"Mickey Zucker Reichert - Darkness Comes Together" - читать интересную книгу автора (Reichert Mickey Zucker)

"Not dead." Josafah went motionless, stunned by a pronouncement that seemed nonsensical.

Nightfall also went still, a living barrier between Josafah and the boy. "A competent assassin kills only his
target."

Josafah had to disagree. "A competent assassin leaves no one behind who can call for help or identify
him."

Nightfall said nothing more, but his expression made it clear that he would prevent Josafah from finishing
the job this time.

Josafah's respect for the legendary thief and murderer dwindled, but he did not attempt to push past.
"Very well. But if your mistake gets me killed, you're going with me."

In reply, Nightfall waved Josafah toward the door. "You're wasting time."

Remembering caution, Josafah placed his ear to the door, rewarded by the steady pound of footsteps
and the clink of mail. "Guards," he whispered.
"Going which way?"

Josafah pointed in the same direction as the boy's previous gesture.

Nightfall pressed his ear to the door as well.

The footsteps faded.

Nightfall waited a few moments longer, then eased open the door and peered into the hall. "Go."

Josafah went, tipping up his shoes to keep the climbing claws from tapping against stone. He eased his
garrote from his pocket, coiling the end in his left hand. Quickly, he counted doors and stopped at the
third on the right. He pressed against it, remaining stiffly in place until Nightfall drifted up beside him.

Josafah checked the area with his talent. He could feel the guards up ahead, now well beyond them.
Metal curled in the door's keyhole, tensed. "Locked," he whispered.

Nightfall made a gesture at the latch to indicate Josafah should handle it.

Josafah's natal talent had made devices his specialty. No one could find or disarm a snare with such
certainty nor calculate a mechanism with more swift assurance. Using the same claws that had eased his
climb, he pressured the lockwork's plate. It opened with a sharp click that made him cringe. Prepared for
guards, Josafah wrenched open the door.

A simple, comfortable-appearing bed occupied most of the room, surrounded by trunks, desks, and
chests of drawers against the walls. A man in sleep silks sat up, dumping a pile of blankets to his lap. A
gray-and-white cat at the foot of the bed bleated a protest. A young girl in a woolen nightgown and
socks scurried from the side of the bed to a corner, squealing in terror.

Swearing viciously, Josafah sprang for the girl, drawing his dagger, while Nightfall shut and relocked the
door. Josafah caught the girl by an arm, spun her, and held the knife to her throat. "Not another sound."