Page 12 of The Immortal's Trick
Something’s wrong.
His whole posture is off—stiff, uneasy.
“Did the sales go through?” I ask.
He sighs and lifts his gaze. “Not exactly.”
He explains how many of our typical buyers were suddenly uninterested in the discounted crops. Not one of them provided a reason other than simple disinterest.
The information shocks me. “Are there other interested buyers?”
Ani’s lips form a thin line. “I am making inquiries.”
My mind whirls with alternative plans.
Once harvest ends, perhaps we can reduce the field hand numbers. I hate to deprive a man of income, but he could be rehired next season. And if we don’t sacrifice now, there might not be a next season for us.
“I have several promising leads. I hope to find a buyer by the end of the week,” Ani adds, sensing my inner turmoil.
I nod and force a smile. My mouth tastes like ash. “We’ll make do. Thank you, Ani. Truly.”
He flushes, the warm color blooming across his face. “Of course. I do what I can.”
“And we are forever grateful. You are truly a genuine and admirable friend, Ani.”
His eyes dart away, like the words embarrass him. Then he asks, “Are you going somewhere tonight?”
His gaze slides down my dress again.
“Nebet and I are going to the theatre.”
His eyebrows lift. “With your family?”
I hesitate. “No. With… acquaintances.”
That word feels too light, too vague for the feelings the handsome Greek stirs within me.
Ani asks, “Do I know them?”
“I don’t think so. They’re visitors. Greeks.”
His expression sharpens. The warmth in his face drains away.
I fight the urge to fidget. “One of them found my purse at the market. I believe you spoke with him.”
Ani’s jaw flexes. He remembers. “You’re going to the theatre withthatman?”
“His name is Lome,” I reply. “And yes. Nebet and I are accompanying him and his brother to the theatre.”
Even if I were the high artisan of Alexandria, I doubt I could recreate the absolute disbelief that flashes across Ani’s face. He stares at me like I’ve lost my mind.
“Will there be a chaperone?” he chokes out the question.
I don’t enjoy causing Ani discomfort, but I won’t lie to him. “No.”
Now, all color fades from his cheeks. “What would possess your father to allow you and your sister to take such a risk? Who evenarethese men?”
“Nebet and I will take care,” I assure him. “We are not so foolish as to approach the evening without caution.”
