Star Wars_ Coruscant Nights II Streets of Shadows - Michael Reaves [42]
Dejah paused, setting her jaw momentarily, and Jax was surprised to see that she was overcoming the urge to cry. He had heard that, overall, the defining characteristic of the Zeltron species was that of hedonism. That they tended to be industrious and productive only with an eye toward that end, and were unwilling or unable to deal with negative emotions. Dejah, in contrast, seemed to be made of somewhat sterner stuff.
She continued. “So you see that we were rather isolated. Save for Baron Umber, whom we saw quite frequently.”
Jax, Dejah, and I-Five were sitting in the bleachers of a local recreational park, watching a game of shock-ball being played between two young groups—mostly Rodians versus Haserians. The crowd was following the sport enthusiastically, providing plenty of ambient noise as cover for their conversation.
I-Five pondered briefly. “The identifier Baron Umber is unfamiliar to me. The title naturally indicates a person of importance. Perhaps you could elaborate?”
“I’m sorry,” she replied. “I assumed most people around here were familiar with the name. He’s a Vindalian. I understand that not too much is known about them. We heard that they’re rather secretive. One thing that is known is that they tend to be great art fanciers. Certainly the Baron was no exception. He bought a great many of Ves’s best light sculptures.” She blinked in sudden realization. “I don’t know if he’s been made aware yet. Keeping to themselves, Vindalians pay less attention to what’s called the ‘common’ news than do many species. If he doesn’t know, this is going to hit him quite hard.”
“I’m sure the sector police have notified him,” Jax pointed out.
Her lips compressed into a thin scarlet line. “That’s right, of course.” Her tone was bitter. “No doubt they delivered the information with all their customary tact.”
“My impression is that Pol Haus is a pretty good cool,” Jax told her. “Which is one way of saying that you can trust him as long as you don’t cross him. But like anyone in his position he’s not immune to either politics or pressure. He won’t let anyone or anything jeopardize his job. My take is that he’s only investigating Volette’s death because your partner was a minor celebrity. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s pressure on him already to wrap it up fast, stick any results in a tube, and bury it. He’ll take any solution that seems reasonable and that answers most of the questions. I’m sure that his higher-ups don’t want a big deal made out of a Caamasi case. Not when Palpatine took the political risk of having Caamas destroyed. If indeed he was ultimately responsible.”
Dejah looked grim. “So you would advise me to leave sleeping akks lie?”
“It would seem the safest course, if we’re to get you offworld,” I-Five said.
Turning away from them, she watched the game for a few minutes. One of the Rodians scored, and the crowd went wild. Finally she said, with more assurance than she had exhibited in some time, “No. Ves wouldn’t abjure justice for me if the situation were reversed. I can’t leave this place until I’m convinced that everything possible has been done to find his murderer.”
Jax took a deep breath. “Well, I admire your determination, if not the decision.” He looked at I-Five. “Next move: I suggest we find this Baron Umber and have a chat with him.” He smiled thinly. “We can talk about art.”
“His conapt is located at Seventeen Gallifrey Lane, Sector One-Oh-One-Seven in Manarai Hills,” I-Five replied immediately.
Dejah looked surprised. “That’s his private address. It’s unlisted. How did you …?”
The droid tapped the side of his head with a metal finger. “Connections.”
eleven
The Manarai Hills district was one of the posher neighborhoods on Imperial Center, which was saying something. An eclectic combination of architectural styles, the luxury conapts that made up the majority of its domiciles had been designed by the renowned