This scene was deleted from At the Mercy of Her Pleasure.
In the published book, Captain NarrAy Jorlan meets with Senth at a coffee shop adjacent to the Thieves’ Guild. But in this version, she met him at the Starport.
Inside secret: the starport on Kelthia is named Starhaven Leojnimaj. Those are my sons names combined, backward (Joel and Jamin). NarrAy’s last name, Jorlan, was chosen in honor of the hero of Dara Joy’s book Ritual of Proof.
Kelthia, Miraj City, Starhaven Leojnimaj
Coffee Shop, Concourse D
NarrAy sat, holding a cup of coffee she didn’t want and had no interest in tasting. A plain dress hid beneath her black hooded cape, covering every inch of skin as the law required for Betters. How long would it be before they forced her to hide her face too? She blew on the coffee. Where was her thief?
“Anything yet?”
“Nothing.” Broxus answered from the south terminal.
“No sign.” Encie made ticking sounds into the transmitter. “Your pretty boy thief is late.”
“We’ll give him two more minutes.”
“You’re too easy, boss.” More ticking.
What was that noise? NarrAy scanned the area. “Encie, I thought you quit biting your nails.”
“I’m not bi– Hey. How’d you know I was doing that?”
“You may be on the north side of the concourse, but I can see you between the lockers.” She blew on the coffee.
Her assistant stood up straight and glanced around. “I forgot about those eyes of yours.”
“Yes, well, it was my ears that heard you nibbling.”
“Nibbling what?” Senth asked, dropping into a chair.
NarrAy set down her coffee so fast it spilled. “Where did you come from?”
“Cohorts didn’t see me?” His inviting mouth stretched into a smile. “Level nineteen thief, remember? If those two could spot me, I wouldn’t be worth what you’re paying.” He used her napkin to sop up the coffee.
Brox’s and Encie’s questioning voices broke into her concentration.
“He’s here. We’re leaving.” When she rose, Senth assisted her with her chair.
Not that she wanted or needed help, but imagine a thief with manners. Well, well… This could be interesting.
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