We found the hidden room a few moments later. If you can call it a room. It was a small space dedicated to one thing—the drying of meat.
“Those Brujai got off easy,” the King snarled.
I nodded as I stared at the human jerky. My thoughts returned to the first crime scene. The one with the Chelli. The scent of meat had hung in the air. Now, I stared at more flesh turned into meat. It felt like another clue.
“Wait,” I whispered. “Greishen killed Kun-lo.”
“Did he?” The King gave me a heavy look. “Or did he deliver a dreaming human to a couple of hungry Brujai who would have paid well for the delicacy?”
“Well done, Your Majesty.” I looked from the remains to the King. “I believe you're correct. Either that, or Greishen murdered humans and used the Brujai as a convenient way of getting rid of the bodies.”
“Yes, that's another option.”
“I need more information and evidence.” I spun away from the dried meat and rushed up the basement stairs.
The King didn't even curse this time, just followed. But as he came, he commanded one of his knights to summon yet another Talon team to collect all the remains.
Chapter Thirty-One
Back in the Jewelry District, I found a reputable shop and walked in. I specifically chose one that was owned by a Hulfrin. Not that I wanted to speak to a Hulfrin specifically. I would have settled for anyone who wasn't a Chelli. Just in case.
The Hulfrin woman looked up and waved. “Be right . . . with you.” She gaped as the King came in with his guards. Then, to her customer, she said, “Uh, I'm so sorry, but it's the King. I have to give him priority.”
Her Tyasmoran customer turned, saw that she wasn't lying, and bowed. “Your Majesty.” He nodded at the saleswoman. “Of course. Please help them first.”
The Hulfrin rushed over. “How can I assist you today, Your Majesty?”
“I'm Claw Shinkai,” I said, pulling her attention away from the King. “I'm investigating a few murders.”
“A few?”
“Yes.” I took the air stone out of my pocket, slipped it out of its evidence bag, and handed it to her. “What can you tell me about this stone?”
“The stone and the setting?” She peered at it. “Or just the stone?”
“Just the stone. I believe it's a blue topaz.”
“You are mistaken, but it's a common mistake. This is a blue garnet.”
“A what?” I peered closer. “I thought garnets were red?”
“The common ones are. But they come in many colors. This particular blue is one of the rarer shades.”
“How rare?”
“Only one mine produces them.” She held it up, her fur-covered face crinkling as she sighed. “So beautiful. Where did you get it?”
“The mine, if you please!”
She jerked back. “Oh. Sorry. Yes, uh, it's . . .” She frowned. “What's it called again? Chelli owned, of course. Just outside the city. Ummm, Hallax. Yes, the Hallax Mine.”
I gaped at her.
“Hallax, you say?” The King nudged me.
“Yes, there was a terrible accident there many years ago, but they reopened rather quickly, albeit through another tunnel. I suppose when you have blue garnets to mine, you don't want to waste any time. Still, I always thought it was insensitive. What with all the deaths.”
“Deaths? What deaths? Who died?”
