suspicious.
‘In a way. Actually this is better. Now, in return for the favour I must ask, I
can offer something you want. If you address yourself to my problem, I’ll put an
end to Kurd’s practice for you.’
‘I assume that what you want is illegal. If you really think I’d…’
‘It is not illegal!’ Jubal spat with venom. ‘I don’t need your help to break the
law, that’s easy enough to do despite the efforts of your so-called elite force.
No, Hell Hound, I find it necessary to offer you a bribe to do your job – to
enforce the law.’
‘Any citizen can appeal to any Hell Hound for assistance.’ Zalbar felt his own
anger grow. ‘If it is indeed within the law, you don’t have to…’
‘Fine!’ the slaver interrupted. ‘Then, as a Rankan citizen I ask you to
investigate and stop a wave of murders – someone is killing my people; hunting
blue-masks through the streets as if they were diseased animals.’
‘I … I see.’
‘And I see that this comes as no surprise,’ Jubal snarled. ‘Well, Hell Hound, do
your duty. I make no pretence about my people, but they are being executed
without a trial or hearing. That’s murder. Or do you hesitate because it’s one
of your own who’s doing the killing?’
Zalbar’s head came up with a snap and Jubal met his stare with a humourless
smile.
‘That’s right, I know the murderer, not that it’s been difficult to learn.
Tempus has been open enough with his beagging.’
‘Actually,’ Zalbar mused drily, ‘I was wondering why you haven’t dealt with him
yourself if you know he’s guilty. I’ve heard hawk-masks have killed