Spark of Intrigue: Unexpected Heroes, Book 4 by Marty C. Lee

Author:Marty C. Lee [Lee, Marty C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781950230143
Publisher: Bookaholics Press LLC

17 MURDER

(SARDAD; DAY 20)

Where there is life, there is hope.

Is­krin Proverb

* * *

Zef­ra glanced at the sun. Midday already, and she had nothing to show for wandering the city for hours. At least Nia was waiting safely in the desert after nearly getting caught visiting Ah­jin yesterday. As soon as Zef­ra found a way for her to visit safely, she would go back for her. This morning, Zef­ra had searched for her spies, but the only word was a simple “nothing yet” wrapped around a stick the dogs dropped for a pretend game of toss-and-chase.

While she ate meat and vegetables off a roasting stick, she listened to gossip in the crowded market. The downfall of His Holiness was a popular topic, and speculation overflowed.

Zef­ra glanced at the notices on the wall reserved for public news, grinning at a few possible jobs she no longer needed, then jolted to a stop at Nia’s picture, which declared her wanted for questioning about the murders. Once she broke the news to Nia that she could not risk visiting Ah­jin, Zef­ra would have to put a day and night guard on her to make her obey. She grimaced. She did not look forward to the protests, but protecting her would be worth the hassle.

Hands clenched on her sword belt and staff, Zef­ra slipped away, heading for the dunes. Before she reached the city limits, she ran into Tar­akh, who linked his arm through hers and swept her in a different direction with extravagant compliments and ridiculous endearments.

Zef­ra glared at the familiarity. She started to pull away, but stopped when he squeezed her hand more urgently than affectionately. He was up to something. With a glance at the people around them, she relaxed and forced a smile.

“And guess what, darling?” Tar­akh continued. “I ran into an old friend of yours today. He wanted me to pass greetings from himself and mutual friends.”

Tar­akh raised an eyebrow, and Zef­ra nodded. Now she understood. He was wise not to speak openly when anyone in the crowded streets could be a spy for the enemy. She forced a smile and tried to look enamored. Judging by the crinkles around his dark bronze eyes, she was not entirely successful, but he proceeded with his report in carefully worded nonsense.

He had actually found Daz and gotten news of all their spies, who had all found people to spy on and a place to stay. “And he has the cutest new kitties,” Tar­akh said, “who bask in the sunlight.” He tipped his head toward the temple of Res­ef.

Zef­ra turned a relieved sigh into a flirtatious one. The Cats had a dangerous assignment, right under the noses of Res­ef’s priests. “Tomorrow, will you take me to see the kitties?” She tried to sound breathlessly excited, like Nia on a ridiculously enthusiastic day—almost any day.

Tar­akh laughed and patted Zef­ra’s hand. “Anything to make you happy, dear.”

“Did you find a way to visit friends?” Zef­ra tipped her head subtly toward the jail.

“I’m afraid not.”

Zef­ra glanced toward the desert.

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