Page 77 of Guild Boss

“Put it on my to-do list.”

“It is on your to-do list. It just isn’t at the top. Yet.”

“Moving right along,” Gabriel said in a grim voice. “I’ve got an emergency for you.”

“Hang on while I get someplace where I can talk privately.”

There was the usual screen jiggling while Aiden rose from the table and hurried into a hallway. When he stopped there was a sign on the wall behind him.emergency exit.

“Ready, sir,” he said.

“I want you to locate a man named Tuck.”

“That’s not a lot to go on.”

“I’ve got a few more details. I’m sure he’s ex-Guild, so he should be in the database. We know he was in Illusion Town four months ago, and there’s good reason to think he’s still in the vicinity. I’ll send over the only photo I’ve got. A few months back he was looking for a tuner who could handle rare ambers. He would have had to ask around, because he found Pitney in the Shadow Zone. Looks like Tuck killed him to keep him quiet.”

“So we’re talking about a man who is capable of murder and arson?”

“Yes.”

“Anything else?” Aiden asked, waxing enthusiastic.

Another man eager to take on a mission, Lucy thought. She smiled to herself. Whatever else you could say about him—and there was a lot to say—you had to give Gabriel credit. He knew how to assemble a team and infuse them with his love of the job.

“One more thing,” Gabriel continued. “He may be wearing a gray amber pendant like the ones I showed you today, but that’s not a great clue, because he probably conceals it under his shirt and jacket.”

“Is he married?”

Lucy realized Gabriel was looking at her, silently asking for an opinion.

“Unlikely,” she said. “He doesn’t appear to be good husband material.”

“But you think he’s been in town for about four months?” Aiden pressed.

“That’s my theory,” Gabriel said. “Where are you going with this?”

“I may be looking for a professional.”

“Professional mercenary? Yes, that’s exactly what I’m trying to tell you.”

“No, sir,” Aiden said. “A professional sex worker. He or she might remember seeing an unusual amber necklace on a client.”

Lucy leaned forward. “That’s a brilliant idea, Aiden.”

Aiden glowed. “Thanks, Ms. Bell. I just hope it works.”

“I can save you some time locating a professional,” Lucy continued. “I know one who lives here in my apartment building. Veronica Star. She’s a disciplinarian. Works at the Dungeon Club. Knows everyone in the business.”

“Stage name, I assume?”

“Of course. I’ll go down the hall and ask her to contact you immediately. I’m sure she will be delighted to do a favor for the Guild. It’s obvious everyone in town wants to do favors for your organization.”

“That is good to hear. It means our public relations program is rolling out the way I envisioned. I’ll wait for Ms. Star’s call. Meanwhile, Mr. Jones, I’ll go into the Guild database and see what I can find out about this Tuck guy. But unless we get lucky, it’s going to take a while. I’ll call you as soon as I have information.”

“Thanks, Aiden,” Gabriel said.

He ended the call and looked at Lucy, who was getting to her feet.

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