The Madrigal sighed, as though it was all so disappointing. “It would be such a shame if anything untoward were to happen to such an excellent neighbor. A touch of vigilance over the next few days might be warranted. It’s my fervent hope that these worries of mine are misplaced because….” She took a delicate nibble of the crescent roll. “These really are quite excellent. Good night, dear.”
She nodded regally, turned, and left in a rustle of gray silk. Her man vanished from sight, as well.
Tandri eyed the woman’s departure with suspicion, having caught the unspoken interplay. She shot a knowing glance at Viv, who subtly shook her head in answer. A sick feeling bubbled in her stomach.
* * *
After closing,Tandri finally asked, “Was that her? The Madrigal?”
“Yeah.”
“She gave you a message.”
“Yeah. More of a warning. I don’t know why she bothered to let me know, but Fennus is going to move soon.”
“And what are we going to do about it?”
“Well, I could always kill him,” said Viv.
Tandri just stared at her.
“Joking,” muttered Viv.
Was she, though?
“The problem is, I actually stopped to consider it,” Tandri confessed. “He is such an asshole.”
“After that big speech you gave a month ago?”
“Yeah, well. Nobody’s perfect.”
Viv sighed. “Now, we’re back to square one. Trying to guess what he’ll do next.”
“No, we’re not. Because we know he wants the Stone enough to come here himself.”
“We can’t be certain he’ll try the same thing again. In fact, I can almost guarantee he won’t.”
“Well,” said Tandri. “One thingiscertain.”
“What’s that?”
“You’re not staying here alone.”
* * *
“I don’t knowwhy you’re still arguing,” said Tandri as she double-checked the locks.
Up to her elbows in soapy water, Viv scrubbed rather aggressively at a mug. “It just doesn’t make any sense. What difference could it possibly make for you to be here?” she grumbled.
The light dimmed as Tandri began extinguishing lanterns. “You’re right. With Hemington’s ward gone, what difference could Ipossiblymake? I’m only gifted with exceptional sensitivity to hidden emotions across an unbelievable range. How on earth could that be ofanyuse?”
Viv set the mug down more forcefully than she’d intended. A crack spidered up the side, and she gritted her teeth. “I still don’t like it.”
“Since you can’t refute my point, I guess I don’t care.”
Viv turned around to look at her, crossing her arms sullenly.
“Don’t be such a baby. We’ll make a pact. If mortal danger threatens us, I promise to hide behind you. Deal?”
