Page 41 of Bloody Business

She dropped the charcoal and frowned in annoyance when she discovered the stick had snapped.Good thing she had more.She reached into her satchel and her hand discovered an unfamiliar book.

Surprised, she drew it out.It was a brand new sketchbook.Clean white pages were sandwiched in between pasteboard covers.She had never seen such nice paper.Where did it come from?

She frowned.Someone must have slipped it into her bag, but there was no one next to her.

Was it a gift?It had to be.It wasn't the kind of thing that would end up in her bag.She couldn't see anyone playing a joke.But who would do such a thing?She had only been in the city a little while and she didn't have any friends.

??

He watched her look around.She looked so surprised, and a little worried.The worry eased as time went by and no one accused her of theft.She looked at the book in wonder, and then tucked it away and hurried off.

He smiled.He'd been waiting for a while to slip the book in her bag while she was distracted.She was a good artist.She would make good use of the fine paper.

The professional artist wrapped up his work for the day.The show was over, so the young man turned his wheelchair and moved away, his bodyguard trailing behind.

??

Friends

Julep discreetly sniffedat Zac’s wake.

He whipped around and gave her an outraged stare.“I washed!”

“Yes, you did.I appreciate it...especially since we have company coming over.”After all, he was a teenager and his washing wasn't a foregone conclusion.She had some delicate words with Artur to address the unpleasant smells.She didn't want to just barge in and assert authority, but sharing meals with Zac in all of his unwashed glory was difficult.

Artur took care of it.His private conversation with Zac bore fruit and greatly reduced household stench, but Zac bore a slight grudge.Like many young males, he felt soap and water was a waste of time.

Slightly modified, Zac glowered at her.“It's no one important.Just a couple of friends.You can stop worrying.”

Julep fidgeted.“But it's the first time you’ve brought friends over!I can't help being a little nervous.”She wanted to be a good hostess.

He shook his head, clearly thinking she was overreacting.“If a couple of school kids can make you nervous, how are you going to handle a house party?”

“We're not hosting a party.We're going to a formal party at someone else's house, which means I won't be in charge.”She was looking forward to the dinner Artur was taking her to next week.They've been practicing dancing in the evenings, and she'd thoroughly enjoyed herself.There would be dinner and dancing and In'shi would be there.She wasn't sure where they would be going, exactly.Artur was being mysterious about that, which was part of the fun.

Zac frowned at her.“You need to get out more.”

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