I realized with a guilty start that I had overindulged, sinking too far into my thoughts to maintain awareness of my surroundings. After the unkind thoughts I had entertained about Nunzio’s attention span, this was an inexcusable lapse on my part. Ignoring the offered gift, I raised my head and cast about desperately to reassess the situation.
There were three of them: the one currently addressing me, and two others who were talking to Nunzio.
“I dunno,” the latter was saying. “I didn’t get any instructions about anyone pickin’ up the shipment early.”
Something was definitely amiss. From his words and manner, even Nunzio was suspicious . . . which meant the plot had to be pretty transparent.
“C’mon boy. Take the treat.”
The Deveel facing me was starting to sound a little desperate, but I continued ignoring him and his offering. It was drugged, of course. Just because humans can’t smell a wide range of chemicals, they assume that no one else can either. This one was no problem. I was more concerned as to whether or not Nunzio would require assistance.
“I can’t help it if your paperwork is fouled up,” the smaller Deveel with Nunzio snarled, with a good imitation of impatience. “I’ve got a schedule to keep. Look. Here’s a copy of my authorization.”
As Nunzio bent to look at the paper the Deveel was holding, the one standing behind him produced a club and swung it at his head. There was a sharp “CRACK” … but it was from the club breaking, not from Nunzio’s head, that latter being, as I have noted, exceptionally dense.
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