Page 29 of Arresting the Warlord

“It was my pleasure.” Xan disappeared into a small workroom.

Jake secured the bracelet on my left wrist. “It’s a comm-link and has multi-functional scanners you’ll need to investigate crime scenes.”

“With our budget, it’s hard to get goodies like this.”

“That won’t be a problem any longer.” Jake slid into my mind. “Open yourself to me. I need to share my knowledge with you.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Trust doesn’t come easily to you, does it?”

“I’m a cop and someone has been trying to kill me since I was four. What do you think?”

“I’m your partner. I’ll never hurt you and I’ll always have your back. Now, do you want to be able to work all the cool, new Coletti technology I’m giving you or not?”

I really did, but Coletti warriors were sneaky bastards.“Is this going to strengthen our bond?”

Exasperation filled Jake’s mental voice, “Our minds are already permanently linked. This will simply give you the knowledge you need to function as a Coletti investigator.”

“What does this knowledge download include?”

“How to use your warrior’s bracelet, battle suit and an assortment of Coletti weapons. I’ll even throw in how to fly a shuttle.”

Somehow Jake knew I was a pilot and that I’d always wanted to fly a shuttle. But he was right. If I was going to keep my people safe, I needed to join the 21stcentury.“Deal.”The minute I opened my mind, Jake’s power flooded into me. Whoa what a rush. A kaleidoscope of images and memories suddenly spun through my head. Just when I thought my head would explode into a million pieces, everything abruptly clicked into place. Damn! I even knew how to sword fight.

“Memory transfer is complete,” Jake announced.

“I’ll say.” I cocked my head. “Kaylee’s birthday is next week. Have you gotten her a gift?”

“I have. Chips, salsa, chocolate and her favorite perfume.”

“That’ll work.”

Jake smiled and ghostly fingers stroked my body, sending pleasure cascading through me.

Instead of smacking him, I reveled in the sensations for a moment. I hadn’t realized how much I needed a man’s touch, but Jake did, and he was deliberately seducing me. I reigned in my raging hormones. Two could play at this game. Once Jake understood the Navajo people and our customs, he’d see things differently. “Shaman training takes years and if I can share my knowledge with you, it’ll simplify things.” Saccharine sweetness coated my words.

Jake eyed me suspiciously. “After we’ve processed the crime scene, we’ll do that. Now, try out your new armor.

I examined my bracelet and double tapped the armor icon. Snikt. Schlik.Schlik. Schlik. Schlik. Schlik.Dang it formed over my clothes and within seconds black armor covered me from head to toe. I took a couple of experimental steps. The armor fit perfectly and was effortless to move in. The heads-up display was awesome. The battle computer provided an easy flow of visual data and tactical information. “I love it.”

“It repels bullets, laser blasts and is space worthy too,” Jake said.

“Good. Getting shot sucks.”

“Get your butts to the shuttle,”General Jones ordered.

“Yes, sir.”Jake teleported us.

We appeared in the shuttle. I took one look at the command console and shazam! I knew how everything worked. “Can I drive?”

The General’s eyebrows shot up. “Drive?”

“Fly the shuttle.” I retracted my helmet. “Jake showed me how.”

“Did he now?”

“Mind meld.” Jake quickly guided me to a seat behind the pilot’s chair. “In a couple of days, I’ll take you out for a test flight.” He fastened my battle harness. “Okay?”

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