Page 29 of Bloody Business

“Thankfully, it was summer.We found a spot in a small canyon by a stream.It turned out Dad had been paranoid.He'd stashed a few things just in case.”She paused for a long moment.It was difficult to relive the past.

“The stream had fish, and more importantly, gold.We camped out that summer, and Dad cautiously traded the nuggets, not wanting to be robbed.He had a couple of close calls, but he was healthy and fast in those days.

“We found a new house in another town.Dad slowly built up the family home.In later years, he became less cautious.Losing mom and becoming sick himself changed his priorities.His family realized he had money.”She scowled.Thinking of her uncle made her angry all over again.

“My uncle visited, but my dad made it plain he didn't like him.He went away, but he kept tabs on us.I imagine he was delighted when he knew dad was dying.”She didn't want to talk about those dark days.The memories of her father's long illness still hurt.She decided to skip to the important parts.

“I had already thought of leaving, and the goblin visitor was the last straw.Probably I left it until too late.I might have gotten away if I left earlier.”She felt gloomy just thinking about it.If she'd been more decisive, she could have avoided so much frustration and pain.

“And after all that, you still stopped to help me.That's impressive,” Artur marveled.He looked thoughtful.

She stared at him, confused.It wasn't the reaction she expected.

“Why did you help your enemy?I would have left me to die.”

She shifted uncomfortably.“Blame my father.He believed in mercy.”

“Your father didn't rescue me.”

She frowned.“In a way, he did.You never did anything to me.I felt you deserved a chance.”

“What if I had been horrible?What if I attacked you?”he demanded.

She scowled.“I have the right to defend myself, and I would have.That'swhat I would have done.It wouldn't have been hard to kill you in your condition.”

“Canyou kill someone?”he asked skeptically.

She looked at him in surprise.“Just because I'm merciful, doesn't make me weak.”

He studied her, sizing her up.“I will keep that in mind.”

Don't cover up

Julep thought abouthis response over the next couple of days.She'd expected Artur to be apologetic, to sympathize over her past goblin troubles.He praised her instead.It was very goblin.

She realized that he was never going to apologize for someone else's behavior.Didn't matter if it was his race that was responsible.He wasn't going to apologize for them or for who he was.It was very...practical.No, that wasn't the word.

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