Havoc (Dred Chronicles 2)

Without explaining what she meant to do, Dred closed her eyes. The merc commander’s emotional state opened up to her in waves of color, and his hues were primarily cool blue with ripples of yellow. He’s worried about something. There was no indication of treachery or a yen toward psychotic violence. This isn’t a man I’d have hunted before. His worry deepened to anxiety while he watched her, ostensibly “meditating” on her decision like a crazy person. He must be wondering if I’m really his best bet.

News flash, Commander. I’m your only hope. Just like you’re mine.

Dred’s lashes flickered up, showing her an exhausted man who was on the verge of begging. That surprised her as few things could have. Everything she knew about Vost suggested he was a proud, capable man, nothing of cowardice in his makeup.

“You’ve some balls, coming to make me an offer like this,” she said then.

Vost raised a brow. “Only a madman refuses to bargain when it benefits him.”

“Give me one good reason why I should trust you.” She exhaled slowly, knowing the question revealed the fact that she was willing to hear him out.

Jael folded his arms expectantly. Apparently, he, too, wanted to hear this answer.

He has to know this alliance is the best shot for both of us, but I can’t give in too easy, or he won’t trust me. He’ll be watching for a blade in the back.

Shit, he probably will anyway.

“There’s nothing I can say that’ll persuade you any faster than this. So . . .”

The merc surprised her by digging into his gear belt and producing a small holo. The image revealed a small boy, thin and sickly pale, with dark hair and green eyes. He had the look of a chronic invalid. Since she hadn’t been around kids much, she didn’t know how old he was, but the entire holo was just a few seconds—the boy leaning forward out of frame as if to hug someone. Again and again it ran, until she glanced up in puzzlement.

“Who’s that?”

“My son. Who will die if I don’t come back to him.”

She had no idea what that meant, what complicated web of need and familial ties Vost had outside of Perdition. But she understood one thing sure enough; this man would make any deal and honor it to get out of here. After watching that, Dred felt as sure as she could be that he wouldn’t stab them in the back at the last minute, not when he was alone and fighting to get back to his son.

“Is he why you didn’t pull out—and die—with the rest of your men?” Jael asked.

Vost inclined his head. “I needed the credits too much to fail here. The treatments are expensive, and they’re all that’s keeping him alive.”

It explained everything about his motivations and his commitment to escaping. Dred made a snap decision, betting their future on Vost’s determination. “Very well, then. Welcome to Queensland.”