"It takes longer to reach you these days," Hakiem said with a casualness thatbordered on insolence as he removed his blindfold.
Jubal was sprawled across a large, throne-like chair which Hakiem recognizedfrom earlier days when the black ex-gladiator/slaver had openly operated out ofhis Downwind mansion. He wondered briefly what it had taken to retrieve thatpiece of furniture; the Stepsons had attacked the dwelling, driven the crimelordinto hiding. Of course, the "ersatz" Stepsons had been there for a while, whichmight have made the recovery easier ... but that would have to be a story to bepurloined on another day.
"These are dangerous times," Jubal said without a trace of apology. "One asobservant as yourself must surely have noticed that, even though you have seldomrelayed such information to me since your promotion."
Hakiem felt vaguely uncomfortable at this subtle accusation. He knew that he hadlong enjoyed favored status in Jubal's eyes, and at one time would havetentatively called him a friend. Now, however ...
"I have brought someone to meet you," he said, striving to shift theconversation away from himself. "Allow me to present ..."
"You would not have reached me if I hadn't known both that you were accompaniedby someone and that person's identity," Jubal interrupted. "All that remains tobe discovered is the motive for this visit. You may remove your blindfold aswell. Lord Setmur. My earlier instruction was meant for both of you."
Hakiem's companion hastily removed his eye covering and stood squintingnervously.
"I ... I wasn't sure, and thought it better to err on the side of caution."
"A sentiment we both share," Jubal said with a smile. "Now tell me, why wouldone of you Beysib interlopers, much less the head of the Setmur clan of