Denerim Confidential

Chapter 17

At Max's urging, the group moved to a more private area before discussing Jowan's identity. The Detective found them a small conference room—a shabby one with a splintering wooden table, but surprisingly bright due to a large window. As Mei took her seat, she found herself quietly studying the two investigators. Since the Enchanters and Templars had their uniforms chosen for them, it had taken Mei a while to learn about the signals sent by clothing in the outside world. Naia Tabris wore jeans and a dark green hooded sweatshirt. The t-shirt underneath bore a logo and name that Mei didn't recognize; she thought it might be a band, but wasn't sure. Naia's hair was pulled back into a ponytail, showing off her long, pointed ears. Mei suspected that wasn't an accident.

Hawke's well-worn black leather jacket struck a more intimidating note. Her hair was loose and half concealed one eye, giving the impression of someone watching from a distance and waiting for her moment. She had an aura of cool confidence that Mei rather liked—it was somewhere between Detective Leto's unsettling intensity and Naia Tabris's easy cheerfulness. She wondered idly if she might be able to emulate it.

Max entered the room last, pulling the door gently behind him. The moment it latched shut he looked down at Detective Leto with a sympathetic grimace—an expression that said he was about to deliver bad news.

"I don't know how to tell you this, but if Jowan's involved, the Templars will need to take over the case."

"We don't know that Jowan has used illegal magic," Mei pointed out calmly, though in truth she was deeply worried. Jowan, what happened to you? How did you end up tied to a murder for hire? "Perhaps they should tell us more about how they obtained that sketch before we decide the case is ours." She put a sharp little bite into the word ours.

Max looked at her as if she'd lost her mind. "Enchanter Surana? Jowan's been on the Templars' wanted list since he escaped the Circle."

When Mei stared back at him, uncomprehending, he cleared his throat uncomfortably. "You really don't know."

"Know what?" Hawke asked, her eyebrow raised. "We'll need a bit more to go on if we're going to be expected to hand over this case."

"Right, that's fair." Max nodded and took a seat at the table. His handsome face was serious, and a little nervous. He blew out a breath, his eyes flickering over to Mei, then visibly collected himself before continuing.

"This needs to be a Templar case because Jowan's a blood mage."

Across the table, Fenris Leto stiffened, and Hawke's mouth turned down in a concerned frown.

"That's ridiculous!" Mei burst out.

Max was so startled that he actually jumped. "Enchanter Surana ..."

Mei drew a deep breath and tried to calm herself. They won't listen if you're upset. When she spoke, her voice was even and decisive once again. "Jowan wouldn't hurt a fly." She met the Detective's eyes; finding no sympathy there, she looked to the two investigators, forcing her tone to be cool and rational. "I knew him quite well. He was an orphan, like me, given to the Circle as soon as his abilities manifested."

She regretted that little "like me" as soon as it escaped her lips. That was not important, and none of their business. She could see the little spark of sympathy in Naia Tabris's eye, and for a moment she hated the other elf—both for the sympathy, and for the way her emotions showed on her face. She wondered if Naia knew what a luxury that was.

"He's a kind man, and a bit hapless." She mentally apologized to her former best friend, though she knew he would not disagree with her description. "We lost touch when I transferred to Montsimmard, I'll admit, but I can't see him ever turning to blood magic."