Free The Stranger's Woes by Max Frei

every day now.”
    “What did you say? Every day?”
    I was horrified.
    “Well, I hinted so that he would catch. Of course, every day isn’t absolutely necessary,” Anday said. “But Sir Rogro didn’t catch. He doesn’t believe me. That jackass Jafla Dbaba, my former classmate at school, interfered again. In high school he used to sit in a corner and wait until someone sent him to a tavern for some Jubatic Juice. Now the guy shamelessly kisses Rogro Jiil’s skinny backside. If it hadn’t been for his gossip and scandalmongering, the contract would have been in my pocket more than a dozen years ago. Today he whispered to Rogro that I had made it all up, that I’ve never even seen you face to face, and that I found out about your cats from the neighbors.”
    “He forgot to consider that I don’t have any neighbors.”
    This was the honest-to-Magicians truth. There were no houses near mine. The Street of Yellow Stones is one of the newest in Echo. Property here isn’t cheap, and people are reluctant to part with it.
    All of this rubbed me the wrong way. There are things I love and things I hate, and occasionally they switch places. But guys like Dbaba had always awakened in me a thirst for blood since in my time they had thrown plenty of crap in my general direction. I realized that this time Anday wouldn’t be able to defend himself against evil tongues. Strange fellows like my new friend always attract plenty of ill-wishers, that’s for sure.
    “In short, Sir Rogro Jiil demanded evidence. I told him that he could send you a call and ask, but he wouldn’t agree to it. I think he’s afraid of you, too. Sound the alarm,” Anday said sadly.
    “You did the right thing,” I said without any real enthusiasm. “Well, what do you want from me, mon ami ? Do you want me to talk to him?”
    “You catch!” Anday said, cheering up all at once. “Will you send him a call?”
    “You want him to have a heart attack? Excellent idea. I’ll do it right away.”
    “You catch everything, Max! A hundred percent!”
    To be honest, I was very pleased with the compliment.
    I drank down my kamra, put down the mug, and started concentrating to my utmost. I had seen Rogro Jiil only once before, for all of a moment. On the previous Last Day of the Year he had stopped by the Ministry of Perfect Public Order to attend the Royal Awards ceremony. Such a superficial acquaintance is really no basis for establishing contact through Silent Speech, but I tried my best and succeeded.
    Good day , Sir Rogro . Max here , of the Minor Secret Investigative Force of Echo . I really have had several meetings with Mr . Anday Pu . It ’ s possible that our meetings will continue . I hope this is evidence enough for you ?
    Of course , Sir Max . Please let me express my gratitude for the time and attention you ’ ve given to one of the senior reporters of my publication .
    Sir Rogro Jiil was a tough nut to crack, but the understated courtesy of his manner gave me to understand that my protégé’s fate had been decided in the most advantageous way. It also witnessed to Rogro Jiil’s extensive experience in disseminating information.
    Excellent , Sir Rogro . I very much regret that I was forced to disturb you . Perhaps it will surprise you , but I do hate injustice of any kind .
    It is I who am guilty . I should be more trusting of people .
    No , no , not at all . Let ’ s just consider this a pleasant exception to the rule . Good evening , and I apologize again for the disturbance .
    It is a great honor for me . Good evening to you , too .
    We seemed to have ended our exchange almost as friends.
    “That’s that,” I told Anday, who was fidgeting nervously. “Okay, time to quit gobbling. I’m a busy man, and now you are, too. Go sign your contract. And make sure your salary is twice as fat as everyone else’s. I’m worth a lot, I hope. And don’t even think about publishing your chefs-d’oeuvre without my knowledge. Another charming