taking in more than the men who’d brought undeniable infatuation to the fore. Inspecting for danger was a natural side effect of his work, even when he had no reason to do so.
No doubt that was why he quickly homed in on the fourth Kalquorian in the neighborhood. The man was half-hidden behind a building across the street from where Japohn and the lovers perused the sales booths.
When Japohn noted the other Nobek’s rapt concentration on the twosome, he stepped casually behind a tree, where he could observe the situation. He didn’t question the instinct to do so; Japohn had learned to listen to the hunches that had saved his life more than once. He studied the Nobek who found the oblivious sweethearts as fascinating as Japohn did.
The man’s appearance screamed junkie. He was underweight to the point of gauntness. Despite the distance that separated them, Japohn detected a tremor running through the guy. His hollowed eyes were wide, and he kept licking his lips.
A junkie who’d missed his last fix, then. Japohn might have guessed he was scouting for easy marks to rob—and the couple fit that bill—but there were easier targets to steal credits from than a couple of healthy, strong Kalquorians. Especially for someone who appeared as wretched as the Nobek.
That glittery stare he watched the youngsters with also failed to match up to someone who was desperate for candy money. That was rage. Japohn knew the look well.
He’s not planning to rob them. What’s his deal?
As the men moved on, the other Nobek crept after, hiding as much as possible. Japohn considered, wondering if he should call out the stalker. However, the junkie hadn’t done anything to warrant trouble yet. If Japohn confronted him, the other Nobek could easily complain to authorities. Depending on who was on duty, Japohn might have to use a large chunk of his funds to bribe them to let him go—par for the course when it came to dealing with most law enforcement on Dantovon.
Japohn decided he’d maintain an eye on the situation. Playing secret guardian to a handsome Dramok and Imdiko was as fun as sightseeing. Especially if he had the opportunity to bust some jerk’s head and earn the lovely pair’s respect.
* * * *
Karil shadowed Vax and Bacoj, careful to stay out of sight as they leisurely wandered stalls and stores. The young shits played tourists, laughing as if they didn’t have a care in the world. As if Vax hadn’t done the awful things he had.
How long did they plan to stay? That was the question that kept deviling him. In a couple of days, he’d be strong enough to face them himself. Maybe. Or maybe this was a quick jaunt, and they’d leave the next day. In that case, he’d miss his chance to avenge Huk.
It was the uncertainty that drove him crazy. Karil had to take advantage of this opportunity he’d been afforded. He was afraid he couldn’t wait for his body to recover enough to take the pair on.
If he had any sense, Karil would get help to fix the bastard Imdiko. There were thugs on Ler who’d do nasty things for the price of a cheap meal. Yet as addiction’s clamor quieted and his body started to remember its old strength, Karil thought that maybe—if he could catch his quarry unprepared—he could score vengeance in the proper manner, on his own. That would be sweet indeed. He just needed the right opportunity.
Maybe such a break about to happen. Karil had visited Ler several times in the past, and he knew the section Vax and Bacoj were entering. The oldest part of Ler, it had fallen on hard times as the city’s newer underground center attracted the tourists and more prosperous businesses. As a result, the aging neighborhood had become a hive of lawless activity, where clueless tourists were often beaten and robbed. Sometimes, naïve visitors even lost their lives. Two murdered Kalquorians would be a singular event, but not out of the question.
Better if he could kill the Dramok and take Vax elsewhere for proper retribution. The vision of having the murdering creep at his mercy made Karil’s long-disinterested cock grow hard with anticipation. However, with honor so close to being recovered, the Nobek was willing to settle for his enemy’s tears as he realized his life was over.
The prey was journeying ever deeper into the seedy district. The ancestors were smiling on Karil today. He was sure of it. A nasty sneer