Even the most loyal.
Sako returned to the end of the table, got close to me, and leaned over. “Ms. Palmer, I left three new packages in your office this morning.”
“Packages?”
“Yes.” A hint of apology softened his face. “They arrived with the morning shipment. Likely more books. Would you like me to open them for you and place them on the shelves?”
“That’s okay,” I smiled. “I’ll handle it myself after the meeting.”
“As you wish.” He inclined his head. “By the way, are there any changes you need made to your office?”
“No way. You did an incredible job. I’ll take it from here. Thank you so much.”
Warmth flickered through his expression, subtle but unmistakable.
“It was my pleasure. Organizing your office felt. . .oddly familiar.” A small smile touched his mouth. “As if I were writing a book myself.”
I smiled back. “Then you’re already a natural. Perhaps, you should consider writing a book one day. I bet you would have tons to say.”
He blinked and then his smile widened. “After helping you with your office, I got pretty excited about the idea of writing so. . .I may write something. Of course I will want to talk to you.”
“Good. I would love to help you get on the path of writing.”
“I’m honored.” Sako bowed once more, softer this time, almost personal, and then stepped away.
Kenji turned to him. “Thank you, Sako.”
He slipped away.
The door closed.
He’s fine. Just shaken. But. . .I should talk to him later. Make sure it’s only the war he’s afraid of and not something else. Also. . .he may have seen something that could be helpful.
He had more access to the house than others. Also, servants tended to be invisible allowing them to witness a great number of things.
The room shifted after Sako left—chairs creaked, breaths steadied, hands returned to weapons or pockets. A few held low conversation with each other.
A minute later, Reo stood and everyone went silent and put their attention on him. “We’re waiting for Hiro. He just woke up. But for now, I should get introductions out of the way.”
One of the Claws spoke, “Hiro was sleeping?”
“Yes.”
The Claw blinked a few times as if absolutely shocked by the news.
Reo began to introduce the Fangs to me one by one. With each name, I did another assessment and cleared them once again.
After that, Reo gestured to the other side of the table. “Nyomi, now allow me to introduce the Dragon's Claws.”
Alright. Let’s see who everyone is.
Reo gestured to the first man—the one that asked the question about Hiro sleeping. “This is Kaede. Hiro's second-in-command.”
I took him in.
Kaede was. . .beautifully dangerous. Platinum-blond hair pulled into a low knot at the nape of his neck, high-collared black suit so pristine it looked like he'd just put it on.
One glass eye caught the light, the other—the real one—studied me with careful accuracy.
