Paladin Revealed by Jocelyn Fox

Author:Jocelyn Fox [Fox, Jocelyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jocelyn A. Fox
Published: 2019-04-07T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

The warehouse quieted as Luke slept. Without any windows to let in the natural light, Lily found that it was difficult to judge the time of day. It felt like nighttime, even though she knew it was still afternoon. After emerging clad in her typical black shirt and jeans, Andromeda refrained from slamming doors and banging things around, much to Lily’s surprise. She also caught a glimpse of a raw, unguarded expression on Andromeda’s face as the dark-haired woman checked on Luke. If it had been anyone else, Lily would have described what she saw as concern, maybe even love; but it was Andromeda. And when the other woman felt Lily’s gaze, her dark eyes snapped angrily to Lily’s face, a mask of contempt settling over her face again.

“Well, I guess it’s up to us to finish the research,” Santiago sighed, surveying the piles of books. He picked up a page of neat handwriting – Luke’s notes.

“Look, I’m all for research,” Lily said, trying to focus, “but we’re not even sure of our hypothesis.” She rearranged one of the stacks of books, largest on the bottom and smallest on the top, so that it formed a kind of pyramid. “I’ve done a lot of research papers in my day, and you always have to start with a hypothesis of some sort, even if that original hypothesis changes during the actual research process.” She shook her head. “I don’t think we have enough information to even draft a hypothesis.”

“I only understand about half of what you’re saying,” Santiago said. He narrowed his eyes. “To me, that sounded like ‘science science, college-student stuff, science, logic and science.’”

She smiled. “I mean, you’re not entirely wrong.” Shifting in the chair – the one that had caught fire and still smelled like smoke – she thought for a moment. “Okay. What question are we trying to answer? Research is only effective when you have a specific question in mind.”

“We’re trying to figure out what the spriggan could be guarding,” said Santiago.

“Which could be anything, couldn’t it? We have two broad categories – treasure and the access point to some forbidden area.”

“Then let’s go from there,” said Andromeda.

Lily looked over in surprise as Andromeda sauntered over to the chaise and sat down cross-legged.

The hunter arched a dark eyebrow. “What, I can’t contribute to the conversation?” She stretched luxuriantly, cat-like, the muscles of her arms and back visible through her tight black shirt.

“I mean…” Lily paused.

“I like to hit things, but I also have a degree in biomechanical engineering and a graduate certificate in coding.” Andromeda smiled slightly at Lily’s look of shock. “Didn’t take me for the academic type, did you, sweetheart?”

“No,” Lily said finally. It was difficult to imagine surly, sharp-tongued Andromeda in any kind of academic setting.

“Well, I did finish both by the time I was twenty,” said Andromeda. Her face darkened. “Before…all of this.”

It was the most Andromeda had spoken about her past without actively threatening Lily at the same time, so she thought it best to just…let it be.

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