The Quadrail Series Books 1–3 by Timothy Zahn

Author:Timothy Zahn [Zahn Timothy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
Published: 2017-10-07T00:00:00+00:00

FIFTEEN

The sirens were still approaching when Fayr turned off the sidewalk onto a garden path leading to the back door of a modest house on a block full of similar residences. He opened the door and slipped inside, leading us through darkened hallways to a windowless room in the center of the house. “I had this place prepared in my mind in case the Modhri should locate me at the hotel,” he explained as he turned on a small flashlight and set it in the corner to shine against the ceiling. “The family is on vacation and not expected to return for five more days.”

I looked around. The place was decked out like a cross between a conversation room and a traditional Japanese garden. There were a couple of couches and a recliner chair in the center, accessible via curved flagstone paths winding their ways from each of the two doors. One of the couches had a shimmery gray cloth, window curtain–sized, draped casually over one end. The rest of the room’s floor space was filled with potted plants of various types and sizes, with concealed fixtures in their bases that probably provided a muted, understated light. “Interesting place,” I commented.

“It’s a contemplation room,” Fayr said, crossing to the other door. He opened it, peered briefly out, then closed it again. “The design is Filiaelian in origin, though the Tra’ho’seej have adapted it to their own cultural personalities.”

“They must spend hours just keeping the plants watered,” I commented, looking around.

“I believe that’s one part of the contemplation aspect,” Fayr said, returning to the recliner and sitting down. “That, plus the maintenance and the observation of the plants in general. Are either of you hungry?”

“I never pass up a chance to eat,” I told him. I reached for Bayta’s arm, but this time she was having none of it. Evading my grasp, she took a step away from me.

Fine. Whatever. “What have you got?” I asked Fayr as I headed alone along the flagstones toward the center, leaving Bayta to follow on her own.

“The pack is under there,” he said, pointing to the couch without the gray drape. “Take whatever you wish.”

“Thanks.” I sat down at one end of the couch and pulled a thin shoulder bag from beneath it. “Bayta?” I offered.

“No, thank you,” she said, coming up behind me and seating herself at the other end. “We’re grateful for the rescue, Korak Fayr.”

“No fears,” he said grimly as he inclined his head to her. “I’m always looking for ways to strike against the Modhri.”

“I’m glad we have such an ally,” she said. “But I wonder if we should perhaps move a little farther from the hotel.”

“We aren’t going anywhere until the police finish poking around out there,” I pointed out. “Especially not with a double homicide to keep them busy.”

“Yes; the killings,” she said, her eyes still on Fayr, a little color rising into her cheeks. “I wonder if that was wise.”

I glanced at Fayr, noting the hard set to his chipmunk face.

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