Page 60 of The Study of Poisons
“They do, you dolt. You probably slept through all the required military classes,” Ari said.
“What did they expect me to do? They scheduled them in the mornings.”
Ari turned to Valek. “What about Yelena? Is she going to be part of this mission.”
“No,” Maren said. “Otherwise, he would have arrived before she left.”
“Do you think she’s capable of participating?” Valek asked Ari.
“Not yet.”
Interesting. Valek thought she might be inherently too hesitant for the intensity needed in a smash and grab. “Yet?”
“She has a fierce side,” Ari said.
Good to know.
“When is this mission?” Maren asked.
“In two days. Meet at the west gate an hour before sunrise.”
Janco groaned.
“You’d rather sit this one out?”
“No, sir. I just don’t like mornings. I don’t know why everything has to happen in the morning. What’s wrong with evenings? What about an houraftersunset?”
“When you’re in charge, you can set the time.”
Janco puffed out his chest. “Did you hear that?When! Notif!”
Now it was Ari and Maren’s turn to groan.
“Please don’t encourage him, sir,” Ari said. “It has the same effect of giving a toddler sugar.”
“Hey!” Janco protested.
Everyone ignored him.
“Should we dress for night ops?” Ari asked Valek.
“No. Wear your uniforms. There’s going to be a show.”
Excitement shone from Janco’s dark-brown eyes. “A smash and grab and a show? You really know how to spoil a guy.”
* * *
Valek leanedagainst the building across from Trevar’s apartment. The lanterns flickering along the street caused the shadows to dance. Insects buzzed. Except for the occasional soldier on patrol, no one else was in sight. With no clouds covering the sky, the night air held a bite of frost. Valek tucked his cold hands inside the pockets of his heavy pants. Cloaks impeded his motions, so to keep from freezing during the colder seasons, Valek wore Dilana’s special heavy clothing. Her words, not his. She sewed an extra flannel layer in the plain clothes, making them thicker and warmer and him very grateful.
Two hours before sunrise, Trevar exited through the front door. He wore a short cape and carried a knapsack. Trevar paused and glanced around then ducked down an alley. Classic behavior for someone who was up to no good. Valek waited for a beat. When no one else appeared, Valek followed the young man.
Trevar’s circuitous route eventually led to the castle. Despite checking for a tail, Trevar failed to spot Valek. Not a big concern, as Valek ensured no one else had taken the slightest interest in Trevar.
Light blazed from the western gate. The guards led Trevar to the gate house. Valek did a sweep of the area just in case someone hid in the shadows before he went inside. If anyone had seen Trevar enter the complex, Valek would have had to cancel the mission.
The night officer in charge of the gate stood and relinquished his desk when Valek entered the small office. Trevar stood on the opposite side. The captain nodded and left, leaving them alone.
“Any problems?” Valek asked Trevar.
