Douglas laughed. It wasn’t a nice sound. “All dressed up?” he asked. “Nice work.”
“That’s my fault,” Kennon said.
“You know the rules,” Douglas said. “I could blast you both.”
“Go ahead,” Kennon said, “but if you do, you’ll never find out what we’re doing up here.”
Douglas hesitated. Kennon’s voice was flat and filled with utter conviction.
“There’s a reason why Copper’s wearing that suit,” Kennon continued, “and you won’t know that either.”
The Burkholtz swiveled around to point at Kennon’s belly. “I’ve had about enough of this. Let’s have it. Tell me what you’re doing here!”
“I’ll do better than that,” Kennon said promptly. “I’ll show you. You’ll be surprised at what we’ve uncovered.” He made his muscles relax, and forced himself to speak naturally. Copper, he noted, was still rigid with terror. The Alexanders—any of them—were everything he had said they were. They were the masters here. And despite Copper’s boast, she was as susceptible to their influence as any other Lani.
“All right,” Douglas said, “show me this thing I’d never be able to find without your help.” He half turned to Copper. “Stay where you are, Lani,” he said. “Don’t move until I come back.”
“Yes, Man Douglas,” Copper replied. Her voice was flat, colorless, and submissive.