Page 20 of Bounty Hunter

I take a hesitant seat on the edge of her bed. I don’t want to hear it, but I sit anyway because that’s what best friends do. Inside though, all I really want is to pretend like this isn’t happening, open this sack of fresh food and fill my belly full again while I revel in the knowledge that I am finally free. I box up that joy to be fully enjoyed later. Rupi hops from my shoulder down to Renna’s, then bounces lightly in front of her. Her stubbybeak affectionately pulls at a piece of her shirt, and she tilts her round head quizzically, as if she’s truly trying to understand.

“My last contract… the river boat…” She gives a sob. “I didn’t mean to… I was so tired from the last trip, and I fell asleep. Without the magic I was hired to offer?—”

“What happened, Renna?”

“I had to pay… damages.” She presses her face to her pillow and sobs.

She continues rambling, trying to sort through the situation, but it turns fuzzy in my ears. River boat jobs aren’t easy, as the river is so violent. Any distraction on the Originator’s or Tulip’s part can lead to disaster. But what’s done is done. If she doesn’t have the money for the Tulips, her bracelet will lapse, and she will no longer be protected and anonymous. If this mercenary situation gains the interest of the kings, these bracelets really will matter. I can’t let that happen.

“How much do you need?” I ask, resigned. If I have to pick up another small contract to make up the difference, I will. It’s no big deal, right? Dues are paid six months at a time. We have two more weeks to gather the money, and that’s enough time if she didn’t give too much away. I hope.

“All of it,” she whispers, still staring at the wall. “It’s going to lapse.” She lifts her bracelet enclosed wrist and then drops it lifelessly on the bed. “I’m going to be found. Killed.”

My jaw drops, and my mind spins. I’ll never let that happen. I don’t mention that mercenaries are reportedly tracking us down, now’s not the time. Instead, I aim for motivation.

“You still have two weeks! Get up, get dressed, and let’s go find another job.” I’m already thinking through options. There’s always a plan. It just has to be made.

She shakes her head. “I contacted Tatania right away. If I don’t have enough by the due date, she has agreed to allow me on as an indefinite servant to the charmer of the bracelets to pay the dues.”

Nausea claws at my belly. Beautiful, sweet, caring Renna as a servant to the odd charmer with eyes so black they give me chills? That is no life for her.

“No. Don’t give up.” I set my jaw in painful decision. “I’ll help you. Get another contract, do what you can, and give me two weeks. I’ll have it.”

Renna sits up, and Rupi tumbles a bit with the movement of the quilt. But Renna is too busy wiping her face with the bottom of her shirt, her voice muffled through the fabric, to notice. “That’s not possible. There’s not enough time.”

I scoop Rupi off the bed and place her back on my shoulder. If I have to use up my savings, I will. But I’ll do everything I can to get the money without giving up my dreams first. Either way, my Tulip sister won’t be going anywhere.

I swallow, realization setting in. I will have to go to extreme measures to help her. I want to rant and scream and cry at the unfairness of it all, but it won’t change the fact that she’s my magic sister, my best friend. I was free for just over a week, but a blessed and joyous week it was. Enough to wet my tongue and leave me craving more. And I’ll have that freedom back, just… not yet.

“I’m taking a big job, and I leave in two days. I’ll meet you at Mama Tina’s. I’m sure you can find work there until I get back. Don’t sign any contracts with the charmer.” It’s a command, not a question. And hopefully, being with Mama Tina protects her from any mercenaries.

She frowns. “But I thought you were done?”

“One more job. You must have been confused.” I grit my teeth to hold back tears. Rupi nestles into my neck.

She nods.

“We can do this. We’re Tulips.” I say, for her as much as myself.

I get the feeling she doesn’t quite believe me, and I’m not sure I do, either. First stop, swallow the bitter pill containing my pride and find Rhette.

Chapter 15

Vera

Iknow right where to find him. He frequents a tavern in town with rooms above-stairs anytime he’s in the area, and that’s exactly where he is. I’ve never had a reason to track him down or enter this establishment before. He sits at a table, a scantily-clad woman upon his lap as he drinks and laughs with four other men, a forgotten game of cards lies strewn across the table. I frown. I shouldn’t be surprised by what he does on his own time, but I ignore the pang of disappointment. I’m not here for a date anyway, if I was, I would be no longer. I’m here for a job. I set my resolve and straighten my shoulders, blatantly ignoring the woman who scowls at my approach, and stalk toward Rhette. When he spots me, he quickly sets the woman to the side and stands, his eyes guarded. Rupi’s feathers ruffle sharply against my neck. She doesn’t hate him, but she certainly doesn’t like him. We’re on the same page right now.

“I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Obviously.I choke down betrayal. He never indicated he wanted to be more than friends. I just misread all the relationshipcues, as usual. I gesture toward the doors with a nod, and we leave the building, finding privacy in the alley beside it.

He begins to speak. “That girl and I…”

I cut him off, not wanting to hear it. I get straight to the point before I cry at how this day has turned. “I’ll take the contract. Where was he last seen?”

His smile slowly grows, and I can practicallyfeeltheI knew itthat is so clearly written in his expression but remains wisely unspoken. “With the mercenaries, of course.” His eyes light with that hint of eagerness that I see in many hunters before tracking their prey.

“Of course,” I mutter.

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