Star Wars Scoundrels 3

And still no sign of Eanjer?" Dozer asked, for probably the tenth time since he'd arrived. "No," Han said, dropping tiredly onto the couch. The suite wasn't as large or fancy as the one on Iltarr City, and the furniture wasn't nearly as com-
fortable. But under the circumstances it was much
safer. And safe was good right now. Safe was very good. "And there won't be," he added. "Rachele just found-"

"Wait a second," Zerba cut in incredulously. "Are
you telling us he just bailed?"

"More likely he missed the note at the rendezvous,"
Bink put in. "Maybe one of us should go back and see if he's still waiting there."

"He's not." Han waved at Rachele, seated behind her computer, a pinched look on her face. "You want to tell them, Rachele? Or should I?"

"I will," Rachele said, her voice somber. "I just picked up a report from the Iltarr City police. They've found Eanjer's body."

"Oh, no," Tavia breathed, looking stricken. "Oh, Rachele."

"Don't get too mushy," Han growled. "Tell them the rest."

"They found his body," Rachele repeated, "where he'd apparently been dumped and left to bleed out." Her throat worked. "Six weeks ago." For a long moment no one spoke. Han looked around the room, watching their expressions of surprise or confusion turn to horrified understanding. "You mean...before he even talked to Han?" Kell demanded. His eyes darted to Han. "Or--"

"Or whoever it was," Dozer said, sounding like he wasn't sure whether to be stunned or outraged. "But then―" "What did he want?" Han shook his head. "I haven't the faintest idea."

"I do," Bink said in a low voice. "He came to kill Qazadi." Chewbacca rumbled. "That's for sure," Winter agreed soberly. "And we all fell for it."-Chpt.24 pgs.433-434