Free The Light-Field by Traci Harding Page A

the van behind the wheel and Aurora climbed into the passenger side.
    â€˜He’s not a ghost,’ Aurora insisted, ‘unless you mean the political kind.’
    â€˜What the …’ Zanthie muttered as their minivan was launched out into the stream of traffic and she assumed control of their vehicle from the valet service with the press of a button. ‘Are you going to tell me that he’s secret service next?’
    â€˜Perhaps,’ Aurora uttered, her gaze lost in space again.
    You’re either psychic or insane! Zanthie wanted to say, but considering how adversely Aurora felt about psychic powers, and her mental state today, she bit her tongue and steered.
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    The gunmetal grey Hunzo Borealis Sports Convertible that Zeven was driving was one of only ten of its kind that would ever be assembled. As the hover car silently cut through traffic, being admiredeverywhere it went, Zeven didn’t much care who he’d done out of the privilege of owning one of these, but he sure as hell was never going to give it up.
    Even Mythric looked happy, reclined in his seat and soaking up the sun in the higher altitudes and cooler temperatures of Heavensgate.
    â€˜I say we get out of the government sector to have that drink,’ Zeven suggested.
    â€˜Whatever you say, Ace.’ Mythric grinned. ‘I am just happy to be along for the ride.’
    â€˜And what a ride!’ Zeven gave a howl of delight, and Mythric echoed that emotion.
    â€˜You are one lucky son of a bitch, that’s all I can say.’
    â€˜It’s not luck … just impeccable timing.’ Zeven tugged right on the wheel, shooting quickly across into the next lane to take the off ramp over the security sky bridge, which led off the government island and onto the larger floating island that was Heavensgate proper.
    There was no security to deal with on the way off the government island, but coming back in would be another matter altogether. Doltrice, Anselm’s chief secretary, had supplied Zeven and Mythric with government passes, along with their apartment keys and the key card to this magnificent vehicle.
    Once they’d reached the civilian populous, Zeven drove toward the outer rim of the floating island, as that was where all the bars with the best views were located.
    When Zeven pulled up into a no parking space in front of a club, nobody complained, as they were too busy eyeballing his ride. Zeven offered the bouncers at the door a hundred dollars each to watch the treasure for him, and both large men were more than happy to do so.
    â€˜We’ll watch her for free, if you’ll take us for a ride later,’ the larger of the pair offered.
    â€˜I may well need a designated driver before the day is out,’ Zeven grinned, ‘so you might be in luck.’
    The prospect of driving the car was even more of an incentive, and the pair immediately began ushering the gathering crowd back to a safe distance.
    â€˜You’re great at keeping a low profile.’ Mythric laughed off his concern, as they entered the up-market establishment.
    â€˜ Man you need to chill.’ Zeven shook his head as he took a seat at the bar. The awaiting bartender smiled — no doubt impressed by the car and crowd out front. ‘What’s your poison?’
    â€˜Mescaline,’ Mythric replied without a second thought. Zeven was taken aback — as not only was the drink highly intoxicating but it was a hallucinogenic as well.
    â€˜Now that’s what I’m taking about.’ Zeven thumped his hand down on the bar to take up the challenge. ‘Give me a bottle of your finest and two shot glasses.’
    Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, along the far side of the large club, was an equally large balcony. Zeven and Mythric found a quiet table at the very end and made themselves at home.
    â€˜So tell me, why is Anselm so interested in proving you’re family?’ Mythric asked.
    Zeven