Wraith(23)

A worried expression flashed across my face. ‘But I can’t get into the castle.’

He delved into his pocket and drew out a small wooden token. ‘Here,’ he said. ‘This will get you inside. If anyone stops you, show them this. You won’t have any trouble after that. We’ll be in the guardhouse.’

I dutifully bobbed my head. ‘Yes, sir.’

The goblin tapped his foot. ‘Well, go on then. We’ll be wanting that soup for our lunch tomorrow so you’d better get a move on. I won’t be happy if someone else takes our nettles.’

‘Yes! I’ll go right away. Thank you, sir. Thank you.’ I bowed and scraped then darted off, taking extra care to stick to the darker side of the street so my shadow’s absence wasn’t noted.

From behind me, I heard both goblins roaring with laughter and clapping each other on the back. I didn’t bother looking. Curling my fingers round the token that would give me almost everything I needed, I gave a small smile that was far more genuine than anything I’d given Boxburn. The odds had just increased ever so slightly in my favour.

***

Less than twenty minutes later, I was in front of Marrock’s bowling alley. As always his two goons were present but curiously neither of them tried to stop me; they simply glowered as I passed. I was concerned when they didn’t pat me down for illicit weapons or look inside my bag. In all the months I’d been selling secrets to Marrock, I’d always been stopped. When I entered the alley and stepped onto the bowling lane to begin the familiar walk towards Marrock, I half-expected to be greeted with plastic sheeting on the floor ready to catch my blood splatter. I couldn’t think of any other reason why they’d let me pass unimpeded.

This time Marrock didn’t get up. He didn’t extend his arms in a gesture of warmth; he didn’t even smile. He simply looked up with a tired expression on his worn face and watched my advance without blinking. When I reached him, he remained silent. Normally, I’d have enjoyed the peace and quiet but now it was simply eerie.

When Marrock didn’t say anything, I opened my mouth to speak. He flicked his wrist at me and I swallowed my words. I remained rigid and tense, waiting to feel a merciless blow on the back of my neck.

After what felt like an eternity, a voice called out from somewhere behind me. ‘She’s alone.’

Marrock didn’t take his eyes off me. ‘You’re absolutely sure?’

‘Positive.’

He absorbed this for a moment and then got to his feet.

‘Boss…’

Marrock gestured irritably and strode towards me, stopping less than an inch away. He leaned in and sniffed, his nostrils flaring. ‘Saiya,’ he murmured, in a dangerously soft whisper. ‘Sweet Saiya.’

I didn’t move a muscle.

‘Normally I can scent out betrayal in a heartbeat. People aren’t as good at hiding from me as they think they are. Traitors stink, you see. Deception clings to them like a skunk’s smell. I cannot smell betrayal on you, Saiya – and yet all the evidence points to the contrary.’

I met Marrock’s steely gaze. ‘Our relationship benefits both of us. I would have no reason to betray you, Marrock.’

‘Oh,’ he dismissed, ‘I can think of plenty of reasons. The goblins, both Filit and Gneiss, let me to do what I do because they know I keep the likes of you in check. They trust me.’

I kept my expression blank. It didn’t take a secret seeker like me to know that Marrock played all sides. Everyone knew he worked with the Gneiss goblins; everyone knew he worked with the Filit goblins. He smiled and smarmed at whoever was in front of him – but when it came to profiteering he had no boundaries. He understood where the lines were and was careful not to cross them. He knew where to stop in order to stay safe. All the same, he would deal with whoever planted themselves in front of him. I used the wee man as much as he used me but I would never trust him. I wasn’t sure anyone would.

‘What exactly has happened?’ I asked carefully. Gabriel de Florinville surely couldn’t have tracked me to this place and threatened Marrock. It was impossible on all counts. But something had spooked Marrock.

He gazed at me, his expression inscrutable. ‘I made enquiries about your friend. Or,’ he said with a short, humourless laugh, ‘I tried to make enquiries.’

Dread began to slink its way through me. ‘Is she still alive?’

‘I have absolutely no idea. I sent a soldier of mine to find out what he could. A very good, trusted soldier who frequently acts on my behalf.’ Marrock’s eyes narrowed. He gestured over my shoulder and, as I glanced round, a stocky woman appeared carrying a box. She was holding it in front of her as if, despite its weight, she couldn’t bear to have it near her body.

Marrock and I watched as she walked up. When she reached us, she held the box out to me, her face pale. Unfortunately I already had a very good idea about what was inside it.

‘Open the box, Saiya.’

I licked my lips. ‘No, thanks.’

Marrock’s voice hardened. ‘Open the fucking box.’

Realising he wasn’t going to give me a choice, I steeled myself and reached across, flipping the lid to reveal the contents. The unseeing eyes of Marrock’s minion Bear, who had scorned me just yesterday, stared up at me. His face was covered in bruises and wounds but someone had taken the time to clean off the blood. Sickened, I wondered whether that had been Marrock or the goblins.