by Devyn Jayse
"No. I told someone else I'd look into it. I didn't make anyone any promises."
"Good. At least you're not that foolish. You may still survive the Blights." She took another long sip of her drink.
"Why don't you want to help?"
"It's not that I don't want to help. It's just that your endeavor is useless. This is the Blights. People will continue to die, and there isn't anything you can do about it."
"If that's what you think, then why are we having this conversation?"
"I was curious. It's always good to see the competition."
"I'm not your competition. I have no designs on your job."
"Not that kind of competition." She gave me a razor-sharp smile.
"If it's about your relationship with Blaze, I'm not going to interfere." Choking that out was difficult, but I managed.
Miss Ruby let out a low, sensual laugh that raised the hair on the back of my neck. "Darling, there isn't anything you can do that will interfere with my relationship with Blaze. You're new here, so just know that if you mess with him, you'll have a lot of people to answer to."
"But you're the one who seems to be the most concerned."
She sniffed and changed the subject. "I'm not going to reveal the men and women who come to my business."
"One of them is killing your girls."
"You don't know that. It could be anyone." She leaned back in her chair, picking up her drink and taking another sip.
"Two of your girls have died."
"And the girls before that? None of them were mine."
"But they had the same profession, which means the likelihood of the murderer being a client is high."
"You know I would do anything for Blaze, but if I shared my list, I might as well cut my neck right here."
"Why are you protecting them?"
"Do you think my patrons are from the Blights? Do you think that's how I can afford my surroundings? I have people who come from the castle, from town. People come to the Blights to keep away from prying eyes. There's a reason my list remains a secret."
"Do you suspect anyone? Has anyone new sought out the services of your girls?"
Miss Ruby shook her head, and she admitted, "We've been keeping an eye out for strangers. We've been turning them away."
"So the murderer is a regular." I was actually getting answers.
Miss Ruby features took on a troubled cast. "That's what I believe."
"Can you let me know who they saw the night they were murdered? Was it the same person? Do you know who did it?"
She shook her head. "They both saw different people. I have a suspicion that both girls were working outside the house, taking extra business so I wouldn't take a cut."
I knew that would be an idea she made sure to tell the other girls, to keep them in line and dissuade them from conducting business off the premises.
"If that's all, I think we're done here. Come, I'll walk you out." She got up from her chair and walked me out of the room and back down the hall. The three women were no longer there. The man was still there by the door ignoring us.
Before I left, I turned to her. "If you have anything to share, you can find me at The Honest Tavern most evenings."
"I'll keep that in mind, but don't be waiting."
Someone moved out from a doorway near her. My eyes widened as I recognized who it was.
Miss Ruby turned around to see the man I was looking at. She flashed him a sharp smile. "Ragum, warn a girl before she stabs you." She reached her hand to caress his cheek and leaned forward to give him an affectionate kiss. A very affectionate kiss.
He leaned back after she moved away and gave her a lazy grin. "I was too busy enjoying the view from the back."
"You're free to come enjoy it anytime you like in my office."
"Why have you ventured so far away from your office?"
She ran her fingers up and down his arm. "I had to escort the famous Dare out myself. It wouldn't do to have her get lost."
"What are you doing here? Have you reconsidered my advice, then?" He looked at me with a raised eyebrow, his tone underscored with laughter.
"No." I scowled at him.
Miss Ruby raised a hand to her mouth at our exchange, hiding a smile as she understood what Ragum's meaning. "It seems you're eager to get stabbed tonight, Ragum."
She turned back to me. "It was interesting to meet you. Feel free to come back anytime, we cater to all tastes. I must get back to work now."
"Thank you, and remember you know where to find me."
"I know, but my answer will still be the same." She walked away, her curves swaying.
How does one walk like that?
I shook my head and stepped back out into the night.
7
"So are you taking my advice now?"
I looked back at Ragum, who had followed me out the door and halfway down the street. I had been trying to ignore him but it didn't look like it was going to work. I knew what he would say but I asked anyway. "What advice?"
"To seek a job with Miss Ruby."
I glared at him. "No, that's not going to happen."
"Pity. I would have enjoyed seeing Blaze's face when I told him."
"Why are you following me?" I asked, hating the flush rising to my cheeks.
"I'm doing you a kindness. You should be grateful. It's not safe to walk the Blights at night. Or in the day," he added. "Do you even know how to get back to The Rebel Hare?"
"I'm sure I would figure it out."
"Not before you crossed two streets you shouldn't be on and got jumped by the young Blights hell-raisers. Then tomorrow, it would be my job to find the same Blights hell-raisers and punish them for attacking a member of Blaze's crew. I thought I'd skip the step by just walking you back to your place."
I glared at him but didn't say anything in reply. He didn't seem disturbed. We walked in silence for some time. A few street lanterns were lit, the rest dark. Despite my protestations, I was glad Ragum had decided to walk me. I still wasn't as comfortable in the Blights night as I pretended.
"I liked her," I finally said.
"She's a good boss."
"Stop it."
Ragum's dimple flashed in his cheek. He enjoyed getting a rise out of me. I think he did it only to see how red my face would get. Thankfully it was dark. Anytime I started thinking about Miss Ruby's profession, I couldn't help but get embarrassed. She had a right to do with her body what she pleased, but I still felt uncomfortable with the idea.
"If you weren't seeking a job, why were you visiting Miss Ruby at her house?" Ragum asked, his eyes serious.
"I wanted to ask her about Jessie."
Ragum frowned. "Jessie?"
"Yes, I want to find out who's murdering these women."
He shook his head. "That's a bad idea."
"Which part? Figuring out who's responsible? Making sure they don't do it again?"
"I'm serious." He took his hands out of his pockets. "You haven't seen the bodies. This is a very bad idea."
"Why? What happened to the bodies?"
"Whoever did those things to those women is a monster. He clearly doesn't respect women. I know you choose to dress otherwise, but you're a woman. You'd be at risk."
I sputtered at the sly insult he had inserted. "I can take care of myself."
"You'll only make more trouble," Ragum predicted.
"Or I could be an asset," I insisted.
He muttered to himself, "I should have you followed."
"Or I could help." I glared at him.
"Or you could wind up as the next corpse." Ragum whistled. "And I'd have to clean up the mess."
"I can take care of myself," I repeated, my hand touching my sword for reassurance.
"Blaze wouldn't like it," Ragum muttered under his breath, but I still managed to hear him.
"It doesn't matter if Blaze likes it or not. I want to end these murders. And you should help me because I know that's what you want, too. Miss Ruby knows
the killer is a regular. She's protecting him by not telling us about who visits her house."
"She's protecting her business." Ragum shrugged. "I wouldn't expect her to share a list of clients. It would ensure that none of her clients returned. She has to protect herself."
"At the expense of her girls," I retorted.
"She tries to keep them as safe as possible, more so than other people in her field. You need to stay out of this. You don't realize how dangerous it is."
"Almost as dangerous as living in a place where women get killed and no one can stop it? If I don't try, aren't I keeping myself at risk?"
Ragum let out a sound of frustration. "You don't understand what this murderer is doing to these girls."
"Then tell me," I demanded. "If I don't understand, then show me so I can understand. The more information I have, the better it would be for finding out who is behind all this."
"No one should see them. He's a cruel killer." Ragum looked away from me, scowling fiercely. "What is he doing here?"
I glanced at who had attracted his attention.
8
A tall man wearing a long coat strode toward us. My heart skipped as it always did whenever I saw Garren, Tobin's brother. Tobin had resembled him so strongly that I was always taken aback to see Garren, as if Tobin was resurrected from death.
Seeing him opened up the wounds again. I missed Tobin fiercely and would never get over the guilt of his death.
"What are you doing here?" I echoed Ragum's question.
"I came by to see you. I'm glad I managed to catch you." He looked askance at Ragum.
"Make sure she gets to the Rebel Hare," Ragum said. After Garren nodded, he left us.
We were halfway to the Rebel Hare, so it wasn't far.
"Is Gwen all right?" I asked as soon as Ragum was out of hearing range, concern in my voice. Gwen was pregnant, and one of the most difficult things about my exile from the castle was being away from my sister. Garren had given me the opportunity to return to the castle, but I would be at risk every day.
If I were discovered, my life would be forfeit. I loved my sister, but I wasn't willing to step into a cage for her, especially since stepping into that cage would mean she would be hurt by my discovery. The prince would not believe that she had no knowledge of my presence, and he was not a man to be crossed. He would punish her for it.
Garren quickly reassured me. "Your sister is doing well, don't worry. The latest reports from the doctor claim she's in fine condition."
Relief washed over me, leaving behind curiosity. "What are you doing here?"
"Can we talk? I meant to catch you earlier at the tavern, but certain matters made me late."
"I was just on my way home."
Home. That was probably the first time I'd referred to my small room at The Rebel Hare that way.
"We can talk as I walk you there," he said.
"Yes, of course." We resumed walking toward the inn, and I gave Garren a side glance. "You haven't been to visit for some time."
"Did you miss me?"
I stumbled in surprise, and he reached out a hand to catch my arm.
His eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Did you twist your ankle?"
"No, I'm fine. I was just taken aback."
"By what?"
"I missed you?" I raised an eyebrow.
His face cleared as he gave me a smile. "Yes, haven't you missed me? I thought you'd wonder why no one was asking you to come live within the castle walls again."
I let out a laugh. "Believe it or not, life has been peaceful."
One of the last times I had seen Garren, a man had been in the process of kidnapping Penny, then the man had attacked me. It did feel strange that he hadn't shown up in a while to badger me into returning to the castle, however.
"The Blights? Peaceful?" Garren's tone was skeptical.
"Well, there is a murderer on the loose, but other than that, yes, it's been quiet."
"You know about that?" Garren asked with a hint of surprise.
"The murderer? Yes, why?"
"Good, it should make my job easier. It's why I came to talk to you. Word has reached the castle about the murders, and I've been ordered to investigate."
"That's what I'm doing."
"You're seeking out the killer that is targeting females?"
"Yes." I was ready to argue with him about why I should be doing that instead of hiding away.
What he said next took me by surprise. "Will you share any information you find about him?"
"You don't have a problem with me searching for the murderer?"
"No, I want us to work together." He frowned. "Why would I have a problem with it?"
"Others seems to have an issue with me pursuing it." I didn't want to say who. Right then, it seemed most of the Blights opposed it, with the exception of Penny.
He appeared thoughtful. "I know you're capable. All I would caution you against is going into dangerous places without backup or someone knowing where you are."
"This entire place is dangerous."
"You know what I mean. You need someone to recognize if you've been away for too long."
"Doesn't Oscar let you know about my movements?" I asked, taking a stab at my weak knowledge of their relationship. I knew Garren and Oscar had a working relationship, but I didn't know if that covered monitoring my activities or not.
"You don't go to his store daily," Garren said, turning thoughtful. "That's the trouble. There's a window of time that may make it difficult to trace you if you should go missing."
I gaped at him. "Oscar reports to you about what I do?"
"No, but he would let me know if you went missing." Garren's eyes were serious. "I need your help on this. It would be useful if you could be my eyes and ears on the ground and let me know what you find out."
"Will you share any information you find?" I asked in return.
Garren hesitated.
That was answer enough. I marched away from him, annoyed.
"Dare, wait!" He ran to keep up with me.
"You want me to share everything, but you'll keep your secrets, is that it?" I spat out. "You'll just use me to do your work, but in the end, you won't even help me solve the problem. I don't think that's fair or right. If you want my help, then you have to offer me yours in return."
Frustration clear in his voice, Garren said, "They're not my secrets to share."
"Why should I help you, then? Ask them that. Ask them why I should bother. Maybe they'll change their minds then."
"I've asked you before to join us. It would make everything easier."
One of the last times I had seen Garren, he revealed that he wasn't simply a guard sent to the outer territories on a mission. He was much more, a spy working for the crown. I was taken aback at the time. To be honest, I still wasn't sure what to make of it.
He had tried to convince me to come work for the crown as he did, but I had said no, and I repeated that.
"I've given you my answer," I said.
"It's the only way you'll get answers to your questions."
"Then they won't get my help," I replied stubbornly.
I wasn't sure which one of us was more annoyed with the other as we made our way to the Rebel Hare.
9
"Where are we heading? The school is that way." I pointed the opposite way.
"I'm not going to school today. I'm going to the shelter," Penny replied.
"Why are we going there?" I asked, my brows knitted in confusion. That day was usually when Penny went to school.
"Kay's there now. I want to check up on her."
"Really? How did you manage to get her to listen to you?"
The last time we'd seen Kay, I was willing to bet she wouldn't leave that shack she called a home for a long time. I wondered whether her neighbors played a part in her decision to leave.
Penny soon confirmed that, saying, "Her neighbors forced her out. She had nowhere else to go, so she came by to see me, and we took her t
o the shelter. I want to make sure she's settled in." A stormy expression settled on her face. "I'm glad she's at the shelter, but I'm so mad at what her neighbors did to her, especially in her circumstances. Why are people so cruel?"
I shrugged. Some people just were. That was quick work. Then again, the desperate in the Blight did not wait. They grasped at any opportunity they could get.
As we approached the women's shelter, I spotted a familiar figure walking towards us.
"Hello, Maggie," I said when she was close enough to hear me. "How are you?"
I bought my fruit from Maggie. I had built a rapport with her. She was always interested in introducing me to new fruit. I usually knew them all, but she had surprised me once with a strange pear from a faraway land.
"Doing well," she said. "I was just leaving. Pass by soon. I have some new fruits to share with you."
I promised to do so.
As soon as we stepped into the shelter, we spotted Kay. She was with Cora, the resident supervisor of the shelter.
Penny went over and gave Kay a quick hug. Then she leaned back to study her friend. "How have you settled in?"
"It's going well. I didn't expect it to be so... nice," Kay admitted. She seemed to have realized that her neighbors forcing her out was the best thing that could have happened to her.
Cora nodded. "This is a good place. Lots of other women want to help."
Kay confirmed that. "They've been so kind to me. So many of them have already volunteered to spend time with me to teach me different skills."
"They provide a lot of lessons here. You just have to choose which you're interested in," Penny said.
"I already made friends," Kay continued. "Penny, other than you, I didn't have friends. People didn't want anything to do with me. Here, everyone who comes up to me wants to be my friend. I was suspicious of them at first. I thought they wanted to steal my things, but they were serious. They care about whether I spend time with them or not. I didn't know what to do."
Penny patted her on the arm. "You'll get used to it. It's a nice feeling to have friends vying for your attention, isn't it?"
"Yes, but I feel a little overwhelmed," Kay admitted.