“Broad-spectrum antibiotic. I have no way of knowing if it will work, but until we have better options, I have to do something to keep your ass alive.” He grinned as he jabbed it into Sven’s arm. “Don’t worry. Even if it doesn’t do anything helpful, it’s nothing that will hurt you.”
Martin rebandaged the wound with efficient movements. “Stay still and rest until we know more. Don’t play the hero.”
Sven almost smiled at that. “That’s Lars’s line.”
Lars, who had hovered near the door, adjusted his ear piece. “Sven. Coben is here to see you.”
“Finally.” Sven pointed to his wardrobe. “Martin, help me get a shirt on. I don’t want to deal with the director half naked or with my bandages out for anyone to see.”
Once the buttons were in place, Sven nodded to Lars. “Bring him in.”
“Let me know when you find her,” Martin ordered. “Until then, I’ll be in my office.”
The door opened as Martin headed out and Coben stepped inside. The man’s presence always reminded Sven of a bear. Vital and strong, perhaps a bit thick around the middle, and with a look that seemed inviting but would bite at any given chance. His uniform was missing his tie and jacket and overall, he looked very casual.
As if reading his mind, Coben grinned. “It’s too early for formality and I haven’t had my coffee yet. But if I know you, the waiting wasn’t going to last much longer.”
Lars snorted as he closed the door firmly behind Martin.
“You’re looking well for someone who was almost killed,” Coben said, “Your Majesty,” he added quickly.
Sven smirked faintly. “No need for formality, Coben. You know that. What do you have for me?”
Coben sat in a chair close to Sven and cleared his throat. “I figured you would want to know about the woman.”
Sven sat straighter despite the pain the movement caused. “Go on.”
“Name’s Bryn Matsen. She checked into the Silver Snow Mountain Lodge, alone. She flew here, also alone, from Alabama to au pair for a newly established family here in Stagholt. They were expecting her on Monday, but apparently Bryn came a couple days early to sight see. One of my officers discreetly checked through her luggage, nothing out of the ordinary and not more than one person would need. Her cell phone will only work off of Wi-Fi and she’s not made any calls. Family background is unremarkable, if not a bit sad, but she doesn’t seem tied to anyone or any groups that would be alarming.”
Bryn. The name twisted through him like a warm breeze. Lars stared intently at him so he kept his expression blank.
“Au pair, huh?” Sven asked, his voice low. “You believe her?” He wanted to hear it from an official source even though Lars had already given him the information.
Coben lifted a shoulder. “Doesn’t strike me as the type to lie, and the Padusky family checks out. But my crystal ball is broken, so I can’t know everything. Everyone’s got secrets.”
Sven nodded. Everyone did, himself included. Coben was a trusted associate but even he wasn’t privy to the royal family secret.
“You want me to keep an eye on her?”
“Do you think she was involved with the assassin?” Lars asked from his post.
Another shrug. Coben shook his head. “No. I think she just happened to be there as she stated. The fact that she blocked Sven from the archer assassin was not planned as far as I can tell. I have nothing that states otherwise nor do I have any reason to question anything. My investigation continues, of course, but she’s not even on my list to question again.”
Sven thought it over. He didn’t want Bryn spooked, not until he understood his need to see her again. There was something unseen, and as of yet unknown, about the woman.
“Nothing seemed off about her?” Sven couldn’t directly ask about the healing powers.
Coben didn’t seem to think the question was anything but random. “No. She was pretty shook up but held herself together until we called a rideshare to take her to the hotel.”
“Did she say anything about a ring?” Sven left the question purposely vague.
“Actually, yes.” The answer surprised him. Coben crossed his arms. “She was upset that she lost her ring somewhere in the encounter and I had an officer look, but we couldn’t locate it for her. Why do you ask?”
“I have it,” Sven answered. “It must have slipped off her hand while she was assisting me. Did she say why it was important?”
“No, but I got the sense it was more sentimental value than anything. Do you want me to take it to her?”
“No, I’ll be sure she gets it back.”
