Page 68 of The Study of Poisons
* * *
A weekafter asking Yelena to spy, Margg had a morning meeting with Star. Not quite trusting the housekeeper, Valek followed her through the streets of Castletown. It had been a difficult few days. The Commander had demanded an explanation about Yelena and insisted Valek catch her in the act of treason as soon as possible.
Margg headed straight to Star’s building and was admitted. Valek looped around back and entered the house to the left. Star only posted a watcher in the alley at night. The person was easy to bypass, as they tended to sleep slouched in the doorway to her residence.
The narrow home had been abandoned a few years ago. The previous occupants had left nothing behind. Valek climbed to the third level where Inrick sat against a wall, jotting down notes. On the other side of that wall was Star’s study. He nodded at Valek but didn’t say anything because voices could be clearly heard on both sides of the wall through the holes.
Valek sat next to Inrick and listened.
“…were right. She agreed to sell information,” Margg said.
“Of course, I was right,” a female voice with a slight nasal tang said. “I’ve had the last four food tasters on my payroll.”
Four? No. Only the last two. The woman was lying to make herself seem more accomplished.
“Did she tell you anything of value?” Star asked.
“No. She wants to meet with you.” Margg’s tone was heavy with disgust. “The little rat doesn’t trust me.”
“Smart. In this business, trusting is a weakness.”
Valek agreed with that sentiment. Yet, it didn’t quite work in real life. Youhadto trust some people, or you couldn’t call it living. He trusted the Commander and his agents. And, yes, it was difficult to rely on them, especially when an agent turned out to be untrustworthy. In that case, all he could do was damage control, move on, and hope he learned a new way to detect those who might turn on him in the future.
“You trust me,” Margg said.
“For now. Your information has been accurate. Although, I would have liked some warning about the black market raid. My clients count on me to warn them.”
Star earned the bulk of her money from selling intelligence and she had quite the network of informers. Nice to know none of his agents tipped her off about the smash and grab.
Margg huffed. “I wasn’t privy to that information.”
“Do you think the little rat would have known?”
“I’ve no idea, but she has access to Valek’s suite—”
“She’s still living there? Even though Brazell is gone?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
“Do you have anything new for me?” Star asked, sounding annoyed.
“Valek’s been in a foul mood since he argued with the Commander. I don’t know what that’s about.”
“Maybe one of his missions isn’t going well. Perhaps the food taster will know.”
“Maybe. When do you want to meet her?” Margg asked.
“Tomorrow night.”
* * *
After followingMargg back to the castle, Valek was unable to focus on work. After a fruitless afternoon, he gave up and returned to his apartment. Lighting a lantern, he carried it up to his carving studio. He sorted through various shapes and sizes of rocks before one “spoke” to him. It sounded crazy, but he’d learned to let his subconscious pick his next project.
This time, the rock that had called was roughly circular and a bit flat.A good skipping stone.Hidden inside lurked another shape. One that he needed to free. One that would be revealed as he chiseled, chipped, and grinded away the surplus.
