Nathaniel Cross: Guilty until Innocent

Dornar approached the door, swiping his pointer and middled finger over his eyes so he could see the door, and used the knocker on the door.

“It is somewhat small for a wizard’s tower…” Lanabelle said.

Dornar was about to say something, but the door cracked open slightly.

“Can I help you?” an old voice asked.

“We have some questions about the package that man just delivered.” Dorar said, flashing his credentials.

“I am a little busy at the moment.” the wizard said.

Dornar suppressed a sigh. “Sir it will only take a moment of your time.”

“Do you have a warrant?” the wizard asked casually.

Dornar blinked. “What?”

“Do. You. Have. A. Warrant.” he repeated slowly.

“Well not but…” Dornar said.

“Then we have nothing to discuss.” the wizard replied and shut the door.

“That was less than helpful.” Lanabelle said, “Perhaps you should have said ‘please’.”

“Funny.” Dornar said, summoning his shadow bird again, “Find Nathaniel Cross.” he said and gave it a toss to take flight.

–

Nate tried to keep calm. It wasn’t everyday someone like him had this much money on him. And all in one small bag. The wizard could have at least enchanted the bag to look less full, or put it all in something less conspicuous. The heavy sack pounced around in his satchel like a giant rock. It felt damn good to have gotten paid so much for a legit job, no crime, just pick up and drop off. Courier service, sure off the books, but legal product, just nothing the old man wanted people to know he knew existed. But questions get you killed, satchel was sealed when he got it, it stayed that way, he got paid. Deniability.

–

“Freeze, Cross.” Dornar said.

“Come on…” Nate said, putting up his hands. “I didn’t do anything.”

“You didn’t do anything?” Dornar asked. “Then care to explain why you were running like you were on fire before, and now you’re skulking around?”

“It was a time sensitive delivery.” Nate said, “I had to hurry if I wanted to get paid.”

“Delivery of what?” Dornar asked.

“It would be best for everyone if you told the truth.” Lanabelle said, and placed a hand on his shoulder, cast a truth spell.

“I’m telling the truth.” Nate said, “I just got paid to take something from one place to another.”

“True.” Lanabelle said.

“Who gave it to you?” Dornar asked.

Nate tried to flinch away from Lanabelle’s grasp but couldn’t. “I don’t know her name. She was short and had horns. Dry voice, not dry, just dull.”

Lanabelle just nodded to Dornar, they knew who he meant.

“What were you transporting?” Dornar asked.

“I don’t know, it was heavy and round.” Nate said, “I don’t know what it was, just that it was magic and expensive. I didn’t do anything wrong. I just made a delivery.” he said.

“You believe that, so it is true from your point of view. But that doesn’t make it true.” and Dornar asked again. “What was in the bag?”

“I never opened it, I was paid to not look, I didn’t look. You’ll have to ask the wizard or the horned girl, I don’t know. I’m clean. I promise.” Nate said. “I don’t want trouble, please can I just go…” he said looking around. “I don’t want to get mugged on my way home…and standing around like this…eyes are on me…please just let me go.”

Dornar nodded to Lanabelle who let go and they cut Nate loose, and he took off. “I believe this means paperwork and warrants.” Lana said.

“Guess it does…” Dornar said, taking out a cigarette and lighting it. “I hate paperwork.”