Sentinel - Cyndi Friberg Page 0,37

imbued most with unusually strong abilities.

“Where did this happen?” Salvo asked. “And do you know their names?”

“They was in the shuttle lot behind the old restaurant on Eighth and Pelskey. I seen them there several times before. That’s why I hung around to listen.”

“How many?” Salvo’s pale blue gaze focused squarely on Caster’s face. Was he reading his expressions or scanning his mind? Most, if not all of the Sarronti had some form of magic power. Sentinels were among the most powerful of all the elves. It was unlikely that forming portals was Salvo’s only gift.

The thought sent concern rippling through Natalie. Had Salvo ever “read” her? The soul-bond Kara shared with Malik gave them access to each other’s thoughts and feelings, but that was interactive. She knew she could trust Salvo. Still, the possibility made her feel vulnerable.

“One male, one female,” Caster was saying. “The male was huge, but the female was giving the orders.”

Salvo nodded, as he shot Natalie a knowing glance. “What did she look like?” Salvo had a way of identifying connections that kept him three steps ahead of everyone else.

“Fancy clothes, fancier shuttle. Snooty, like all the elite.”

Salvo smiled. “What color was her hair? What about her skin? Was it smooth or textured, light or dark? Was there anything unusual about her?”

“Orange hair, pale skin.” Caster shrugged, glancing at her then away. “Elites all look the same.”

“And the male?”

Caster started shifting his weight from one foot to the other. Was he just anxious to have the interrogation over, or was he uncomfortable with these specific questions? She watched his face, especially his eyes.

“He was one of the biggest people I ever saw. She was tall, but she barely came to his shoulders. His skin was sort of yellow and his eyes were small and dark. He was clearly urbanite, but I only seen him with her. Must be from some other part of the city.”

Or some other part of the galaxy. One glance at Salvo’s contemplative expression told her that he was thinking the same thing.

“So tell me the rest,” Salvo prompted. “When and where is this kidnapping supposed to take place?”

“The female said Malik was coming here and that would be their best opportunity. Said he was too protected in the capital.”

Salvo’s gaze narrowed and his fingers drummed against his thigh. “Then there is no specific target date or location?”

With a shake of his head, Caster rushed through the rest of the information. “She told the male to have his team watch Malik and act as soon as they had an opening. The male wasn’t happy, said it could take days even weeks. She said she didn’t care if it took a season cycle, she wanted this done cause her other plans couldn’t move forward as long as Malik stood in her way.” When Salvo only nodded in response to the revelation, Caster asked, “Was all that as important as I thought?”

“Definitely,” Salvo admitted. “You did good, really good.”

The spy finally smiled, obviously thrilled by Salvo’s praise.

“What is going to happen to Dellia?” Natalie asked, unwilling to leave until she knew for certain that the girls were protected. “Are you both going back on the streets?”

Caster shook his head. “Serpent won’t let us. I have to stay here and Dellia is going to one of the orphanages.”

Natalie’s heart ached for the siblings. Caster had tried so hard to keep them from being separated. She wanted to object, to demand that they find a place where the two could be together. But Salvo had just agreed not to interfere with Serpent’s decisions. Caster didn’t seem upset by the outcome, so she kept her objections to herself.

The street smart spy effortlessly read her expression. “This is a good thing, Mistress Xett. The orphanage is nearby and Serpent said I can visit Del every day. Her friends is going with her too, so she won’t be alone.”

“That sounds like a very good compromise,” she offered with a smile.

Caster returned her smile then looked at Salvo. “Can I go now?”

Salvo nodded.

“And we’re good again, right?”

“We’re good.” As soon as the door closed behind the lad, Salvo stood up. “Let’s get out of here.”

She followed his example then pushed both their chairs up to the table. Growing up in a restaurant had imprinted her psyche with the need for orderly furniture. “Do you have enough energy to open another portal? This will be the third one tonight.”

He looked into her eyes and smiled. “I can do the little jumps