Page 98 of The Study of Poisons
“They also said you suck at playing cards.”
“Hence theluck,” he almost growled.
“And he was one of the people who carried up the Sitians’ bags.”
“So? There were twelve of us. Damn southerners didn’t pack light.”
“But only one of you fell far behind the others on the way to the guest wing,” Kenda said.
He shrugged. “The bag was heavier than it looked. I about broke my back lugging that thing up three flights of stairs.”
“Your evidence is all circumstantial, Kenda,” Valek said. “I think you bothered this poor man for no reason.”
Kenda threw her hands up. “It’s all I had. Fine. I’ll go back and question the other porters again.” She stormed out.
“I amverysorry for the inconvenience,” Valek said to Emmet.
“It’s all right.”
“You’ll never get back to sleep now.”
Emmet stood. “It’s okay.”
“No. No. I have just the thing.” Valek poured some Sitian cognac into a tumbler. “This is the expensive stuff. A few sips of this and you’ll sleep like a baby.” He handed the glass to Emmet.
“I…” Emmet swallowed. “I…don’t drink, sir. But thank you anyway.” He moved to set it down.
“You mean you don’t drink hard liquor, right?” He pointed to one of the large stains on the man’s shirt. “More of a beer man?”
“Uh…yeah. I don’t like the strong stuff.”
“You’re in luck. This cognac is so smooth, you’d think you’re drinking milk. Go on, try it. Just a sip.”
Emmet’s hand shook as he raised the glass to his lips. Then he slammed it down on the desk. “I can’t.”
“Why?”
“You bloody well know why.”
“I do. Sit down, Emmet,” Valek said in his flat tone.
He glanced at the door.
“Go on. Run. You won’t get far, but if it makes you feel better, go on.”
And damn, the porter did. He bolted for the door, threw it open, and stopped in his tracks.
“Innocent men don’t run, Emmet,” Kenda said, blocking the way. She held a dagger in each hand.
“Sit down,” Valek ordered.
Defeated, Emmet returned to the chair.
“Who paid you to poison the cognac?” Valek asked.
“I didn’t poison it!”
Valek waited.
