Adelio appeared ecstatic when I stepped in. I smiled warmly, and he looked expectant. I shook my head.

“Not today, I’m off duty. I’m just here for intelligent conversation.” He didn’t look mad. He looked even happier.

“Thank God,” he replied. “I don’t think I could take anything physical… not right now…”

“Aww, what’s wrong?” I asked.

“I’m so worn out from looking for Joshua,” he began. My stomach sank. My heart raced. But I remained looking impassive, maybe sympathetic to Adelio if I was doing it right.

“Search parties everywhere,” he continued, “and he still hasn’t been found. We even checked the old abandoned building on the outside of the country. Nothing! I need a new scribe.. but they all disappear. Nobody wants the job now.”

Dare I?

“What would you do to a woman that could write?”

“Aside from her signature? It’s unlawful! Depends on my mood.”

I dare not.