Page 34 of The Thief's Mark

Good question.“It’s complicated,” Cal muttered, not sure he could explain his tangled feelings surrounding Griff even if he wanted to. “But the case shouldn’t take long. Soon enough, he’ll be out of my hair.”

“Perhaps,” Kelsith said. “But you know as well as I do that people like him will never understand what you and I have been through. What it’s like for people like us. No matter how noble he might seem, you cannevertrust an inspector.”

Cal didn’t reply. He clenched his jaw and looked away. Kelsith wasn’t saying anything he hadn’t already told himself. Even if Griff honored his word and let him go for now, that amnesty wouldn’t last forever. Sooner or later, the inspector would come for him again. And the more time Cal spent with him in the meantime, the more clues he gave away about his ability and himself.

When the silence stretched between them, Kelsith sighed. “Well, I hope you know what you’re doing, Faces. What’s this case of his about anyway?”

Cal hesitated. Something compelled him not to say, and he shrugged. “The usual sort of prottie nonsense. Look, it was good to see you again, but I need to get back. I promised Griff I’d bring back some food, and thanks to you, I’m already running late.”

He turned and strode back the way he’d come. Hopefully, he’d stashed the bags well enough that they were still there.

“Just be careful!” Kelsith called after him. “And don’t let down your guard, even for a moment. Remember who your real friends are. See you around, Faces.”

Cal couldn’t resist glancing back, but Kelsith was already gone.