Meet and Greet Part 3 (Nathayen POV)

"Really?" The young man looked appropriately surprised. Since I doubted he was unaware of Krewood's disappearance, he had to be a good actor, as evidenced by his outstanding poker face. On top of it, he obviously knew how to control his emotions, as neither did his heartbeat get out of sync nor did major changes in his scent provide me with any further clues. "I took him for an able artist." He seemed to think for a moment, or at least feigned to. How much did he know in truth? 

Was that why he was so calm, even though he was alone against four? Or did he have some other backing that kept him safe? It would fit the approach of other tribes to abuse people for their own purposes. However, I feared that a most unpleasant awakening awaited him, for no matter how much they pretended to cooperate with him, in the end he was only a tool for them. Well, I guess I should consider myself lucky that people allowed themselves to be used so effectively.  

"I'm afraid I can't give you any more information. If Mister Krewood didn't paint the pictures, I don't know who could have done it instead”, the human continued. He paused for a moment before adding. "My artistic abilities are limited to mediocre created still lives." He complemented this assertion with an apologetic smile. Well, he probably would have liked it if I fell for that, but I wouldn't do him that favor.

"It's a shame. I was hoping for more meaningful assistance." It wasn't going to be that easy, but it didn't mean we had reached the end of our options. "Then surely you won't mind if we take a closer look at these mediocre still lives?" He wasn't going to throw us off this trail that effortless. Of course, it was possible that the man had no idea. But he seemed too informed for someone who didn't know what was going on. 

Not many people could have found out so much about us in such a short period of time. That strengthened the suspicion that he was getting information from one of our own, even if it didn't completely rule out other options. But what tribe was foolish enough to sabotage important operations for the well-being of our entire people? In whom had greed supplanted reason?

"Oh, that doesn't really fit with my schedule today," the human commented. Amusingly, he acted as if he had ever had any say in the matter.

Suddenly, the display on the big screen changed to a heartbeat with his picture next to it. This was guaranteed no coincidence, he was trying to make a point with it.  

"But I feel like being generous for once. I'll accompany you," the young man decided.

When the person rose to take his jacket from the coat hook, not only I was surprised because of his short height.

"Where did you leave the rest of you?" Dam's tongue was quicker than any thought about how sensible that question might be. The young man, however, did not even address this comment.

"I hope you'll excuse my mistrust, but in my business, you can't be too careful. If my heart stops beating or my physical condition deteriorates significantly, any information about you will be posted on the web." He smiled smugly and seemed very sure of his position. "After you."

Under these conditions, we could not risk simply killing him or torturing the information out of him. If the knowledge about us became known worldwide, it jeopardized all operations. Until we could tell exactly what this wretch possessed about us, we had to proceed with caution.

"Too kind. This way." While Lyras and I took the lead in escorting the tiny man out, Damahir and Juliel acted as rearguards. I didn't expect him to try to escape after thinking he was so safe. But it never hurt to be prepared for contingencies.

As we passed the door and entered the anteroom with the destroyed machine guns, he eyed the destruction. "Impressively efficient."

Oh, I would have loved to demonstrate more of our efficiency to him, but sadly, my hands were tied. Perhaps the opportunity would arise later.

He didn't seem to like the prospect of getting into the vehicle with us. His expression was minimally distorted, but there was no clearer indication of discomfort.

As soon as we got into the car with our guest, I had him give us the address. The traffic in New York made the ride drag like chewing gum, but it itself remained unspectacular. Although Damahir's eyes were glued to the human, hoping that he would finally lose himself in fear, he showed no emotion whatsoever. This was especially disappointing for someone like Dam. He was still a child wanting to play at heart, waiting to be entertained.

It irritated me much more because the many unknown factors further limited our options for action. What was with him? Why was he so sure of himself, even though he was in the car with four predators? Was he just being silly, was he underestimating us, or was there a legitimate reason for his confidence? I would have to be patient until I could clarify at least some of these questions.