The Only Witness

13

The sky outside the warehouse had darkened to a milky gray. Qui-Gon peered around the portal screens that masked the people inside from the streets below. It was getting late and the alleys were deserted.

“Meeting with Zanita is an unnecessary risk,” Qui-Gon stated as he left the portal and paced the floor. He suddenly felt that leaving the planet as soon as possible was the best course of action. “We have the clues from Rutin, and should work with that. We do not need to place you or your mother-in-law in further danger.”

“She’s taking a risk because I asked her to,” Lena argued. “I can’t just let her wait in vain.”

With a frown, Qui-Gon looked at the message on the datapad again.

“I never should have gotten Zanita involved,” Lena lamented. “But it is too late to change that now. If I can go alone, I can talk to her and convince her that I’ve changed my mind. I’ll tell her I’m scared and have decided to leave the planet. Then we will all be safer.”

Qui-Gon had to admit that it was not a bad plan. It would buy them some time and could even help them get off planet easier. He nodded his assent.

“But we won’t let you go alone,” Obi-Wan said. Mica looked relieved to hear this.

“Of course not,” Qui-Gon echoed. “It is not safe.”

“It is the only way I can convince Zanita,” Lena argued. “She saw you at the estate. Surely she knows you are here representing the Galactic Republic. I will not be able to convince her I’ve changed my mind if she sees I am accompanied by Jedi!”

“We are here for your protection,” Qui-Gon said firmly. And to make sure you are what you say you are. Learning that Lena had returned to her apartment when she was alone had once again aroused Qui-Gon’s suspicions.

She could have done any number of things while she was there. Though he accepted the sincerity of her grief, he would not lose sight of the fact that there could be pressures on her that he knew nothing about.

“I’m afraid you’re stuck with us until we all arrive safely back on Coruscant.” Obi-Wan smiled. “We will remain hidden, but we will not allow you to go alone.”

Lena returned Obi-Wan’s smile. “All right,” she said. “We’d better hurry so we are first to arrive. It’s not very far.”

“Be careful,” Mica said, embracing her cousin. “I’ll be here if you need me. I’ll always be here if you need me.”

Lena touched her cousin’s cheek. “I’ll be right back!” she promised.

Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Lena left the warehouse and made their way through the dark streets, lit only by the occasional light of the planet’s two moons. Now that daylight had faded, Frego seemed a less inviting place.

It was as though the darkness brought out the lies and deceit that pervaded the planet.

As the three neared the station, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan fell back into the shadows. Lena insisted on walking boldly in the middle of the street, under the glowing lights.

“She should be more careful,” Obi-Wan muttered.

“No, Padawan,” Qui-Gon said. “She should not appear as if she has anything to hide. Besides, her presence will help to diminish ours.”

Dock 12 was eerily silent. Low buildings rimmed a giant landing pad where huge transport ships were loaded with goods. The edges of the pad were almost completely dark.

Obi-Wan motioned to his Master and both Jedi leaped noiselessly onto a low rooftop. After making his way to the edge, Qui-Gon lay down next to Obi-Wan and the two watched Lena walk slowly into the orange square of light in the center of the landing pad. From their perch the Jedi could see everything, and they could be at Lena’s side in a moment.

Although Lena’s was the only shape Qui-Gon could make out in the darkness, he sensed they were not alone. He had felt another presence almost from the moment they had left the hideout, but now the feeling was stronger, more threatening.

From the opposite side of the pad, Zanita stepped into view. Lena moved with both arms out to greet her mother-in-law.

But Zanita did not raise her arms or offer any greeting. After taking one more lurching step forward, the reason became clear.

Zanita’s mouth was covered with a gag, and behind her, holding her bound arms firmly pressed against her back, was her oldest son, Solan Cobral.