He said with a bit of sarcasm, “No problem. That’s what I do.”
He was the Secret Keeper. Duh. That was his life.
“Also, I wanted to know if you think I should be worried. Am I in danger now that I’m running around with the Paladin Courier?”
The Secret Keeper’s eyes narrowed. “Are yourunning aroundwith her? My observation was that she brought you here to gain entrance to see me.”
Jack nodded. “Yes. I brought her to see you. That is true.”
“Is there more between the two of you that I need to know about?”
“No.” Jack felt like that was a big fat lie, but didn’t change his answer. “I hope I didn’t burn any bridges with you because I brought her here unannounced.”
The Secret Keeper abruptly stood up and came around to the front of his desk. Jack didn’t want to seem frightened, but he had to exert great effort not to take a step back as the man approached him.
“I want to be clear,” the Secret Keeper said.
“Okay. I’m listening.” Jack was not a small man. While the Secret Keeper was about his size and height, he felt small in comparison.
The Secret Keeper leaned closer, crowding Jack. In a hard, unmistakably serious voice, he said, “I expected the Paladin Courier to arrive one day. I did not know the exact means by which she would accomplish her task. You bringingherhere is acceptable.
“I wouldnothave been very happy if you’d brought just anyone to Suspicion. Am I clear?”
“Yes. You are perfectly clear.”
The Secret Keeper straightened, giving Jack some space. “You don’t have to worry about any recriminations from me regarding this visit, Jack, which I will keep secret from your family, as per your request.”
“Thank you.”
“As far as your danger level as yourunaroundwith the Paladin Courier, it’s fair to say that it is not zero percent. I couldn’t in good conscience calculate any other percentage foryou, but I don’t think you have to worry for your life at this particular juncture. Keep in mind that may change at any time and likely unexpectedly.”
Jack nodded as if he was super grateful for the wisdom the man had imparted, when he’d basically said absolutely nothing helpful.
“You should also keep in mind that she has a very important task with many moving parts and that greater-than-zero percentage will grow and recede with each step she takes.”
Well, that was pretty ominous.
“Thank you, Secret Keeper. I—”
“You should do whatever you can to help her, Jack,” the Secret Keeper added in a tone so low, Jack almost didn’t hear him, but figured he shouldn’t ask him to repeat it.
Jack locked gazes with him for a millisecond before the Secret Keeper broke the stare, turned away and seated himself behind his desk and the piles of paper as if he’d said nothing of import.
As much as he wanted to further discuss that low-toned message, Jack cleared his throat and left the Secret Keeper’s office without saying another word.
Madelaine was on her feet, backpack slung over one shoulder and seemingly eager to get on the road.
“Are you ready to head back to Alienn?” she asked.
“Yep.” Jack turned to Chester. “Thank you for letting us rest up.”
“Certainly. See you next time, Jack.”
Together, he and Madelaine left the municipal building the way they’d come in. Jack was discombobulated to face the sun setting on the western horizon.
Nearly twenty-four hours ago, he’d been standing on a stage at a bachelor auction, hating his life. He decided he was in,if not a better place, at least a more interesting place exactly one day later.
Madelaine and her proxy Cyberpunk Chick, Seraphina, had been the best option of those he faced on the auction block. One of these days, perhaps he’d ensure she knew he was grateful for her winning proxy bid.
