---
The message also mentioned Kel locking himself in the back room. Only people familiar with the shop knew that the back room could be sealed from inside.
It mentioned the old storage road.
John had used it twice when bringing metal supplies without attracting attention.
The details made the message believable.
That was why John disliked it.
Fizz read the paper from beside his shoulder.
His ears slowly lowered.
"Gael is hurt?"
John did not answer immediately.
He looked at the delivery boy.
"How long ago did this happen?"
"I do not know. The woman gave me the note near the western market and told me to run."
"Where was she standing?"
"Near a closed cloth shop."
"Was she injured?"
The boy shook his head quickly. "No. She looked angry."
That also sounded like Orna.
John folded the message.
Something remained wrong.
Not one detail.
The entire thing.
