Page 36 of The Thief's Mark

Or maybe it’s a certain thief that has you so flustered.

That was a dangerous thought—one he couldn’t afford to dwell on too deeply right now. Deciding that enough time had passed, he strode toward the Treasury. He kept his face carefully blank, his steps purposeful: a protector on a mission.

The Treasury building presented an imposing sight. Wooden columns carved to resemble winged Celestials watched over the entrance while more columns in the shape of various sea creatures lined the antechamber. Enormous silken tapestriesin shades of blue and green hung along the walls. Engraved seashells coated the floor, leading to a row of arched teller windows along the far wall. A pair of double doors sat beside them, leading into back offices and the Treasury’s vaults.

Griff gave the grand room no more than a cursory glance before removing his aura blockers and striding purposefully toward the nearest protector. Cal should already be there somewhere near the doors, where Griff had detected the wards earlier.

As he caught the protector’s eye, he flashed his badge. “Excuse me, can I have your attention?”

The protector eyed him, as did several of his nearby compatriots. Most, however, ignored him, their drooping auras signifying boredom. It looked like he’d need to be a little more forceful if he wanted to hold their attention.

“That meansallof you!” he barked, raising his voice to a near bellow. More eyes turned to glare at him, and he caught a few flickers of angry red amid their auras. Better that than apathy if it meant them focusing on him.

“Thank you,” he continued. “I have reason to believe that a dangerous criminal may be hiding in this area. Your cooperation in apprehending them would be most appreciated.”

The protector nearest Griff gave him an unimpressed look. “Sounds like your problem, not ours, Inspector. We have our own duties here to attend to.”

Griff swept a pointed look over the antechamber. At this time in the morning, there were barely any other patrons—hardly enough to conjure more than a faint pressure behind his eyes from their overlapping auras.

“Seems to me like your duties would survive without you for a few minutes. If you’d all gather up near me, I can give you the criminal’s description so you can help me scout the area.”

Another of the protectors narrowed their eyes. “You’re that hot-shot inspector, aren’t you? The one that made all the papers?”

There were some grumbles from the other protectors at that. Far from being impressed, that seemed to make them even more sullen, their auras darkening like ash.

Griff muffled a sigh. Great. It figured that the protectors assigned to this sort of rote guard duty wouldn’t exactly be the cream of the crop. Still, at least if they were glaring at him, they weren’t paying attention to what the other patrons—Cal included—were up to.

He was searching for what to say next when a familiar voice called out, “Inspector Denton! What a pleasant surprise.”

Griff whirled, his eyes widening a fraction when he spotted High Commander Pern emerging from the doors to the back. He wore a crisp uniform laden with medals, his electro-baton strapped to his waist. His aura was mostly a fierce orange, its barbed shape suitable for someone used to fighting. Sasha followed at his side, his own aura a touch drearier and more restrained.

“High Commander,” Griff said, startled. “What areyoudoing here?” Muffling a wince at his careless words, he snapped a belated salute. “Forgive me, sir. That is none of my business.”

The High Commander chuckled, coming to a stop before him. Sasha hovered a few paces back. He flashed Griff an encouraging smile that gave him some heart.

“It’s fine, Inspector,” the High Commander said. “Just attending to some Pentarchy business. Believe me, I’d much rather be back in my office.” His smile faded as he swept his gaze over the gathered protectors. “Did I hear you issuing orders to these protectors?”

Griff’s stomach roiled. Merciful Light, he hadn’t intended to involve the High Commander of all people in this mess. Whatwould he think if he knew what Griff was about to attempt…and with who?

Still, he saw no other option but to stick to his story. “That’s right, sir. I have reason to believe a fugitive may be hiding nearby. I was trying to procure their assistance scouting the area outside for anything suspicious.”

High Commander Pern nodded. Then, he turned toward the protectors, his voice crisp. “Well? You heard the inspector. I suggest you listen up!”

That finally snapped the protectors to begrudging attention. Beneath the High Commander’s watchful eye, Griff related the fake details he’d prepared ahead of time. When he was finished, the protectors flashed High Commander Pern hasty salutes and hurried past. They funneled out the door until only Griff, the High Commander, and Sasha remained.

“Sorry about that, Inspector,” High Commander Pern said. “I’ll make sure to speak with their captain to ensure that kind of thing doesn’t happen again.”

“Thank you, sir,” Griff said, bowing his head.

He expected the High Commander to depart. His nerves flared when he lingered instead, dropping his voice. “Any news yet on the Siren’s Call case? As you can imagine, I’m under significant pressure to catch this…Blackjack.”High Commander Pern grimaced as he said the name, like he’d tasted something sour, and his aura throbbed.

Griff shook his head even as guilt soured his stomach. Merciful Light, he hated lying to his superior officer like this. But it wasn’t like he could turn Cal over.

“Not yet, sir. I’ll let you know as soon as I uncover anything.”

High Commander Pern nodded. “Good. Keep up the good work, Inspector. I sense great things in your future.”

With that, he finally turned to leave. Sasha trailed after him, flashing Griff another friendly smile and salute as he passed.Griff returned it, puffing out a relieved breath.Thank the Light. Carrying out a bank heist had seemed like a poor enough plan when it was a room full of protectors they had to contend with, let alone the leader of the entire Watch.