“I went straight to the Hall of Talons after I found the shop empty and open. I reported my brother-in-law missing.” He shook his head. “They said they'd look into it this morning. That they always wait a few hours before investigating cases like this. Often the missing person returns.” He swallowed roughly. “But I knew he wasn't coming home. Lansho would never disappear like that. He loves my sister and their children too much. Loved, I mean. Oh, fuck.” He rubbed a hand over his face.
“Go be with your family. Grief sneaks up on you in waves. You think you're strong enough but it waits for a weak moment and then strikes.”
He nodded. “Thank you, Claw—I mean Tekhan. I'll see you in a few hours. It's the Rushao Jewel on Hull Street.”
“Very good. Thank you. And please share the King's condolences with your family at an appropriate time.”
“I will. Thank you.”
Chapter Five
Rulli walked back to the Panne residence with me, and then we parted on the sidewalk. He spent a moment staring at the door, then lifted his chin, opened the door, and went inside. The sound of weeping carried out. I sighed and turned toward the carriage. The door was already open, Sir Vasren holding it for me.
“Sir Vasren, thank you for informing the extended family about the death. You saved me from repeating difficult news. That was kind of you. I very much appreciate it.”
“You're welcome, Claw Shinkai.”
I climbed inside, sat down across from the King, and pulled my notebook out of my coat pocket.
“Your Majesty?” Vasren asked.
“One moment, Sir Vasren.” A pause, and then, “Claw Shinkai, where are we going next?”
“Huh?” I looked up. “Oh. You can drop me at the Hall of Talons.”
“You've concluded your investigations for the day?”
“For now.”
“What does that mean?”
I should have lied. But the problem with being a straightforward, no-nonsense type of man is that lying is difficult. I often forgot that I should. As I did now.
I met the King's stare and said, “I'm meeting the brother-in-law at the jewelry shop he owned with the victim. But that's not for another two hours.”
“I see. Then we have time for lunch.”
“What? No. I need to go over my notes. It's part of my process.”
“You have to eat. Why not do so with me?”
“Because I doubt I'll be able to focus on the case if I'm dining with you.”
The Dragon King grinned and looked at his knight. “To the Golden Triangle, Sir Vasren.”
“Yes, sire.” Vasren shut the door before I could protest.
“I need to go to the Hall of Talons!”
“You need to eat. You also need to get to know me better. I'm going to make sure that you do.”
“You're going to make sure I do what—eat or get to know you?”
He grinned wickedly. “Both. At the same time. Don't you appreciate my efficiency?”
“Your Majesty, I—” I jerked forward with the momentum of the carriage.
The King steadied me. “You should sit beside me. It's a better ride when you face forward.”
