“At least I don’t have to ask if you’re glad to see me,” she observed.
“Tanda!” Aahz gasped at last.
“You remembered?” Tanda beamed.
“She’s been waiting for us, Aahz,” I supplied brightly.
“That’s right!” Aahz scowled. “Grimble said you set us up for this job.”
Tanda winced.
“I can explain that,” she said apologetically.
“I can hardly wait,” Aahz intoned.
“I’m kind of curious about that myself,” I added.
“Um . . . this could take a while, guys,” she said thoughtfully. “Got anything around to drink?”
That was easily the most reasonable question asked so far today. We broke out the wine, and in no time were sitting around in a small circle quenching our thirst. Much to Aahz’s disgust, I insisted we sit close enough to Gleep that he not be left out. This meant, of course, his rather aromatic breath flavored our discussion, but as I pointed out it was the only way to keep him quiet while we talked.
“What happened after you left?” I prodded. “Where are Isstvan and Brockhurst and Higgins? What happened to Quigley? Did they ever bring Frumple back to life, or is he still a statue?”
“Later, kid,” Aahz interrupted. “First things first. You were about to explain about Grimble.”
“Grimble,” Tanda responded, wrinkling her nose. “Did you ever notice the ‘crookeder’ a person is, the more possessive he is? He’s the main reason I didn’t wait for you at Possiltum.”
“From the beginning,” Aahz instructed. “From the beginning.” Tanda pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Well, I picked him up in a singles bar … he’s married, but I didn’t know that till later.”