One Day in a Small-Town Desert, chapter 14, page 2

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Lawperson Séara Nulıpésha pulled her cruiser into the Tuhanı precinct headquarters parking lot and stopped in front of the chainlink gate to the fenced-in back lot. After getting out of the car twice to open and close the gate, Séara parked it near the building’s rear entrance. In the small lot, illuminated by two orangish street lights, sat only one other automobile, and it belonged to the desk lawperson. She must be working late because of this mess, just like the rest of us.

Séara got out of the auto and, before she opened the back door, turned away from the cruiser and wiped her eyes with her shirt cuffs. She couldn’t let Bhanar see her this way, eyes all red and puffy. He had tried to be nice, tried to get her talking about Mr. Kılímo, but it was just too awful to think about. The loveable old man had passed away, and Séara had walked away without trying to help. The fact that it was her duty, her orders, was no consolation.

She sniffled and steeled her face, body, and mind. Back to work.

She swung open the cruiser door. “Out.”

The young foreign man scooted across the bench seat and slowly placed his feet on the asphalt and stood up. His dark eyes opened large, his whole face covered with placid sincerity. “I am sorry. I am. He is in a . . . better place.” He paused, frowning minutely. “He was a good man.”

Séara took hold of his upper arm and moved him aside so she could close the door. Without modifying her expression, she murmured, “Thank you.” Louder, she ordered, “Let’s go,” and guided him to the building’s entrance.

Mr. Kılímo was indeed a good man, and it spoke volumes that Bhanar had realized it in so short a time. But just because someone lived a moral, wholesome life and was now with the gods, it didn’t mean the loss hurt any less. No, it hurt even more. Never again would he teach someone how to cinch a saddle. Never again would he enlighten and entertain people with his forthright comments. Never again would he share a desert sunrise from atop Rosí Hill.

Séara could feel the tears welling again, and opened her eyes wide to fight them off.

First an Enforcer. Now Mr. Kılímo. Vuzhí and Pétíso! When are the bad guys going to start dying?

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