“I didn’t get a chance. One of the merchants must have spotted me snooping around and sent a guard to watch the merchandise.”
Which wasn’t unusual for a caravan. Except wool wasn’t high on the list of stolen goods. It was odd, but not overly concerning. The wool could have been left over from last year. “Keep an eye out for more caravans and let me know if you find anything.”
“Yes, sir. Anything else?”
“Do you have any pain powder?”
“For that poor young man of yours?”
“Yes.”
“You should leave him here to recover. We’ve a couple capable people in the local patrol who could take his place.”
“Capable enough to beat you?” he asked.
“Well, now, let’s not get too excited.” Myzel gave him a sly smile.
He laughed. “That’s what I thought. Besides, if I leave him here, he’ll drive you crazy. And I’m not ready for you to retire. You’re too valuable.”
“Then why did I get assigned to this speck on the map?”
“Because Boaz was transferred here.”
Myzel blushed. “How did you…”
He waited. Would she deny her feelings for the patrol captain? It’d been obvious to Valek when they’d all worked on a case in MD-1. The patrolman had been promoted after that successful mission. And, like all newly minted patrol captains in Ixia, he had been sent to a speck on the map to prove he could run a patrol station before he could be assigned to a larger city.
“Yes, well…” She cleared her throat. “I’ll go get that powder.” Rummaging around her kitchen cabinets, she found a pouch and gave it to Valek along with a spoon. “Mix a teaspoon with some hot water as needed for pain. There’s a kettle in the hearth.”
“Thank you, Myzel. And just so you know, this speck is on a vital travel route, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else to watch over it.”
Her cheeks reddened again. Adorable.
Valek poured a cup of hot water before heading upstairs. Even though Ari and Janco had their own rooms, they were together. Valek paused outside the half-opened door. Although they spoke in low tones, it sounded as if they were arguing.
“…going to be left behind,” Ari said. “Why didn’t you say something?”
“I felt fine. Who knew riding a horse could hurt so much?” Janco argued.
“When’s the last time you rode?”
Valek entered, Ari sprang from the chair, but Janco didn’t move from the bed. He lay on his side and his tragic expression told Valek he expected to be removed from the mission.
Setting the cup on the nightstand, Valek spooned powder into the water and stirred until it dissolved. “Drink all of this,” he ordered Janco, waiting until the man downed the entire contents. Janco grimaced at the bitter flavor but didn’t complain. A miracle.
“Did you get that from your agent, Myzel?” Ari asked.
“Why do you think she’s one of my corps?”
“She didn’t ask for our papers.”
“Maybe she recognized me.”
“She wasn’t scared of you, and she treated you like an equal. Only your corps members do that.”
“Good point.” Valek handed the pouch to Ari. “Give him one spoonful mixed in hot water when the pain gets bad.”
Ari looked stricken. “Sir?”
