A Taste of Evil by N.L. Holmes

Author:N.L. Holmes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: WayBack Press
Published: 2025-10-30T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

Rather than setting off directly for the dispensary, Neferet decided to take Pentju’s puppy to his home. She knew he wouldn’t be there in the middle of the working day, but she wanted to see Lady Djefat-nebty. Neferet was a little uneasy about Pentju’s reaction to a very large dog, since he hadn’t been the one who’d expressed an interest in Brute-like puppies. She didn’t want to admit it, even to herself, but the formidable husband of their former teacher intimidated her a tiny bit. Better that his wife should introduce him to the new canine.

“Maybe we can talk to the kitchen staff again while we’re there,” said Bener-ib as they walked.

The puppy shambled along at Brute’s side on a leash, stopping to lift a leg against a wall here or there and chasing floppily after passing cats until the strap brought him up short. Brute nudged him back into line with a firm movement of the muzzle.

“Excellent idea, although we probably already know who the killer was. His henchmen didn’t scruple to try to kill us, too, you’ll notice.” Neferet drew the puppy back sternly from his latest sortie. “Unless Papa can stop him, he and his murderous secretaries will escape us, though.” After a pensive moment, she added, “I wonder what their names are. We could put a stopping curse on them.”

“Tunip-tesshub and Muttiwaza,” said Bener-ib.

Neferet and Mut-tuy stared at her in awe. “How did you know that?” they cried simultaneously.

“You told me, Nef’et. It was at your house, the second time we met Sutarna. Your father said—”

“But that’s been ages! You’re a phenomenon, my girl!” Neferet said. A person might easily write the timid, soft-spoken little Bener-ib off as nobody, yet that person would be wrong. She was a better investigator than a hundred medjay and their baboons. “Let’s find some neighborhood witch and see if we can’t slow them down.”

They had arrived at the impressive gate of the vizier. They decided to bring Brute in with them, to remind Lady Djefat-nebty about the size of animal she had to look forward to in the big-footed puppy. The lady of the house was on the verge of going out, but she met with them in the vestibule.

Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the dogs. “What’s this, ladies? Have you started a veterinary branch of your dispensary?”

“This puppy is for Lord Pentju. You said he wanted a dog like Brute, and this is one of Brute’s little brothers,” Neferet said enthusiastically. “He isn’t trained much yet, but Papa has a servant who can do it if you want him to.”

Djefat-nebty crouched at the pup’s side and caressed his velvety fur. “Oh, I don’t think that will be necessary, Neferet. My son has a way with animals. I’m sure he’d love to take on this fellow.” She stood up, and her severe face cracked in a smile. “This is very generous of you—he’s a valuable gift. Thank you all. Thank Ptah-mes too.”

“I know you’re leaving, but is there any chance we could talk to your kitchen staff again?”

“Of course.

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