deep in thought, completely forgetting what they had been discussing a moment ago.
‘Perhaps we should get back to the matter at hand,’ suggested Rex. The Guard was still taking notes on everything that had been said during the meeting.
‘I’ve interrupted again…’ Oxern sighed heavily. ‘As for the death, or rather what came before it, I dare say the victim was given something that prevented him from losing consciousness and reacting to the loss of blood. When the attacker had finished, he stabbed the deceased with a poisoned blade. I don’t know exactly what was administered in this way, but the effect was truly nasty. The internal organs seemed almost melted, which must have caused terrible suffering, even greater than the earlier torture.’ He shook his head, not knowing how to comment on it. ‘Based on the post-mortem, I concluded that Caim Rocha was tortured for most of the night and died in the early hours of the morning. Probably not long before his body was discovered. The wounds were inflicted professionally, by someone who knows what they’re doing and has plenty of experience. During the interrogations, we failed to uncover anything that would point to the killer, or even a motive.’ A heavy sigh marked the end of the medical notes.
‘I see.’ It didn’t look good, and certainly worse than it had in Atlantis. ‘I’d like to examine the items found at the crime scene.’
‘Everything is in the citadel.’ Shehed glanced at the door. ‘I’d be happy to accompany you to answer even the most difficult questions.’
Another walk uphill. Darius almost grimaced, but kept a straight face. I just have to put up with it.
Bleist flung himself onto the bed at the top of the tower they’d been given. He was tired. Very tired. He’d had more than enough of the whole business and of the trip itself. But he had no choice; he had to sort out everything he’d been sent here to do. And I hadn’t even started looking for the missing agents yet. He covered his eyes with his hand and
