New Rome

28. Pirates of Amen

Wylo let her bag fall off her shoulder and kicked it to the side of the room before trudging down the hall. It was nearly midnight, the end of another long day. She flicked the light on and started in surprise to see Ellie. He was laid out on the sofa, fast asleep. Wylo's tense expression slowly melted and she smiled. Guiltily she padded over to him and patted his arm.

"Wake, Ellie." She urged gently. "You should go to bed."

Ellie rubbed his tired eyes.

"I desired to speak with you so stayed up past hour." He mumbled dozily. Wylo spied the dinner he'd left for her on the table, carefully preserved beneath mesh food cover.

"Keep me company whilst I eat." She invited. 

They sat together at their little table. A water fountain bubbled softly behind them - its gentle notes in perfect harmony with their private haven. "Gratitude for the dinner," she thanked him.

"No gratitude required. I find pleasure in taking care of you."

Wylo's heart fluttered and she stared determinedly at her plate.

"Here, I have these for you." He handed her a small folder of papers. Wylo licked her fingers clean before examining the contents.

"What's this?" She asked, her back straightening with excitement as she guessed.

"Evidence, Guy's suspicions were correct. Daviad lined his pocket with stolen gold during his term."

Wylo jumped up excitedly.

"We can use this to make Daviad drop the charges?!" She squealed, moving around the table. 

"Yes."

Wylo flung her arms around Ellie.

"Ellie you're amazing!"

He held still for a moment, stunned to have her suddenly in his arms. She smelt incredible. Just as he was about to wrap his arms around her, she pulled back – smiling happily. "We can save Jay." She was bouncing on her toes. "We should go to house Everbleed, tonight." 

"Errr, Wylo..." Ellie rubbed the back of his head – feigning awkwardness. "I was given these documents by one who begged he remain anonymous. His position is fragile. He is a slave." Ellie pulled a face. "If Daviad suspects him, then he will face dire consequences. My own friendship with him is known. I don't want to risk harm to a friend..."

Wylo considered this.

"Ok, that's ok." She patted his arm. "I'll confront Daviad on my own. I'll say I found these papers in Guy's belongings that were left to me as his widow."

"Gratitude."

Wylo turned to retrieve her jacket and Ellie hid his smirk. His real purpose had been to avoid making an enemy of Daviad. Let Wylo battle this one. The outcome would see Jay and Wylo as his allies. And later, he'd be able to claim he'd had no part – should he need Daviad's assistance one day.

"Be safe." Ellie bid her in farewell at the door. Wylo clutched the folder close to her chest.

"I shall return," she promised. 

She headed down the steps and heard Ellie close the front door shut behind her. The security alarm beeped as the locks turned. Wylo hoped that he wouldn't try to stay up for her, Ellie had looked so tired. She rounded the corner – making it onto the public highway. Cables ran overhead – heating the confined tunnel.