Page 444

~~Holiday Special (Day 5/7, Page 2/6)~~
There was no denying that much, David conceded. But even so, their tune had changed much too quickly. He was more than a little reluctant to believe whatever they told him, and yet, perhaps listening to what they wanted him to believe would grant him a better notion of what the truth was. “Why do you suspect this young man has a spy in our castle?”

They hesitated again.

David was on touchy ground with that question, and he knew it. They didn’t realize that he knew they had some type of agenda involving Harold. He wondered how much they would tell him.

“Well,” said Andres, “I’m sure you’ve noticed that all of our comrades are not here at the moment. We don’t believe it’s a coincidence that this video was leaked today, of all days.”

“I was wondering about that,” said David. “Where have your friends all gone, exactly?”

“They received a request to return to HQ,” said Desmond. “But don’t worry. They will be back soon.”

“Ah.” Passable lies, he supposed. Time to press further, then. “Why did you say he was obviously trying to evacuate Harold?”

Andres’ expression twitched. A sudden flash of irritation.

“We have a delicate operation there,” said Desmond, still as cool as ever. “He probably wants to sabotage it.”

“Oh? What type of operation?”

Desmond was ready with a smile. “Military supplies and so forth. The details would probably bore you, but if you’re so interested, then I’ll take you there tomorrow and give you a tour of the facility.”

David was impressed as he returned a grin of his own. Doubtless, something would prevent that promise from being fulfilled. Perhaps it was time to petition Jezebel for an investigation. The only point where Abolish seemed to consistently encounter any difficulty was where the Darksteel Soldier stood.

-+-+-+-+-

Hector and Lynnette entered Sescoria from the east, him on his motorcycle, her in a sleek car of dark green.