pitched low when he answered. “Fuck you very much for comming. Allow me to direct you to kissing my ass.”
Nobek Enforcer Lomek, no doubt still on Kalquor and perhaps sitting at his desk in the precinct, snickered at the greeting. “Shove it in sideways, shithead.”
“If it’s yours, that would be the only reason I’d notice it’s there.” Japohn laughed quietly.
The two Kalquorians stood up from their table and left the dining room. He dismissed them from his mind after a brief tug of wistfulness and got down to business.
“Why are you honoring me with the dulcet tones of your voice, Enforcer Lomek?”
“First off, congrats on pulling that last guy in. Huna Territory enforcement had been searching for Nobek Gom for six months. Word was Global Security was about to step in and shame the locals.”
“I live to help enforcement save face.” Japohn tried to sound casual, but pride insisted on sneaking into his tone.
“You live to make the bounty money. Speaking of which, I have a paycheck for you if you’re not on another case already.”
Usually, Japohn would have loved to track down whatever criminal Lomek wanted to send him after. However, he was more than delighted to turn the enforcer down that day. “Sorry to disappoint you, old man. I’m taking a well-deserved couple of weeks of vacation before shipping off to war.”
“No shit. Who’s your commanding officer? I want to send him my condolences when you put him and the rest of your squad in the hospital.”
Japohn made a rude sound. “My inability to play nicely with others has been taken under careful consideration. They’re placing me in Enemy Infiltration.”
“Nice. They’ll hand you your assignment and send you off to work independently. Should be a good fit for an ornery cuss such as you.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” More than he could adequately explain. Japohn’s inability to work in a group had kept him out of military service prior to the war. Now it was his ticket in, his chance to at last follow his Nobek father Gir into the ground forces. The tough elder soldier was already fighting through enemy posts in the war, making his family proud.
It’s finally my turn. By the ancestors, he’d go out there and earn Gir’s—all his parent clan’s—respect in the months ahead.
Feeling good about himself and life in general, Japohn finished his breakfast and ventured out into the street to see what the day would bring. The sun was bright but not glaring as it would be around midmorning. It was just turning into spring in Ler, so it wasn’t overly hot yet either. In the afternoon, the nearby jungle would swelter. Steam from its dense vegetation would seep as far in as where Japohn was lodged, carrying the choking scent that smelled as green as its source.
For now, the temporary booths that lined the street early in the morning and during twilight were bustling with food offerings. Light scents of baked goods mixed with the savory aromas of sizzling meats. More delicious smells issued from the various restaurants that dotted among the stores located in the vicinity.
Alongside quick-grab meals were canopied souvenir booths, which mostly offered cheap wares. Japohn spotted the other two Kalquorians who’d caught his eye in the inn’s dining area. They wandered the souvenir booths, occasionally stopping and discussing whatever trinkets they found interesting.
Telling himself he should hunt for a gift for his mother’s birthday, though it was still three months in the future, Japohn meandered in the handsome pair’s direction. Why not shop early? It would be difficult to locate a present worthy of Matara Nenap while he was off at war.
Spare me. You’re playing the lovelorn Nobek, wondering if those delicious men would give you a second glance, if they were to notice you at all.
Japohn shook his head at his foolishness, but he approached the booths nonetheless. Staying back, so as not to give disappointment a chance to happen. Yet studying them covertly as he scanned the items for sale. He wondered how different life would be if he could get out of his own way when it came to meaningful relationships.
He couldn’t help but appreciate the Imdiko’s sweet smile. He inwardly applauded the Dramok’s assuredness as he haggled with proprietors. Japohn noted the indulgent attention he favored his companion with.
That’s right. You make him happy, lucky Dramok. Be grateful you have him.
Because Japohn was Japohn, a successful bounty hunter recently finished with his latest job, he scanned his surroundings as he moved about,