4. Chapter Four
Chapter Four
M av surveyed the study and was distracted by how truly ostentatious all of the decor was.
She tried to ignore her aversion to the opulence before her—she had grown used to ignoring it now that she was stationed at the palace—but she found herself struggling to care that this noble had been robbed.
It was her job to care, and she did because of its effect on her career…
but that was all the concern she could muster.
Perhaps it made her selfish. She would examine that thought more later.
The early morning sun filled the study with its plum-colored light as Mav stared down at the small writing desk. According to standard crime scene protocols, no one had touched anything. She studied the graceful scrawl of the letters on the page as she reread the note for the fifth time.
“A better use for that intense focus” ? Was this thief…
flirting with her? Mav’s mind wandered to what it would be like to come face-to-face with the thief.
Despite her frustration with the situation, she could acknowledge the individual’s talent; maybe even admire it.
She wondered if there was a deeper reason for this thief’s actions.
She cleared her throat and pushed the curiosity from her mind. She was here to bring this individual to justice, not to harbor some strange fascination for a criminal. Even if the thought of doing something, just because she wanted to, sent her pulse racing.
Turning to the small team of guards that accompanied her, she said, “Make note of every detail. It is obviously the same culprit; their signature manner of subduing the guards was used this time as well. We need to station city guards at the other nobles’ homes for the time being, since private security is clearly no match for this person.
See it done.” Her lieutenant nodded at her command and launched into action directing the rest of the guards.
When the other guards were fully engrossed in their tasks, her eyes drifted back to the note. Perhaps, if this thief wanted to play…Mav should join the game.