[Jedi Apprentice] - 11(12)

“There was no time to paint the inside,” Astri said, noticing Obi-Wan’s glance around. “And no time to tear the place down and rebuild, either.” She gave a comical grimace.

“I’m sure everything will go fine,” Qui-Gon said. “We’ve just come to talk to Didi for a moment. Is he here?”

“He’s in the back. I told him to stay out of my way.” Astri’s dark eyes twinkled. “I think I scared him. He actually listened to me.” Suddenly, she craned her neck and stared out the window. “Stars and planets, it’s them!” Astri gave a surprisingly loud bellow. “Renzii! Our customers are here! Renzii - “

She was still bellowing as the door opened.

A tall woman dressed in a gray shimmersilk gown underneath a rich purple cloak stood uncertainly in the doorway. Her gleaming blond hair was intertwined with silky fabric. “This is Didi’s CafŠ?”

Hurriedly, Astri wiped her hands on her stained apron, then held one out for the woman to shake. She had rubbed a berry stain on her apron, and the hand she offered was blue. The woman stared at it and did not take it. Astri quickly tucked her hand behind her back.

“Yes, yes, come in. You are so welcome. I’m the owner and chef, Astri Oddo.”

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan faded back. The woman’s party crowded behind her. They glanced around the cafe, surprise on their faces. Obviously they had expected a grander restaurant for their meal. They were from various worlds, but all had a prosperous look. The men were dressed in fine tunics and jackets, the women in shimmersilk gowns or jackets. One aristocratic-looking female wore a jeweled turban. Her light blue eyes widened in dismay as she surveyed the cafe, and she quickly gathered her tunic closer around her.

“There must be some mistake,” Jenna Zan Arbor said.

Just then Renzii the waiter raced out of the kitchen and skidded to a stop in front of the party, still buttoning his tunic. “Welcome, come in, enter, this way,” he babbled.

“I think we’d better leave Astri to her guests,”

Qui-Gon murmured to Obi-Wan. “It seems her hands are full.”

They walked back toward Didi’s private office. They pushed open the door. Didi sat in a chair, his back to them. He didn’t turn.

“Didi? Is everything all right?” Qui-Gon asked.

Slowly, the chair swiveled around to face them. Didi’s dark eyes were full of tears. “I fear it is my fault,” he said.

“What is your fault, Didi?” Qui-Gon asked gently.

“It’s Fligh,” he said. “He’s been murdered.”





CHAPTER 8


Obi-Wan had faced death before. He never got used to it. The way a spirit could fill a space, the life energy behind the eyes, and then… nothing.

“What happened?” Qui-Gon demanded.

“I don’t know,” Didi said, mopping his face with a napkin. “The Coruscant security force contacted me. They know Fligh is a friend. He was found in one of the alleyways around the Senate. The Lane of All Worlds is where he is lying like an animal.” Perspiration shone on Didi’s face. “Do you think this has anything to do with me?” he asked. His face betrayed how fearful he was to hear the answer.

“I’m afraid I do,” Qui-Gon said grimly. “We’d better talk to the security forces. Come on, Didi.”

“Me?” Didi squeaked. “Why do I have to go?” “Because I think you should remain with us at all times now,” Qui-Gon said. “You aren’t safe here.”

“But I am!” Didi protested. “Astri will lock the front door so no other customers come. And this fancy party will go on for hours. No one will try to attack me while such distinguished guests are here. And besides,” he added in a low tone, “I’m too afraid and sad to move right now. I could not look upon my dead friend’s body. I am sorry.”

Qui-Gon exchanged a glance with Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan hoped he was not going to suggest that he stay here with Didi while Qui-Gon investigated Fligh’s death. He did not want to stay behind to baby-sit Didi when there was work to do.

“All right,” Qui-Gon said reluctantly. “This shouldn’t take very long. Make sure every door and window is fastened tight, Didi. This bounty hunter can get through very small spaces.”

Didi nodded vigorously. “I have done so already, but I will double-check.”

“We’ll return soon,” Qui-Gon said. “We’ll knock at the back door. I don’t want to spoil Astri’s big evening.”

“So considerate of you, Qui-Gon,” Didi said fervently. “None of us want to spoil things for Astri. I will wait here. Can you… can you make sure that Fligh is… taken care of?” Didi’s eyes filled with tears. “Tell the security forces that I will pay for the funeral. I will pay for everything.”