that refugee bitch’s fault!” The sudden venom in Falco voice catches both men by surprise.