“I hope not,” she replied. “Because I need a strong man by my side, not some pretty face.”
Walking briskly along the street next to Jarvik, Allyssa huddled in her cloak, trying to stay warm against the frigid air. Even though it wasn’t raining, the wind whipped between the buildings, making her eyes water and her nose run.
The squire hadn’t spoken since they left the castle. His shoulders were stiffer than normal, and his eyes darted to every person they passed.
Allyssa shivered. If all went well, she would meet with the assassin, tell him her information, and he’d release Grevik. She had wanted to go and see his mother, to let her know she was trying to save her son. However, Jarvik wouldn’t let her. After he verified Grevik was indeed missing, he’d sent one of his men to speak with Grevik’s mother about his disappearance.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Jarvik asked. “I can send my men in to apprehend the assassin. We can interrogate him until he reveals where your friend is.”
“The last time we met the assassin, I seem to recall him rendering your men unconscious in less than a minute.”
“We’re better prepared this time,” he said.
“I want to continue with our original plan,” she replied. The squire nodded, like he had expected her to say that. “Can I ask you something?”
“You can ask me anything,” he said.
“Why are you helping me?” Their relationship had progressed from pure hatred, to a level of tolerance, and now to respect. However, Allyssa didn’t know if Jarvik thought of her as a friend, ally, or colleague. She wasn’t certain what she considered him—none of those felt quite right.
“I’m here because if I was in your situation, and my friend had been kidnapped, I’d want all the help I could get to save him.”
His answer surprised her, and she couldn’t help but admire his loyalty. As annoying as Jarvik could be sometimes, she was glad he was there with her. It was nice having someone to collaborate with, especially someone as sharp as Jarvik. Blimey. Did she actually think he was intelligent?
“In case I haven’t told you,” she said, “thank you for your help.”
He stopped and turned to face her. “I must have heard you wrong. Did you just thank me?”
The wind thrashed against her cloak, tangling it around her legs. “Yes,” she said. “I did.”
He laughed, surprising her. The simple act transformed his face, making him look younger and … blasted, he was alluring. She stiffened, suddenly unsure how to act around him.
His smile faded and he placed his arms on her shoulders, gazing into her face. “We should stop walking together, just as a precaution,” he said, his voice gruff.
Nodding, she whispered, “Are your men in position?”
“Yes.” She peered down at his fingers, waiting for him to release her. “Be careful,” he said. “Remember what we talked about—what questions to ask and how to act.”
“I will.” She bit her lip, needing to clear her head. An assassin who held her friend captive awaited her. All of her energy and focus needed to be on Grevik.
Jarvik hesitated and then let go of her shoulders.
Not knowing what else to say, Allyssa walked away and rounded the corner, the inn in sight. She slouched, trying to act like a commoner, and entered the inn. She’d played this part often enough that she shouldn’t have been nervous. However, after working with Jarvik this afternoon and having him point out every little thing she did wrong, she was suddenly hyper aware of every movement she made. Allyssa suspected the assassin would be scrutinizing every detail, and under no circumstance could she reveal her true identity.
Once inside the tavern, she headed upstairs and knocked on the wooden door to room 205. It creaked open enough for her to slip inside the dark room. Her heart beat frantically, knowing the assassin was near and Grevik’s life depended upon her.
The door clicked shut, and silence greeted her. Hands deftly slid over her body, removing her weapons. The assassin tugged a blanket off the oil lamp, illuminating the small room. They stood facing one another, both hidden under black cloaks.
The assassin folded his arms. “Well?” he demanded.
“I have information,” she replied.
“And?”
Remembering what Jarvik told her, she said, “I won’t tell you unless I know my friend is safe.” Making demands was dangerous. With a flick of his wrist, he could kill her. Holding her breath, she waited for his response.
“If your information is of value, I’ll take you to your friend. If it isn’t, you can watch me slice his throat.”