The Academy - Book II Editing For Publication

Chapter Forty Two

 Chapter Forty Two

Valox, Council Office

Ashton McPhee scratched his sun kissed red hair and stared at the screen trying not to look disgusted.  "Lucas I'm telling you that Orchid said she was going to Ah'Taria to visit family two weeks ago.  I haven't seen or heard from her since."  Sighing he looked around at the other four members of the Valoxian council and a pain twisted in his chest.

"Your Grace Lucas, we understand that you have placed a warrant out for her immediate capture."  Phil Chase said tapping an exquisite replica fountain pen on the aluminum table.

Lucas midnight blue eyes flickered angrily toward him, "You have read correctly."  Cocking an eyebrow he asked overly polite, "Do you have a problem with the warrant, second seat Maze?"

Shaking his powder blue head Phil Maze, second seat of the Valox council, gulped loudly.  "Of course not, your grace."  Looking around the table for support he cleared his throat. "It's just that Orchid is a Sinclair."

A curt laugh was heard by all from someone off screen.  Glancing toward it Lucas said frigidly, “She is to no longer be referred to as a Sinclair. She is a traitor and her name has been removed from the family registry."

Ashton paled knowing that if his wife was no longer a Sinclair, he was no longer considered a Sinclair.  Looking down at the table he felt the dislike he had for her bloom into full hatred.  "We should amend the order from capture to wanted dead or alive," he snarled.

Lucas cocked his head at Ashton and nodded, "If that is what you wish."  Sarcastically he added, "She is after all your wife."

Ashton, first chair of the Valox council, stared at the screen, "Our marriage was a political match made by our families nothing more or less.  I would prefer not to be reminded that I was paired with a woman willing to betray her family and the Alliance and move forward with my life."

Lucas nodded and gave him a smile, "Have you met Harmony Lawson?"

Ashton leaned back in his chair and returned his smile, "I have not."

********

Planet Unknown

Bursting into the hotel room black eyes scanned the area, his anger rolled off him in waves. Not seeing his intended victim he let out a bone chilling growl that shook the walls, "Orchid I know you are here."

He could hear water running quietly from the bathroom and quickly made his way over to it. Throwing open the small white door with a maliciously smile he muttered a few word.  He watched the shadowy figure explode into pieces emotionless.  Opening the stall door he admired his handiwork.

Blood and tissue slid down the wall, chucks of her body covered almost every inch of the enclosure. Smiling he chuckled, "You lost your usefulness, Orchid."  

Smiling maliciously he stepped on the emerald green eyeball that was sliding toward drain.  Laughing he stared at the strands of dark blond hair that littered the walls and floor and frowned remembering Orchid's hair was now a dark chocolate color.  

"Fuck," he said realizing too late that he'd killed the wrong person.

Turning towards the interior of the room he heard the door click close and knew that his intended victim was now fleeing.  "Double fuck," he flung the door open not seeing anyone in the hall. Mumbling to himself, he ran down the stairs and quickly scanned the hotel lobby.  "If she can get in touch with the high council many of my plans will be ruined."  Grabbing his silver hair he pulled in frustration.