Free Dealers of Light by Lara Nance Page B

the two men before him, standing with their gazes directed at the rich carpet of his study. Carlton waited at his side, arms crossed over his chest, a frown marring his boyish features.
    Fury, barely contained , flamed in Desmond’s gut. “I believe my orders were to place the body somewhere it would not be found for a while.”
    One of the men raised his head an inch . “We’d been watching the store and no one had been in it in months. It was a freak coincidence. I swear, Master.”
    “At least he was dead when they found him,” Carlton said.
    “True,” Desmond said. “But I want to be sure next time there is no chance of the body being found for at least a month. No more slip ups. The police are not fools and neither are the doctors in the ER. Am I clear?”
    “Yes, Master,” the two men said in unison.
    He stalked toward them, slow, even steps like a lion approaching his prey. Inhaling the sweet scent of fear sent a jolt of desire coursing through him. Ah, how he loved to inflict pain. He thrilled to their quaking, the beads of sweat forming on their foreheads, their white-rimmed eyes wide with horror.
    One man step ped back, but Carlton grabbed his arm and dragged him forward. Desmond licked his lips and jabbed his spread fingertips against the center of their chests. Both gasped and one whimpered. The delectable Light sparked hot and heavy with the contact until the men flinched and groaned. Glorious terror-soaked Light poured like molten gold through Desmond’s fingertips. Hot tingling pleasure spread up his arms and flushed into his chest, the sensations so intense his head snapped back at the impact. 
    Euphoria pulsed in every inch of his body. How easy it would be to drain it all and luxuriate in the excess of pleasure. But he was the master and able to control his desire, unlike these young ones. He still needed these worthless wretches to complete his plan. With only a flicker of regret, he cut off the flow and dropped his arms to his sides. He sucked in a breath and made an abrupt gesture of dismissal. The men staggered from the room, groping the walls to stay vertical on weakened legs.
    Desmond pointed at Carlton. “Lock them in a room to suffer until tomorrow so they don’t do anything else stupid. Then you may take them a snack to regain their Light.”
    Carlton bowed and grabbed the two men by their arms, jerking them from the study.
    Desmond hoped his demonstration of power was enough punishment to keep them from making mistakes in the future and a reminder he was capable of killing them at any time he chose. He rubbed his fingers, relishing the last smolder of tainted Light.
    Carlton returned after a few minutes holding a slip of paper. “I have a message from Richmond.”
    Desmond studied his right-hand man for any sign of weakness or doubt, then walked to the window of his second story study and gazed on the quiet, tree-lined street below. Soon, he would control this city, and many more besides. Delicious energy there for the taking, any time he wished, and millions of people to do his bidding. But it would only happen if he controlled his men, and Carlton was integral to holding them together.
    “They await only your message. They have people prepared to place in the government, military, and police.”
    The time was not yet ripe for activating the Net. It had to occur when the cosmic energy aligned perfectly with the waning of the moon. Also, for the moment, the only person he completely trusted in this city was Carlton. He needed assurance the others here had become totally addicted and obedient. “Send them word the time is coming soon. They must be patient. How many converted Dealers do they have now?”
    “Five.”
    “With the four older Takers, it puts their ayllus at nine. It will be sufficient for the power we need. The other cities stand ready?”
    “Yes, ready and waiting for a signal.”
    Desmond turned from the window to face Carlton. He strode toward him until they stood