Elite mercenary Connor Rattakul can't escape his past.

After choosing the wrong side in a war against the Directorate, he becomes a fugitive, hiding in the ranks of the thousands of mercenaries always desperate for the next job. But a series of mishaps force his team deep into the Talon Sector, where the Directorate holds power. Only his former girlfriend's intervention can save him.

With Directorate assassins on his trail, Connor is forced to take on a job that his team might not survive from a client his boss says can't be trusted.

But that boss seems ready to crack, and the client is hiding deadly secrets from the mercenaries. Will Connor be able to lead his teammates through the dark world he's led  them to, or will they all die in the alien gloom?

Ill Fortune

The winch line whispered in the dark, echoing off walls that sounded far away. Connor clung to the line with one hand and held Elise tight against him with his other.


“Not long now.” He nodded downward. “See the lights below?”


She groaned. “I’ve always heard not to look down when you’re climbing.”


“You’re not climbing. Anyway, I’ve got you.”


The archaeologist shuddered in his grip. It was almost cool in the night, but she was damp with sweat, and carried the woodsy smells—like rotten fungus.


That was pleasant compared to the sulfuric reek floating up at them.


Overhead, the winch motor whined, and below, the lights on the crates turned from distant stars to bright circles and now into distinct bulb covers.


Connor swung his torso gently, grabbing Elise tighter when she gasped. “It’s all right.”


They swayed, and a meter up, he released the clasp, dropping to the stone floor with her.


Chapter 114