Dark Matters_ Cloak and Dagger (Book 1) - Christie Golden [17]
How cruel that Telek R'Mor was.
Neelix's spotted hand reached out and closed on a knife. He was proud of the tools of his trade. All his knives were replicas of the finest chef's knives of the known galaxy. Part of his evening ritual, before he closed the mess for the night, was to carefully clean and sharpen each blade. They would be ready for him in the morning, ready to slice fruits and vegetables for juicing so that the crew would feast on only the finest, freshest foods.
This particular knife had a ten-centimeter blade.
He had sliced only a few fruits with it that morning. The Romulan had taken up all his time. Carefully, Neelix tested it with his thumb. Plenty sharp to do the next task.
Moving quickly and purposefully, Neelix slipped from behind the counter and strode out of the mess hall.
Telek hadn't gone far, Contrary to what he had told Naomi, he seemed in no hurry to meet with anyone. He'd lied to her, then. He walked slowly down the corridor, head bowed, hands clasped behind his back. He seemed unaware of Neelix, who moved quickly and quietly to close the distance between them.
He belittled Alixia's murder. He hurt Naomi. He's a Romulan, a traitor to his people, a traitor from a race of traitors-
He lifted the knife.
Neelix knew he hadn't made a sound, but something alerted the Romulan. Some unnatural sixth sense, perhaps. Telek's head jerked upward and he whirled around, bringing his hand up to close hard on Neelix's wrist
Neelix grunted. He was stronger than he looked, and he was fueled by a hatred that seemed to have no beginning and no end. He managed to keep his grip on the knife despite the crushing pressure that Telek's long fingers exerted.
Just a little lower-his chest is unprotected-finally put an end to him-
Neelix heard running footsteps and the warbling
chirp of a combadge being activated. "This is Naomi Wildman," came a high voice treble with fear. "Please, somebody, stop him, he's trying to hurt Mr. R'Mor!"
Startled, Neelix turned around, and in that instant Telek overcame him. Strong fingers closed around his throat and began to tighten. The knife fell from Neelix's hand as he instinctively tried to pry the throttling fingers away from his neck. The carpeted floor of the corridor rushed up to meet him and he knew no more.
"Are you absolutely certain it was Neelix?" Janeway couldn't believe what she was hearing and repeated the question for the second or third time.
"Yes," said Telek. He, Janeway, and Tuvok stood at the foot of the Talaxian's bed in sickbay. The Doctor moved quickly and efficiently. "Naomi can stand witness for me."
Janeway glanced at the girl, presently seated on another bed. The child clung to her mother. She was trying very hard not to cry, but clearly she was quite upset.
Yielding to impulse, Janeway went to the Wild-mans. "Samantha, I'm sure there's an explanation for all this," she said gently.
The blonde ensign favored her with a quick, angry glance. "He's her godfather. And look what he's done to her! My poor baby..."
Janeway frowned. Samantha Wildman and Neelix were very close. It wasn't like the ensign to assume that the blame was entirely Neelix's. After all, there
was a stranger on board. Turning back to that stranger, Janeway planted her hands on her hips.
"Naomi has confirmed that the two of you were fighting in the hallway, and that Neelix had a knife. She also confirmed that you left the mess hall first and he followed. But I know my crewman, Dr. R'Mor. Of everyone on the ship, with the exception of little Naomi herself, Neelix is the last person I'd expect to initiate an attack on a stranger."
Telek's expression revealed nothing. "Perhaps he has cause to hate my people."
"He's a Delta Quadrant native, dammit! He's never even heard of the Romulans before!