Page 7 of Bloody Business

Definitely scared.Time to be smooth.“I didn't mean to alarm you.I'm trying to find a way to show my appreciation.”

It took a moment for her to answer.Grudgingly, she said, “It was the right thing to do.”

He wondered if her parents had taught her that.Funny, his parents had taught him the exact opposite.Mercy wasn't something goblins valued.“Why haven't you left?”

There was a crack of lightning followed by thunder.Rain began to hammer the roof.“It's raining,” she said dryly.

He laughed softly.It hadn't been raining this morning.She'd stayed for him.

Before he could say more there was a loud knock on the door...and then it burst open.

A lean, fit goblin rushed in as if he were interrupting murder.He saw Julep and dismissed her, and then he spied Artur.

Found

“Boss?I found you!”

Artur had never been more relieved to hear Rooster's voice.He'd known someone would come looking for him, but not how long it would take.It was good to have one of his own here.

“Don't worry, we brought our own doctor.We got the message you sent.”

“Message?”Julep echoed.She sounded mystified.

“I had the stable boy send it,” Artur explained.“Make sure you pay him well for his time,” he ordered Rooster.

“Already did, Boss,” Rooster assured him.

Artur smiled.It was great to have competent people on his payroll.

Far from reassured, Julep stayed by the window, avoiding the new goblin.She found Artur's competency alarming.He’d been half dead and still found a way to send a secret message.

He didn't trust her, and that scared her.Maybe because, when he was weak and dependent on her, he was less frightening.

More goblins crowded into the room.She backed up as far as she could, anxious.Fortunately, they ignored her.

It was one thing to tell herself not to worry because Artur was far too hurt to harm her.It was another to see him commanding people.It stripped away the illusion of safety.

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