Page 102 of The Study of Poisons
Valek considered Ari’s comment as he walked through the quiet castle. He loved the late-night hours when only a few people were awake, but that wasn’t exactly having fun. When was the last time he did anything, other than carving, for relaxation? The Commander took vacations and Valek always accompanied him, but as part of his security detail. Hmmm, perhaps Valek was due a few days off. Except, he’d no time. Not with Star and Brazell plotting. And that was the problem. Someone was always plotting.
When he reached his office, a stack of reports waited for him on his desk. He sighed, lit a few more candles, and read through them.
No new information on Star’s plans. In fact, the recent discussions in her office provided no useful tips. Even the number of meetings she held had decreased. Valek wondered if Star had discovered their surveillance.
He read reports until the words blurred on the page. Then he pulled out his old travel mat and slept on the floor behind the conference table. The faint scent of lavender lingering on the air lulled him to sleep.
* * *
The next daymirrored the first. The only difference was, when he escorted the Commander back to his suite late that night, Ambrose stopped at the threshold. Valek had thought it was too late for a nightcap, but he’d have a drink if the Commander asked him inside.
Instead, the Commander said, “After the Sitian delegation leaves, I’m going to visit General Brazell and tour the feed factory he’s been bragging about.”
Completely unexpected and out of character—the Commander hated traveling in the cold season—Valek just stared at him for a long moment. “Why now?”
“Need I remind you that I don’t have to justify my actions to you?”
“No, sir. I’ll alert your personal guard and I’ll prepare for the trip. Do you know how long we’ll be away?”
“You will remain here.”
“But—”
“It’s an order, Valek.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good.” The Commander shut the door.
Valek stood in the hallway. He had never, ever disobeyed an order from the Commander, but the man that had issued the order to remain in the castle was no longer Ambrose. Valek didn’t have any proof that Brazell and Criollo were the culprits, but he was determined to do whatever it took to stop them and get the Commander back.
By the time Valek entered his apartment, he’d recovered from the surprise, but his worries about the trip to MD-5 now extended to Yelena. She’d have to go with the Commander, giving Brazell plenty of opportunities to kill her.
Valek checked on her. She rested peacefully. Janco sat next to her, reading a book. Despite what Ari said, it appeared Janco did have a third speed.
“Where’s Ari?” Valek asked.
“Finally in bed! He’s been on a constant vigil for the last forty-eight hours. I had to threaten him at knifepoint.”
“Knifepoint? Really?”
“Well…more like I sang the same song off key over and over again until he relented and left.” Janco scratched the scar that cut through his right ear. “I’m not exactly known for my singing. But that doesn’t sound as hard core as using a knife, so…” He shrugged.
Valek wisely refrained from asking what song Janco sang. Instead, he asked about Yelena.
“She finally calmed down a few hours ago and is doing much better.”
“Let me know when she wakes up.”
“Will do!”
Valek returned to his office to read more reports. A few hours later, a knock sounded and Janco poked his head in.
“Yelena’s awake. She drank a bunch of water and seems to be fine. Do you want me to go back and stay with her the rest of the night?”
“No need. She’s safe there. Thanks for letting me know.”
“Anytime, boss.” Janco saluted and left.
