Page 35 of The Study of Fire
They both grinned.
“Do our reports meet your expectations?” Trevar asked.
“Your first one was fine, but I haven’t been back to the castle in almost two weeks. Do you have any new information?”
Trevar’s blue eyes lit with delight. “Oh, you’re going to love this. We spotted Star in town.” He waited.
“She’s allowed to come to town during her time off,” Valek said.
“I know, but she was in the Black Cat Tavern. She’s planning on getting back into business.”
“How do you know?”
“She’s recruiting people.”
CHAPTER7
Valek knew Star was looking into restarting her business, but to actively recruit people in the Black Cat Tavern was bold. Too bold? Was this a trick to make Valek focus his attention on her antics at the Black Cat, while she secretly built another empire? He’d be a fool to underestimate her.
“Was she successful?” Valek asked Trevar.
Before he could answer, Dallin came over to their table and set down three steaming bowls of pork and beans. Valek asked for a refill of the drink.
“Good, eh? I make it myself.”
“What do you call it?”
“It depends on your perspective.” Dallin scanned Valek. “For yours, I’d call it The Ball Thawer.” Dallin bustled away.
Impressive and accurate. Trevar and Adrik tried to hide their grins.
Continuing their conversation, Trevar said, “Star hired a couple of muscles, but everyone knows what happened to her organization, so they’re playing it safe.”
He mulled over the information as they ate. Bacon, brown sugar, and mustard had been added, transforming the usually dull meal into a flavorful experience. And he wasn’t the only one scraping the bottom of the bowl with his spoon.
“Did Star recognize either of you?” Valek asked.
“No. And I doubt she would. We haven’t had any interaction with her,” Trevar said.
“The only reason we recognized her was because Star interrupted a lesson,” Adrik added. “She stormed into the training room, yelling at Kenda for some reason, but Kenda tossed her out on her ass.”
Valek would have loved to see that. However, the fact that Star didn’t know Trevar or Adrik might work in his favor. “I’ve a mission for you, but this is voluntary as it might get perilous.”
Excited by the idea, they leaned forward.Boys.
“What do you think about getting recruited by Star and working for her?”
“Ooohhh, that would be perfect,” Trevar said.
“Then we’ll know what she’s planning, instead of having to wait and guess,” Adrik said.
“You have to do it right, though,” Valek said. “You can’t be too eager to join. There needs to be some reluctance. Let her reel you in.”
“Do we need new cover stories?” Trevar asked.
“No. Play up how little money you’re making for baiting people. And with your extensive knowledge of the dealers, she’ll see you as potential protegees.”
“We’re in,” Adrik said.
