serving in the army stationed in Bushtabhar.’
‘And yet one was posing as a soldier.’ Darius ran his fingers through his hair, looking slightly nervous. ‘They had a row at the market… Perhaps it was because Rocha turned up in Bushtabhar with company?'
‘And was the whole charade with the fake childhood friends just a cover?’
‘So far, that’s the only explanation that springs to mind.’ Earl shook his head and rose from his seat. Not particularly pleased with the progress on any of the matters, he looked thoughtfully first at the manuscript lying on the table, and then at Rex. ‘I’ll take both bodies to the capital so our medics can examine them. Oxern might have overlooked something important; it’s better if the post-mortem is carried out by someone better qualified. I’ll take the diary to Leiger and ask him to decipher it quickly. I’ll submit a report to the very top and look into the City Watch archives.
‘You want me to stay and snoop around a bit more, don’t you?’ The corporal didn’t seem surprised or unhappy with the decision that was hanging in the air. Darius could have sworn he’d been thinking the same thing himself.
‘Yes, you’ll stay with our people whilst I take the Rubins and all the evidence to Atlantis. As soon as I find out anything useful, I’ll come back here and we’ll wrap this all up.’
‘I hope the Colonel really does manage to find something.’ Rex gave a faint smile. ‘Otherwise, we’ll be spending the next year here, and I don’t think anyone would want that.’
‘Don’t even mention it.’ Darius sighed resignedly. ‘I’ve had enough of all the problems that crop up here at every turn.’ He shook his head as if to chase away the dark thoughts. ‘While I’m away, try and look for the other agent as well. I think only one of them lived here, though they might both have used the underground hideout.’
‘I’ll try to find something, but there aren’t many places left we haven’t checked.’ The non-commissioned officer fell silent for a moment.
