Page 59 of Jael

Chapter 16

Danny watchedas Jael pulled out of the parking lot. She’d looked tense coming out from the reading of the will, but her interaction with Christopher only confirmed that whatever had happened inside, her affection for the younger Sisera had not changed.

He was desperate to talk to her and make her see the mistake she was making, but that would have to wait. Today, he had to focus on the Siseras. Maybe she’d end up marrying Christopher after all, but if Danny could find another way to get to Artus, he’d prefer not to be a part of those celebrations.

He watched as Artus patted his son on the back. Both men looked not just pleased but elated. They spoke with their heads close together—a private conversation that Danny would have given anything to listen in on. Five minutes later, they shook hands, then got into different cars. Danny followed Christopher, using all his skill to ensure he wasn’t spotted.

After driving through the city for ten minutes, Christopher pulled over, and Danny passed him, pulling to the curb a block away.

He watched in the rearview mirror as Christopher entered a shop.

“God, please let this be a lead.” He turned off the car and got out, hurrying down the sidewalk with his head bent low and his phone out to appear inconspicuous. When he got near to the shop, he slowed, noting that it was a large Asian grocer. After checking the entryway to confirm it was clear, he ducked inside.

Immediately, he veered left, hiding himself down an aisle full of shrink-wrapped foods. The earthy, salty tang of the dried seafood gave way to the pungent scent of fermented pastes.

He picked up a container of doenjang, pretending to study the ingredients as he listened. Christopher's voice could be heard farther into the shop. He was speaking to someone at the counter.

Danny rounded the aisle and skipped a few, getting as close as he could until Christopher’s words could be discerned.

“There’s a bonus in there,” Christopher said to the clerk as they stood near a display of spices.

Danny watched through a shelf of soy sauce.

“Give Mr. Sisera my thanks,” the clerk said. “Although I don’t know what I did to deserve his generosity.”

“It’s nothing you did, if I’m honest. But you’ve helped us effectively in the past, and this time, not only was the timing superb, but the aftermath exceeded both of our expectations.”

“I told you my product would work. It always does.”

“That was never in question. Everything you supply works exactly as described. You have never let us down.”

“Then I don’t understand.”

“The bonus is a gift. It’s a kindness my father is bestowing on you for being a part of what is a larger plan. A plan that is coming together beautifully. It means our business will continue to prosper, and, as a valued and reliable member of our circle, you can expect we will continue to require your services.”

“I see. Tell him he can count on me whenever he needs me.”

“I’ll let him know.”

Danny waited until Christopher had left the store before he gathered a few random items and approached the counter.

“Hi there,” he said to the same clerk who had spoken to Christopher.

“Is this everything?” the clerk said, distracted. Probably by the large sum of money he’d just received.

“Well…I have to ask.” Danny leaned closer. “If I was to look for certain items not on the shelves, would you be the man to speak to?”

“Everything we have is displayed. If you want something else, you’ll have to come back and speak to the owner. She’s only here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.”

Danny nodded. He wasn’t ready to interrogate this guy yet. There was too much at stake to move too quickly. “No problem. Thanks.”

He paid for his items, then left the store, throwing what he’d bought in a nearby garbage bin before pulling out his phone.

“Danny.” Deborah’s voice was bright. She must have been in a good mood.

“Afternoon, Deb.”

“You know I don’t like to be called Deb. Why would you call me that?”

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