Page 63 of The Warrior Priest
He cleaned his hands in the water then dried them on a second cloth before scooping out a dollop of the herbal salve from a pot. It smelled familiar. “This will be gentler than the cleaning, and once it has soaked in, it will numb the pain.”
I watched as he applied it. The creamy mixture tingled a little but was blessedly cool against my burning skin. “Does Mistress Blundle make it?”
“She does, but don’t tell anyone or she’ll get into trouble.”
“Why would she get into trouble? Women can be apothecaries.”
“But not give medical advice. She’s better than most doctors in this city.” He wiped his finger on the cloth and set the pot on the table. “How did you know the salve came from her?”
“I smell herbs whenever I pass her door. I’m surprised the authorities haven’t realized yet. The smell isn’t subtle.”
He picked up the bandage and indicated I should sit forward. He leaned closer to reach behind me and begin wrapping the bandage around my middle, but suddenly sat back. “You can do this on your own.” He dropped the bandage on my lap then retreated to the window. He perched on the ledge and looked out over the city.
It would have been easier if he helped me, but I understood why he couldn’t. I managed on my own. “How did you know I was in trouble?”
He scratched his beard. “I didn’t. I was coming to see you to apologize. I couldn’t sleep last night after we talked. I didn’t want to leave things that way between us. I felt…” He crossed his arms and shook his head at the sky. “I always take that street to the Cat and Mouse.”
“So do I.” I lowered my bloodied, tattered shirt over the bandage. “You can turn around now.”
He hesitated a moment before looking at me. “How did the governor know you were staying at the Cat?”
“I don’t think he did.”
“He must have, otherwise why know to position his guards there and lie in wait for you?”
“They followed me.” At his arched brows, I steeled myself for the lecture I knew he’d give after learning the truth. “I snuck into his office this morning with the cleaners to look for my pendant. I presume I was spotted and his men followed me. They saved their encounter for the quietest street where they were least likely to be disturbed.”
His lecture never came, but his frown deepened. “Four men followed you without your knowledge?” He shook his head. “Unlikely. What about Giselle?”
“You thinkshetold him?”
“No, but she may have been followed if the governor knew you worked for her.”
“He doesn’t know. Nor does anyone else.”
“Where is the ill friend she’s been calling on?”
“I don’t know,” I muttered, my thoughts heading in a different direction. “I took a book from his office. It’s one I’ve seen before, and I think it might be important.”
“Important how?”
“I’m not sure. I wanted to read it but dropped it during the fight.” I stood and was pleased that my side didn’t hurt. That salve was a marvel. “I have to retrieve it.”
He stood, too. “You’re not going back to the Cat and Mouse, Jac. It’s not safe. I’ll get the book and bring it to you.”
“I don’t think I should stay here.”
“I won’t come in. I’ll leave the book at the door and knock once.”
“It’s not that. I can’t hide forever, Rhys.”
“I understand, but just for now, while you heal.”
“Very well. But youcanvisit me. We can talk.”
He gathered the bowl of water, cloths and pot of salve. “I think it’s best if I don’t. I’ve said what I wanted to say, and that’s the end of it.” He didn’t look at me as he spoke, but at a spot beyond my right shoulder.
“So…we can’t be friends again?”
