Read Deathstalker War for Free Online

hot and fierce.
    “We’ve always been good friends, haven’t we, John?”
    “Of course we have. We’ve walked a lot of miles together.”
    “I need your help, John.”
    “It’s yours. Anything you want, just say the word.”
    “I need some Blood. Just a drop or two. Do you know where you can get some? Someone . . . discreet?”
    “If that’s what you want.”
    “Yes, John. That’s what I want.”
    Silver pursed his lips. “The Deathstalker doesn’t know about this, does he?”
    “No. And you’re not to tell him. He wouldn’t understand.”
    “I’m not sure I do. I thought you were clear of that shit. I held your hand and sponged your brow and wiped your ass while you sweated the stuff out of your system the last time. I don’t want to have to do that again. It almost killed you, Hazel.”
    “I’m not talking about going back to being a plasma baby again! I’ve got it under control this time. I just need a drop, now and again. You don’t know what I’ve been through, John. You don’t know the pressure I’m under.”
    “I said I’d help you, Hazel. If Blood is what you need, I can get it for you. We all have the right to go to Hell in our own ways. As head of port Security, I have access to all drugs seized from incoming ships. No one will miss a few drops.” He paused. “Are you sure about this, Hazel?”
    “Oh yes. I have to have something in my life I can depend on.”
    Young Jack Random strode unhurriedly through the streets of Mistport, and no one bothered him. There was something in his unyielding stance and cold confidence that persuaded people to keep their distance. That, and the energy gun he wore openly on his hip. Only the real movers and shakers in Mistport had access to energy guns. Random made his way into Merchants Quarter, in search of an old friend. Councillor Donald Royal had been one of Mistport’s greatest heroes in his younger days, and was an influential figure even now, in the autumn of his life.
    Random finally came to a halt before a soot-blackened old building in a part of the Quarter that had definitely known better days. Donald Royal could have afforded to live practically anywhere he chose in the city, but this had always been his home, and he wouldn’t move. Stubborn old man. Random stepped forward and knocked politely on the door. There was a long pause, and then he sensed he was being studied through a spyhole. He smiled charmingly at the door, and kept his hands well away from his weapons. The door swung open to reveal a striking young woman. As far as Random knew, she was a complete stranger, but he kept his smile going anyway. She was tall for a woman, with a tousled head of reddish-brown hair, falling in great curls to her shoulders. Her face was a little too broad to be pretty, but her strong bone structure gave her a harsh, sensual look. She held herself like a fighter, with a cold steady gaze and a mouth that gave away nothing. Her clothing was strictly functional, but well cut, and she carried an energy gun holstered on her hip. Random noted that her hand was resting on her belt next to the gun and cleared his throat politely.
    “Good evening. I’m looking for Donald Royal. I understood he was still living here.”
    “He’s here, but I don’t know if he wants to be bothered right now. I’m his partner. I don’t let people bother him without a good reason.”
    “I’m Jack Random. I’ve come to talk to him about planning the new rebellion against the Empire.”
    The woman smiled suddenly, and her eyes warmed. “That’s . . . a good reason. I’m Madelaine Skye. Come on in. Pardon my caution, but we don’t get many legends around here.”
    She stepped back, and Random bowed politely before moving past her into a narrow, gloomy hall. He hung up his coat and his sword belt without having to be asked and allowed Skye to lead him down the hall and into a cosy sitting room. Oil lamps provided the only light, suffusing the room with a soft