WHEN Dekkard and Avraal woke on Quindi, he glanced outside, only to see a thin layer of frost, a definite rarity in Machtarn, unlike Oersynt, where he’d grown up. Then he looked over at Avraal, who had the blankets wrapped around her.
“Go take a shower. Please make it quick.”
Dekkard grinned. “I thought a long, hot—”
A pillow thrown hard and accurately at his face cut off his teasing, but he was still smiling when he headed for the bathroom. He did take a very short shower.
He finished dressing well before Avraal and made his way to the kitchen, where he fixed two cafés and carried them into the breakfast room.
“Put down the cafés, and look at the newssheet,” said Emrelda. “Then tell me what it means.”
Gaaroll immediately looked at Dekkard.
He took in the front-page headline even before he picked up the newssheet. Then he read it twice, frowning.
Who have they caught and why do they think he killed Venburg? Dekkard just stood there and began to read.
Justiciary prosecutors announced late on Furdi afternoon that a team of investigators from the Ministry of Public Safety, the Justiciary Ministry, and the Council Guard took Sr. Jaime Minz into custody. Minz has been charged with one count of murder in the death of Pietro Venburg, the Vice-Presidente of Legal Affairs for Siincleer Shipbuilding, one count of manslaughter in the death of a Council clerk, and several violations dealing with felonious financial practices involving a consulting and services firm that he managed …
… the prosecuting legalists indicated that additional charges might be added as a result of an ongoing investigation … Sr. Minz is currently an assistant director of security for Northwest Industrial Chemical and alleged to be the manager of Capitol Services …
The rest of the story focused on Venburg and his murder.
How by the Almighty did Avraal manage that? If she did. But that wasn’t a question he was about to ask anyone but her, especially since she might only have had a small part.
“What do you think?” asked Emrelda.
“They must have a solid amount of evidence,” replied Dekkard. “There’s no way they’re going to charge a former Council aide unless they’re sure. I always suspected he was behind the Atacaman pepper attack, and from what we’ve learned recently, I’m not surprised that what he did with Capitol Services was shady, if not out-and-out illegal, but we could never come up with enough solid evidence to make a complaint.”
“Complaint?” questioned Avraal as she entered the breakfast room.
“You have to read this.” Dekkard managed not to thrust the newssheet at Avraal, but to hand it to her carefully.
She read it quickly, then nodded. “He deserves it. I wonder how many other bodies they’ll discover in his backyard.”
“You think that he had something to do with Mathilde Thanne’s vanishing?” asked Dekkard, thinking back to the “disappearance” of Mardosh’s empath.
“I’d guess so. He’s also the one who made sure you knew Mathilde vanished. He’s an isolate. She’d never have sensed his intent.”
“Mardosh never replaced her,” Dekkard mused.
“What would be the point now that Mardosh is chair of the Military Affairs Committee?” replied Avraal. “He got the message, probably conveyed from Venburg to Minz for the arrangements. Why do you think you’ve had such trouble getting Mardosh to look into military construction contracts?”
Dekkard thought about that, then shook his head. “I don’t like the idea of targeting staff to threaten councilors.”
“I like it even less than you, dear.” Avraal set the newssheet on the side table, sat down, and took a sip of her café.
“What will happen now?” asked Gaaroll.
“We’ll just have to see.” Dekkard could see the possibilities, and none of them looked good for Minz, but he wasn’t about to speculate. Not now.
“What do you think those other charges against Minz are?” asked Emrelda.
“One of them will likely be illegal employment while holding a position as a Council aide. Aides can work for themselves, but there’s an income limit, and they can’t be employed by anyone else. I suspect he violated one of those categories. He also likely hired assassins, but they won’t find proof.” Because they were hired to take you out, and they didn’t succeed, no one knows that but Minz and the assassins, one of whom is dead. Since Minz was an isolate, it would be difficult to discover who he might have hired, and anyone he hired—and was still alive—wasn’t about to come forward.
“He couldn’t have been doing that on his own.” Emrelda snorted.
“Of course not, but there won’t be any paper trail to Ulrich, who has to be the one directing Minz’s activities with Capitol Services. If the Craft Party hadn’t won the last election, they could have kept doing it for years because they controlled Security through Lukkyn Wyath.”
Wyath! Dekkard reached for the newssheet and began leafing through it until he found the small story.
The execution of former Security Minister Lukkyn Wyath took place two bells before dawn this morning. Wyath was convicted of criminal malfeasance in office, misfeasance, and high treason.
“What are you looking for?” asked Avraal.
“I found it. The notice of Wyath’s execution. He was executed this morning. That’s very convenient for Ulrich. Wyath’s dead; Manwaeren knows nothing; Mangele officially committed suicide while incarcerated; and Stuart Jebulon fled Guldor for lands unknown.”
“That leaves Minz.”
“For now,” said Dekkard. “And there’s nothing we can do about it.” One way or another. He replaced the newssheet on the side table and went to get the croissants. He brought three back.
Avraal looked at the croissant he put before her.
“You’ll need it. I assume you’ll come to the Council session this morning to see Ingrella sworn in.”
“Oh, you told me, but…” Avraal offered an embarrassed smile.
“We’ve both had more than a few things on our mind.”
“Now that you’re both here,” announced Emrelda as she stood, “I need to be on my way. Services tonight?”
“Definitely,” said Avraal before Dekkard could have lodged an objection.
Once Emrelda left the breakfast room, Dekkard split his croissants, added a thin layer of quince paste to both, and then began to eat. He finished both before Avraal had eaten half of her single croissant. But he just sat across from her, nursing his café until she finished.
Then the three took their time cleaning up and finished dressing in an unhurried fashion, since there really wasn’t much he could do once he got to the Council Hall, except wait for the session to begin. He wanted, however, to be somewhat early, just in case anything turned up.
At a third before third bell, Dekkard drove the Gresynt under the portico a minute or so before Avraal and Gaaroll arrived.
“Sense anything, Nincya?” he asked.
“Not so far.”
Neither empath sensed any danger bearing on Dekkard on the drive to the covered parking area. After parking the steamer and starting across the street, Dekkard glanced toward the Council Office Building. Although he couldn’t see the north side, he could see construction lorries, as well as workers loading debris into several lorries.
“Haarsfel certainly has them working,” Dekkard said. “I just hope Trujillo’s guards keep watching closely.”
“They’d better,” said Gaaroll.
“I was thinking,” began Dekkard, “about Ingrella. If I can, and if she accepts, I’ll ask Ingrella to have lunch with us. That way—”
“I would have suggested it, if you hadn’t,” replied Avraal. “We can offer some support, and it would allow councilors to offer sympathy and greetings without it being lengthy or overwhelming. But leave it up to her.”
“I wouldn’t think of pressing her.”
After Dekkard, Avraal, and Gaaroll entered the Council Hall and neared the entrance to the councilors’ lobby, Dekkard saw Svard standing there waiting, along with several other staffers. He smiled and said, “I told Svard to meet me outside the councilors’ lobby before the session, but he didn’t have to be here this early.”
“He’s very conscientious, and you like that,” Avraal pointed out.
“Svard, what brings you here so early?”
“Sir, when I read Gestirn this morning, well…”
“It occurred to you that Sr. Minz was the one behind the Atacaman poisoning in the Security Committee?”
“It seemed like the story was the same.”
“No one’s contacted me, but I’m guessing that it’s the same, because I don’t know of any other deaths of Council clerks.”
“But he was a security aide.”
“He was a security aide to Premier Ulrich,” Dekkard pointed out. “Ulrich managed the appointment of the recently deceased Lukkyn Wyath and the other office directors in Security.”
“You knew that?”
“Not all of it. Some of it came out in the Security Committee hearings. I never trusted Minz, but I never had enough proof to bring the matter to the Council Guards or the patrol. Obviously, they found that proof that we were unable to find.”
“Could he somehow be linked to the New Meritorists?”
“I wouldn’t put anything past Minz, but I don’t know of anything that would tie him to the New Meritorists.”
“Also, there wasn’t anything in the newssheets about Ritten Obreduur.”
“I’m sure acting Premier Haarsfel wanted to keep that quiet until it is a fact. I’m sure there will be a story this afternoon and tomorrow morning. Now, is there anything you’ve found out that I should know?”
“I’ve asked around, and they already have masons replacing the damaged and missing stone and brickwork. They’ve removed almost all the debris, and the broken windows have been replaced, except for the offices where the brickwork has to be finished first.”
“Like ours.”
“I asked about that. Ours wasn’t as bad as some, but it’s going to be a while.”
“Anything else?”
“No, sir.”
Dekkard looked to Avraal, to see if she had any questions.
“Nincya and I will stay here with Svard.”
Dekkard got the message—he was to check out the councilors’ lobby and find out what he could. “Then unless I learn something of immediate import I’ll meet you in the dining room after adjournment.”
Avraal nodded in return.
When Dekkard entered the lobby, he immediately saw far more councilors than usual, but that made sense, since no one had an office in which they could wait. Tomas Pajiin stood in a group with Dholen, Andros, and Ghohal, but he smiled at Dekkard. Kharl Navione and Breffyn Haastar talked with the Landor floor leader, Saandaar Vonauer, while Villem Baar, Jaradd Rikkard, and Erich Kuuresoh gathered in the far corner, but didn’t seem to be conversing.
Dekkard turned to his left in time to see Vhiola Sandegarde moving toward him.
“Steffan, it’s good to see that you escaped, especially that you appear unharmed. What about your staff?”
“I got them all out safely.”
“Good.” Sandegarde paused, then said, “I’m so sorry about Axel. You and your wife were quite close to him, I know.”
“We were. It was quite a shock.”
“The Council is going to miss him more than many councilors realize yet.” Sandegarde lowered her voice slightly. “Do you know who might succeed him?”
“No. I haven’t heard anything at all. When I left yesterday, Haarsfel hadn’t even called for a Craft Party caucus.”
“He’s called for a Council vote on Duadi. That doesn’t leave much time. Do you have any suggestions?”
“I haven’t been a councilor long enough to know all the senior Craft councilors—besides Premier Obreduur—well enough to make an impartial recommendation.”
“What about a partial one?” Sandegarde smiled coolly.
“From a junior councilor?” Dekkard smiled in return. “I think not.”
“You know, Steffan, you’re a strange mixture of the impulsive and the calculating.”
“It might be because I’ve seen enough not to be young, but not enough to accumulate all the experience to be truly wise.”
“I doubt any of us learn enough to be truly wise. How well did you know Jaime Minz?”
The abrupt change of subject caught Dekkard off guard, but he said, “We were both isolate security aides. We talked occasionally, but not often. Probably not a score of times in the past half year. Certainly not since he went to work for Northwest Industrial Chemical.”
“He didn’t pay you a courtesy call?”
“No. He just sent me a letter telling me he was an assistant director of security for Northwest. I was totally surprised to read that he was taken into custody.”
“You haven’t heard?”
“Heard what? That they’ve filed more charges against him?”
“No. They were taking him to court for the initial hearing. He was shot, a little before third bell. One of the patrollers was shot as well.”
“What? How?”
“Minz was killed by a sniper, it appears. No one even saw the shooter. That’s all I know. Gerard Schmidtz told me just a few minutes ago.”
And he asked you to tell me and get my reaction, I’m sure. Dekkard shook his head.
“You’re surprised, but not that surprised.”
“I’ve suspected for a long time that he’s been involved in something shady, and I was fairly sure he orchestrated the Atacaman pepper incident. I honestly never knew why he’d go to such lengths. I never did anything to offend him.”
“Except, after a little more than two years as a security aide, you became an economic assistant and then a councilor. That was doubtless hard for him to accept.”
“Personal jealousy?”
“You’re also talented, handsome, and have a beautiful wife. Jealousy causes more crimes than politics, Steffan, far more.”
“I have to say that I still find it hard to believe.”
“Trust me,” replied Sandegarde. “That’s the way it is, and it’s certainly what any investigation will conclude.”
Dekkard shook his head. “I still can’t believe it.”
“That’s because you hold on to the illusion of honor. Or at least, the illusion of rationality. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I promised Gerard I’d tell Erich.”
“Thank you for letting me know.”
“My pleasure.” Sandegarde smiled pleasantly. “I never cared much for him, either.” Then she turned and walked toward Kuuresoh, Baar, and Rikkard.
Dekkard had the feeling Sandegarde’s news wouldn’t displease Kuuresoh at all. He also felt stunned, almost numb, as he turned and walked out of the lobby, hoping Avraal and Roostof had remained.
Avraal stepped forward, well away from Roostof and Gaaroll. “Did Vhiola Sandegarde tell you—about Jaime Minz?”
“She did. She got the news from Gerard Schmidtz.”
“That follows,” replied Avraal, lowering her voice and saying, “You look a bit stunned.”
“I am,” replied Dekkard quietly. “We’ll have to talk alone later, although I suspect you already thought it through. I need to get back to the lobby, but I wanted to make sure you knew.”
“Vhiola Sandegarde was so sweet,” said Avraal, quietly, but acidly, “that she wanted to be the one to tell you.”
“Of course.” Dekkard leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll see you after the session.”
When Dekkard returned to the councilors’ lobby, Pajiin immediately hurried over.
“What was that all about? Sandegarde talked to you, and you left. Then she talked to Kuuresoh and Rikkard, and they left.”
“Did you read Gestirn this morning?”
“You mean about that influencer? Oh, the manslaughter charge came from the pepper attack.”
“Exactly. Vhiola told me Minz was shot and killed when they took him to the court for the initial hearing.”
Pajiin frowned. “Someone didn’t want him talking, sounds like.”
“That’s my impression. I wanted to let Avraal know because he was a security aide when we were. I didn’t want her surprised.”
“I can see that. You think he was tied to the New Meritorists?”
Dekkard shrugged. “It looks like we may never know that now.” Which is what Ulrich likely wants. “We should go into the chamber now.”
“Good idea.”
Once inside the Council chamber, Dekkard glanced around, noting the presence of almost all the councilors, possibly because of the vote on the expense resolution to follow.
The lieutenant-at-arms moved to the center of the dais as the chimes died away and thumped the ceremonial staff.
Then Haarsfel stood and declared, “The first order of business for this Council session is the swearing in of Councilor-select Ingrella Obreduur of Malek and Councilor-select Emile Hebersyn of Machtarn. Lieutenant-at-Arms, please escort the councilors-select to the floor.”
Looking around the Council chamber, Dekkard saw several surprised looks, as well as several nods, one of which came from Kharl Navione.
The same uniformed figure who had opened the Council session walked to the door from the Premier’s floor office and opened it, then led Ingrella and Hebersyn to the dais. Ingrella wore dark mourning green, while Hebersyn had donned a dark blue suit with faint white pinstripes. His cravat was red.
Dekkard wondered what Hebersyn’s political connections happened to be, because he’d never heard of the man before. But then you’d never heard of most of the councilors when you first joined Obreduur’s staff.
Haarsfel read the oath of office, phrase by phrase, as both councilors-select repeated each phrase. Ingrella’s voice was clear and firm.
After the swearing in, Haarsfel said, “Congratulations to both of you.”
Both moved to the floor of the chamber.
Then Haarsfel spoke again. “Before we take up the second order of business, I would like to remind all councilors that, for the memorial service on Unadi, spouses will accompany councilors into the chamber, where additional seats will be placed. That will allow more space in the galleries.” He paused for almost a minute before continuing. “The second order of business is a Council resolution appropriating an additional four thousand marks to the expense allowance of those councilors, or their successors in office, whose offices suffered major damage from the shelling of the Council Office Building, and an additional five hundred marks for all other councilors.”
That vote took less than a third and passed unanimously, after which Haarsfel announced that the Craft Party would caucus at third bell on Duadi morning, and that the Council would meet at fourth bell on Tridi morning for a vote on the election of a new premier, rather than on Duadi as previously scheduled. Then he adjourned the Council until Unadi.
Dekkard immediately moved to Ingrella. He could see that her eyes were bright, possibly with unshed tears, but she offered a faint smile.
“Would you like to have lunch with us? Although I’m certain others will stop by.”
“I would appreciate that very much, Steffan.”
“I should have asked you sooner,” he said apologetically, “but today has been a bit disconcerting.”
“I read about Jaime Minz. Axel also mentioned him. We should talk later.”
Dekkard nodded, then stepped back slightly as Fredrich Hasheem appeared and inclined his head.
“I’m so sorry, Ingrella, but I appreciate your willingness to carry on.”
Dekkard just stood there as various other Craft councilors came to greet her and to offer condolences, among them Safaell, Mardosh, and Harleona Zerlyon, who offered extended thanks and appreciation. Both Vonauer and Volkaar made brief appearances.
Then Dekkard escorted Ingrella to the dining room, where Avraal had a table waiting.
“This is very thoughtful of you two,” said Ingrella as she seated herself.
“You’ve always been thoughtful to us,” Dekkard pointed out.
When the three ordered, Dekkard and Avraal both chose the three-cheese chicken, while Ingrella opted for the onion soup.
Then Ingrella said, “Being a councilor is not something I ever even thought about.” She shook her head. “Axel wanted so much to make Guldor a better land. I don’t have his skills.”
“You have yours,” Avraal pointed out.
“They’re not the same. I’m a legalist, not a leader.” She looked to Dekkard. “You have those skills. Axel saw that in you. He wanted you to have more experience, but the Craft Party in Gaarlak forced his hand. At the time, he worried, but I’m very glad that matters turned out as they did for you. Now, I’ve said that piece, and we should try to enjoy lunch. We can talk about politics later.”
“Since that’s the decision,” said Dekkard, with a smile, “does Nellara still practice with the throwing knives?”
“I couldn’t stop her if I tried. She goes to the garage and practices. She says she can get most every throw within a digit of where she wants, and hard enough that they stick firmly. She wants to carry her knives the way you do, Avraal. I told her she couldn’t do that until both of you approved. I trust you don’t mind.”
“We can do that,” said Dekkard, “but it should be in a while, and when you’re ready to have us look at how she’s throwing.”
“Perhaps during Midwinter Recess,” said Ingrella.
“It might have to be a bit after or near the end of the recess,” replied Dekkard. “We’ve put off making a trip to Gaarlak. There’s the matter of establishing a permanent tie there, like a house.”
“That’s right.” Ingrella nodded. “We were fortunate that I already had a house in Malek.”
“We’ll have to find something rather modest,” said Dekkard, “although I understand that houses there are considerably less expensive than here in Machtarn.”
“Spend on the basic house and the location,” advised Ingrella. “You can decorate and improve later.”
Lunch conversation from that point on dwelt upon houses and what was necessary—or not—with Ingrella offering amused advice primarily to Avraal. Dekkard largely listened.
As lunch was drawing to a close, a server came to the table. “Councilor Dekkard, this is for you.” He extended an envelope.
“Do you know who it’s from?”
“The Guard captain, sir.”
Dekkard took the envelope. “Thank you.”
The server immediately withdrew while Dekkard studied the envelope, which bore only the words “Councilor Dekkard.”
“You might as well open it, dear,” said Avraal.
Dekkard did, taking in the short message.
“What is it?” asked Avraal.
“He’d like a few minutes of my time in the next bell, if it’s convenient, of course.”
“Gaaroll and I can walk Ingrella to her steamer, and then we’ll wait for you. Where are you meeting him?”
“In the Premier’s floor office.”
“Then we’ll be waiting.”
“I’ll go through the Council chamber,” said Dekkard. “That will make it easier.” But he still escorted Avraal and Ingrella out of the dining room before retracing his steps and making his way to the floor office.
One of the clerks looked up. “Guard Captain Trujillo is using the Premier’s private office. You can go in.”
Dekkard entered and closed the door.
Trujillo was sitting in one of the two chairs in front of the desk. Dekkard took the other.
“Thank you for entertaining my request, Councilor.”
Not that I have a real choice. “I’m happy to help.”
“I do appreciate it. I take it that you had a chance to read this morning’s newssheet?”
“About Jaime Minz, you mean? I did. And Councilor Sandegarde told me that he’d been shot and killed on the way to a preliminary hearing.”
“That’s correct.” Trujillo smiled pleasantly. “What are your thoughts about the shooting?”
“It was a cover-up. I certainly can’t prove it, but I believe Minz provided a link between corporacion officials who ordered shady actions or outright illegal ones. Because he is an isolate, there’s no way to determine the veracity of any response to questions. But since he faced possible execution, he might have bargained for exile by revealing what corporacions he acted on behalf of, or at least the individuals from whom he received ‘suggestions.’ That’s only my belief, of course.”
“That was Premier Obreduur’s as well. Do you think Sr. Minz had anything to do with Premier Obreduur’s death?”
“Again, I don’t know. I suspect Minz somehow facilitated the ability of the New Meritorists to obtain the dunnite they used. How and to whom, I have no idea. There’s something else that occurred to me as well. How did the gunners know which offices were Obreduur’s and mine? Or when Obreduur was likely to be in his office? That’s not information that’s readily available, except to former or present councilors or staff.”
“We considered that as well.”
“It’s so obvious that I didn’t even think about it until last night.”
Trujillo nodded.
“You didn’t find anything else?”
“No. After looking at the banque records, I doubt that anyone will.” After the briefest pause, Trujillo asked, “How do you think Sr. Minz managed to kill Sr. Venburg?”
“If anyone knew hidden ways to enter the Council Hall, or even overt unnoticed ways, Minz would have. He could have posed as a Council Guard or a server from the councilors’ dining room.”
“Why would he have used Atacaman pepper?”
“He did?”
Trujillo nodded. “We also found traces of the same pepper mix linked to him.”
Dekkard frowned, then said, “If he surprised Venburg, a shot of pepper would keep Venburg from being able to shout for help. I could barely talk after the Security Council incident. Minz was a security aide for much longer than I was.”
Trujillo actually looked slightly surprised. “I hadn’t thought of that, and no one else mentioned it.”
“I didn’t think of it, either, until you asked.”
“Do you have any idea why Minz might have attacked Venburg?”
“That would be another guess.”
“I’m open to guesses, Councilor.”
“Ten thousand marks is a great deal of money. Siincleer Shipbuilding has a reputation for having been involved in some less than savory practices. Capitol Services may, just may, have provided those services. I can’t believe any corporacion would spend ten thousand marks to remove a junior councilor, especially in such an indirect way. Perhaps he diverted funds Venburg provided for other services? Siincleer Shipbuilding isn’t exactly known for being forgiving, and if Venburg pressed Minz?” Dekkard shrugged. “That’s just my best guess. There wouldn’t be any way to prove or disprove it. But, if he did use Atacaman pepper, I always considered Minz as the likely one behind the Atacaman pepper incident at the Security Committee, but I never saw any way to tie him to it with nothing but a very great deal of circumstantial evidence.”
“We found a witness. I mentioned that to you earlier. She identified Minz as the man who hired Hurrek for side work. We discovered that Minz had withdrawn ten thousand marks from the Capitol Services account, in mark notes, three days before Hurrek opened an account with the Imperial Banque of Machtarn, with ten thousand marks in cash.”
“Rather an unlikely coincidence, I’d think.”
“We also discovered that every large deposit to the Capitol Services account was either in cash or by banque cheques with no notation as to the source. Very few by personal or corporacion cheque, and those tended to be smaller and local.”
“I take it that there were no cheques from either Northwest Industrial Chemical or Suvion Industries?”
“Not a one. Premier Obreduur and acting Premier Haarsfel both found that interesting, but as you said, there’s certainly no evidence. Thank you for talking to me, again. I’m sorry to bother you. You’ve already been through a great deal this past week.”
“I just hope I’ve been helpful.”
“You have been. So have others. Without all of you, I’m not sure we’d have gotten to the bottom of this.”
“I just wish we could find out how the New Meritorists obtained all that dunnite.”
“I’m still working with the Ministry of Public Safety and the Justiciary Ministry on that. We have a few leads on who received it, but we will have to see. Thank you, again.”
Dekkard had the definite feeling that Trujillo was done. So he stood. “Thank you for everything.” He inclined his head and then made his way out of the Premier’s inner office and then out into the main corridor.
Roostof, Avraal, and Gaaroll were all waiting for him.
“He had a few more questions about Jaime Minz. Nothing that we haven’t talked about before. He gave me the impression that, while they may never discover where the dunnite came from, they’re still looking into where it went and who might have whatever’s left. He’d only say that they were looking into it.”
“Who is ‘they,’ sir?” asked Gaaroll.
“The Council Guards, the Ministry of Public Safety, and the Justiciary Ministry.” Dekkard looked to Roostof. “Have you discovered anything new about the office?”
“They’ll begin on new windows tomorrow. The administrative offices are working on replacement furniture and typewriters.”
“Good. Anything else I should know?”
“I can’t think of anything, sir.”
“Then I’ll see you just before the memorial service on Unadi. After your meeting this afternoon, go home and try to enjoy Findi.”
Roostof smiled. “I’ll do my best.” He turned and walked toward the staff cafeteria, likely just to have a place where he could sit and wait for his meeting.
“How’s Ingrella?” Dekkard asked quietly.
“Composed, but grieving.”
“She will be for a long time,” predicted Dekkard. “They were close.”
“They truly loved and respected each other.”
Dekkard swallowed, then said, “We might as well head home.”
Avraal reached out, took his hand, and replied, “We should.”