Read Fade for Free Online Page B

shocked face was worth it when he disconnected the call.
    He opened the documents she had sent to him, and he signed, authorized and agreed to every caveat and registry of responsibility for Amethyst’s actions. He thumb printed the final document and sent the entire packet back to Blade.
    A return file came through to him, and he blinked and rubbed his eyes. Hundreds of tiny pixels were on his screen. A message scrolled across the bottom. You need exercise as well, Uncle.
    He groaned. It was the image he had asked for, in several hundred pieces.
     
     

 
     
     
    Chapter Eight
     
     
    The best thing about having servants wake her was that she didn’t have to actually wake up to do anything.
    She was back in her formal daywear within minutes as Porali put her hair up in a top knot and cascade of hair to knees. The maids had a bit of a slap fight when they wrapped bits of her hair in the wide sash, but a few sharp tugs later and everything was fine.
    Amy missed the freedom of movement that the riding clothes had afforded, but she settled into the small steps and minute motions required to keep from tripping and falling on her face.
    Teriki led her to the garden where a table had been set and Akutan was busy working on a data pad.
    Amy blinked. “I thought that tech was restricted here.”
    He grinned and set the pad aside. “It is. I am an authorized user. You look well rested.”
    She looked down and smiled. “Being drugged and medicated will do that to a person. How long have I been asleep?”
    The evening was firmly entrenched outside the open doors that led to the porch, which faced the green canyon behind the palace.
    “Seven hours or so.”
    She hesitated. This time, there was no place set across from him, only the seat next to him.
    Akutan grinned. “To avoid confusion. I have spoken to Teriki, and she is accepting of the place I have selected for you.”
    Amy swept her outer robe back, and she knelt as gracefully as she could. There was a bit of wobble, but she was getting better.
    The data pad was right next to her, and he had been doing some sort of puzzle. Her fingers itched to solve it, but it wasn’t her toy to play with.
    “Did you enjoy the ride today?” His words were some kind of trigger. The servants put the food on the table and walked quietly out of the gardens.
    “I did, though it took a weird turn in the middle.” She twisted her lips.
    “Lord Darfuli is trying to gain your assistance in more than just simple criminal activities. He wants you for another reason, and Sacred Flame has not been able to determine the exact nature of his plan.”
    She moved her sleeve aside and poured the tea for him before her own. “I am guessing he wants an assassin that can go anywhere.”
    Akutan paused with the cup halfway up. “Assassin? How could your talent be used to kill?”
    “I can sink someone halfway or all the way into a solid surface and let go.” The data pad next to her was a taunt. She really loved puzzles.
    He jerked his head toward the puzzle. “If you think you can solve it, go ahead, just do not forget to eat.”
    “Teriki would be horrified.”
    “She is not here.”
    Looking around to confirm it, Amy swiftly assembled the pixels into an identifiable image. When the picture was complete, she slid it back to him. “Here you go.”
    The food was still hot, and she picked out morsels of fish, noodles and a fluffy grain to sate her appetite.
    He was amused. “Did you look at the image?”
    “It was a man embracing a woman. The faces were too small for me to make out.”
    He expanded the image and turned it toward her.
    Amy opened her mouth in shock. “That’s me…and you.”
    “It is. Apparently, there is an artistic precog with an eye toward matchmaking on Yacaro. One of your people. She is married to a Guardian, and currently, her projects involve finding matches for the few members of her race that are in the Nyal Imperium. There is something dangerous happening, and your