Page 91 of The Shadows Between Us
Of the bandit. The very same one who robbed Kallias and me.
I let out a giggle. Oh, Orrin.
But of course it’s Orrin. The pious do-gooder who wants to adopt orphans. Of course he would steal from his own class and help the poor.
The fool.
At first, I think to rush out and show Kallias, but then I realize he’lllock Orrin away. I can’t let that happen just yet. He has a part to play to save Rhouben.
So I tuck the mask into a pocket of my dress, replace everything else within the chest and lock it, return the key, and finally seal the letter I brought with me before putting all the supplies back in their proper places.
Then I knock on the door. Kallias reaches a hand through, grabs me, and tugs me back onto the other side.
We begin walking.
“Did everything go according to plan?” he asks.
“Even better.”
Kallias looks me over carefully as we round a corner. “I don’t recall ever seeing you quite this elated. I’m feeling jealous knowing that Orrin is what caused it.”
“Don’t be,” I say. “I just found incriminating evidence in Orrin’s room.”
Kallias narrows his eyes. “Did you put it there?”
I laugh. “No, actually. I came for an entirely different purpose and stumbled upon it.”
“And do I get to know what it is?”
“Yes, but later. I need Orrin to do something for me first. Do you trust me?”
Kallias pauses and sizes me up, honestly considering the question. “I do,” he says at last, as though the words surprise him. He rushes to add, “I’m bursting with curiosity, but I’ll try to be patient.”
“You are so very good at being patient.” I mean the words jokingly, but somehow, I think a bitter note enters my voice.
CHAPTER
20
It’s time.
Rhouben has delivered the letter to Melita. His father, Lord Thoricus, is at court, though reluctantly. Orrin is back from his travels, which I now realize had nothing to do with business at all but were an excuse for his illegal activities as the bandit.
I still can hardly believe he has the capability and brain capacity for such deception.
But it is of no matter. Orrin will be exposed soon enough.
Rhouben arrives at my rooms at half past eight.
“She just excused herself from our outing in the gardens, saying she was fatigued and would turn in early tonight. She’s taking the bait, Alessandra!” Rhouben’s excitement brings a smile to my lips. “What do we do now?”
“I’ve bribed a servant to follow Orrin all day and send me regular letters with his whereabouts. What’s next is for me to get him to Melita’s rooms.”
Rhouben’s legs fidget under his well-tailored pants. “How are you going to do that? Everyone’s heard of the way he dismissed you in the entrance hall.”
I toss my hair over my shoulder. “By appealing to his better nature. Don’t you worry about that. Do you remember your part?”
Rhouben wipes his brow with a handkerchief. “I tell my father Melita said she wasn’t feeling well. I ask if he would like to accompany me to check on her in her rooms. I need to act as though I’m concerned for my bride-to-be.” He grimaces as he says the words.
