The Paladin Prelude by Patti Larsen

Author:Patti Larsen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Patti Larsen Books

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Chapter Fifteen

I wasn’t the only one to pick up on his reaction, Mellie pouncing like a cat on a mouse before I had the chance to query.

“Sheriff,” she said in an imperious manner that had me eye rolling despite myself, “I understand you’ve deputized a suspect in my murder investigation.” She didn’t look at Fig who shifted her position as though uncomfortable, anger flashing on my friend’s face. Surprisingly, the gnome didn’t argue or interrupt, however, head still high and I wondered at the change and reserve she displayed. Not like her at all.

Atlock joined us, though he avoided me while I watched him carefully. Mellie hadn’t called him out just yet on his reaction to my true identity. Was she going to give me the chance to do that myself after all?

“What I do in my office has nothing to do with you,” he growled back at the rogue. Who glared pointedly until he mumbled, “Guild Master Rogue Savos.”

That seemed to satisfy her for the time being. Which meant she didn’t think Fig did it, either. “You will ensure to run everything you uncover and intend past me from now on,” she said in a voice that cracked like a whip. “Am I clear, Sheriff Atlock?”

Technically, she had no control over what he did internally in his own jurisdiction, only to do with major crimes that the Guild was called in to handle. But if he knew that, he didn’t show it, nodding with resentment.

“I was coming to find you,” he said with that same reluctance, “to tell you there’s a chance we might be able to uncover who committed the crime without further investigation.”

“Oh?” Mellie’s arched eyebrow and haughty attitude weren’t endearing her to anyone, especially not him. “How so, Sheriff?” If she layered any more disbelief into her tone, I wouldn’t blame him if he just tossed his hands and walked.

I have a feeling he thought about it. Likely it was the idea of getting rid of her that got him talking again, because the sooner this was over, the sooner he’d have her out of his hair. “There’s been a rash of thefts lately,” he said. “Pickpocketing, minor break and entering. I had a wizard embed a few recording spells on the street corners. We never uncovered anything and most of them are already past expired. But if we can find one nearby that’s still active…” he shrugged with both hands outstretched.

It was an excellent idea, actually, one that Mellie thought over for far too long in my opinion before nodding to him.

“Very well,” she said, sweeping her robe aside as she gestured for him to lead the way. He did, casting a nervous look at me before hurrying off. So much for finding out what made a man like him fear a Yestervere like me. A query for another time. Mellie went after him without a glance in my direction, Fig on her heels. My friend at least paused a heartbeat to meet my eyes, hers full of indecision, before this new persona she’d taken on won.

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