“It appears so, but I need to do some more investigating to find out the extent.” And decide what to do about it.
“At least there’s some good news,” Inrick said. “No more night terrors for the locals. What are you going to tell Captain Ryda?”
“Let’s wait a couple nights to ensure that the magician caused the incidents. I’d hate to tell her too soon.”
“All right. What about Hildred?”
“You can tell her I’m back but have her remain in the Garden District tonight just in case.”
Valek ate a large portion of the leftover stew and collapsed into bed. When he worked as an assassin fifteen years ago, he could go days without sleep. Now he felt every one of his thirty-five years. Getting old sucked.
* * *
Over the next few nights, all remained quiet and calm. As promised, Valek visited Bea to tell her the news. Then he headed to Ryda’s office to update her on the situation.
“We’ve solved the problem. You shouldn’t have any more unexplained drunk and disorderly incidents.”
“Was it something in the well water?” she asked.
“No. It was due to magic. A young person came into her powers and had limited control.”
“Have you…” She swallowed the rest of her words. Even experienced watch captains balked at the thought of killing a young person.
“Yes. I’ve taken care of the problem.” Sort of. He still needed to figure out a few things, but one crisis at a time.
Ryda paled as she assumed the worst, adding more fuel to Valek’s reputation. To distract her, he told her about how easy it had been for him to get into the station.
“I’ll need to resume training and hire more officers,” she said. “When you arrested all of Star’s employees, I lost a few patrollers who were corrupt.” She cleared her throat. “Thanks for the help. Anytime you need assistance, just let me know.”
“Will do.”
Valek left the station. It was the fourth day of the cold season. A light snow fell, dusting the town with a layer of white. He wrapped his short cape over his shoulders, covering the top half of his uniform. After spending the last dozen nights outside wearing only a few layers of clothing, Valek thought he’d never be warm again.
He longed for his apartment, imagining an evening sitting on his couch with a book in hand next to the blazing hearth. However, he had one more stop to make. As daylight drained from the cloud-covered sky, Valek hurried to The Sole. When he entered, the patrons frowned at the cold air and snow sweeping in his wake. He hurried to shut the door before heading to the table in the corner.
Glancing around, Valek was relieved he had arrived before Trevar and Adrik. Again, he noted the younger crowd.
Dallin, the innkeeper, grunted at him as he set a mug down. “Yer back.”
“I come through Castletown from time to time and I liked the eggs.”
Another grunt. “Tonight’s pork and beans.” He disappeared into the kitchen.
Valek sipped the golden liquid in the mug. It was warm and tasted like apples and cinnamon. The drink hit his stomach like a hot coal, sending a wave of heat right through him. Damn good stuff. He considered removing his cape but didn’t want to expose his patroller’s uniform and scare the customers away. His black pants were standard issue for many different jobs. He already stood out as the oldest patron in the inn.
Trevar and Adrik entered. They said hello to a few people before winding their way to Valek’s table, once again asking to join him.
“Any news?” Trevar asked.
Valek updated them. “There shouldn’t be any more problems.”
He frowned. “Does this mean our mission is over?”
“What’s been going on with the black market dealers?”
“We’re slowly earning their trust. And now that the strange incidents are over, they’ll eventually relax.”
Valek considered. Knowing the names and locations of all the new dealers in Castletown would be beneficial. And experience was just as important as schooling when it came to spying. “Keep gaining their trust. We can reevaluate your status in a few weeks.”
