Chapter 17 - The Thief's Tale

Aboard Pastoria once again, Kessa stirs the wrests, so to speak, fishing for anything untoward or suspicious. Investigating the crew brings to light personalities, quirks, and dark, murky secrets that were brewing beneath the surface. Her skills will certainly be tested as the spy casts her net for both advantageous alliances and slippery foes. What will be Kessa’s catch of the day?   Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason   Chapter 17 Excerpt: “Wait here,” Taur quietly commanded. Placing his box carefully down beside the gangplank, he crept onboard. Spotting, Grain asleep on the crates, he waved to his associates to follow. He retrieved his box and carried it gingerly up the gangplank. Myna, her dark hair tied tightly back in a bun, appeared at the base of the gangplank. Kessa frowned. She’d developed a keen respect for the dark-eyed beauty. She’d be disappointed if she was involved in the scheme.             Sneaking up the gangplank, Myna withdrew a sword from the scabbard attached to her belt. “Taur,” she cried. “You scallywag! I knew you were up to no good.”             Contempt screwing up his already unattractive features, Taur motioned for the other four to surround her. “Shouldn’t have followed me, Myna,” he said, withdrawing his own sword. “Leastways, not alone.”