Pirates of the Outrigger Rift Read Free

unpleasant.”
    Chandler chuckled. “More unnecessary than unpleasant. We could have done this by holo.”
    “That is not for me to say, sir. I am sure that Lord Randol has his reasons.”
    Chandler stepped past Aland into the foyer and looked around. “So how many people live here?”
    “Lord Randol and his daughter, Helen. However, she is leaving this morning to continue her education offworld.”
    “Humph. Must be cramped.”
    Aland either didn’t hear or pretended not to.
    “Of course, the household staff has separate quarters.”
    “Of course.”
    A mural covered the ceiling, depicting a man tearing a fistful of stars from the heavens. No doubt it represented the first of the Randol clan, back when their blood was a bit thicker and they were more like the rest of humanity. Not the same, of course—they were never the same, always a touch better.
    Suspended from the ceiling on a golden chain was a giant chandelier of dark, ruby-colored crystal. It looked like a frozen cascade of blood. Columns lined the circular room, corridors led off in three directions, and twin staircases spiraled upward to a second level.
    “Wait here a moment, sir, and I shall announce you,” the servant said, and walked down the hall.
    Just after Aland disappeared, a woman rushed forward from a side corridor and collided with Chandler. “Watch where you’re going,” she said.
    Chandler stepped back. The woman looked about twenty, with soft, flowing blonde curls and the kind of creamy skin that only the rich can afford to keep. She wore a short, sheer peach-colored dress that draped off one shoulder and left the other bare. Her legs were finely sculpted from her calves to her exposed thighs. Her skin was as pale as the alabaster columns. She looked at Chandler with a slightly annoyed expression. Her eyes were deep blue.
    “You must be Helen,” he said.
    “Who are you?”
    “I’m here to see your father.”
    “You didn’t answer my question,” she said.
    “You’re right. I didn’t.” Chandler grinned.
    Helen opened her mouth as if to speak, then laughed. “Why are you seeing Father?”
    “I don’t really know yet. Maybe you could tell me. Do you know what your father is up to?”
    “I don’t involve myself in business matters. Besides, I’ve been too busy getting ready to go off to Driscoll University. I leave in a few hours.”
    Driscoll University was reserved for the richest and the most connected, although it advertised itself as a school for the best and brightest. “Great school,” he said.
    “It sounds like a bore to me. I don’t like to be bored.” She moved closer, into his personal space. “What about you?”
    “Ahem.” Aland returned just in time to break things up. “This way, sir,” the servant said.
    “Does he always move so quietly?” Chandler asked.
    “He specializes in sneaking,” Helen said. “It was nice to meet you … whoever you are. Maybe we’ll meet again sometime.”
    “You never know. I might show up at a frat party or something. I’m a champion beer chugger.”
    She smiled, then walked past Chandler and Aland.
    Chandler watched her walk away, enjoying the view.
    “This way, sir,” Aland said.
    Chandler didn’t move. “Wait for it.”
    Just before taking a turn in the corridor, Helen glanced back to see Chandler still grinning at her. She quickly looked away and disappeared from view. But Chandler had seen her blush.
    “Gotcha,” he said. “Quite a fiery young woman.”
    “Yes, sir,” said Aland.
    “Does she always welcome visitors like that?”
    “Mistress Helen is a very good hostess, sir.”
    “I’d say so. Strong and smart or just a rich harpy?”
    “I am afraid I cannot comment, sir.”
    “Of course you can’t.”
    They arrived at a solid oak door, carved with grapevines and fat naked babies with wings. Aland opened it and gestured for Chandler to enter. “Lord Randol waits within, sir.”
    Chandler stepped inside. Aland remained in the hallway and shut