Wicked Deal

Laeddin found my hand under the water. He took it in his. "Two thousand years, Jaffar. You look well." I felt his shoulders shrug. "You look the same."

His thin lips curled into a smile. "So do you, youngest son." As he spoke hundreds of skull monkeys appeared behind him. They sounded like a cheering crowd. Jaffar raised his bony hand and the monkeys quieted. "Who is the girl you have with you?"

Laeddin's hand tightened around mine. I knew he was telling me not to say a word, so I kept quiet.

"This is Jackie. She's my newest mistress."

"Ahhhhh, well step out from behind the genie, child. Let me have a look at you." He waved his hand and Laeddin was forcefully pushed away.

I really didn't want to look at him, so I pretended to be shy.

"There's no need to fear me or the skull monkeys. We mean you no harm." He glided along the ground as though he were floating.

I didn't respond but peered at him from under my lashes.

Jaffar squinted shrewdly. "Interesting." To Laeddin, he asked, "Why