10
Back at her house the next morning, Hamal's spirits soared. Not even thoughts of what might happen to him when Zi found out he'd disobeyed a direct order could take away his excitement at finding out firsthand the capabilities of this girl.
When no one responded to his insistent knocking, his excitement turned to annoyance. No way was she going to change her mind and stand him up. No way she was going to give him the slip and take off in the meager few hours he'd allowed himself to sleep. Talk about a reputation buster.
Easily bypassing the lock on the door for the second time, he was through the house and up the stairs, barely looking around on his way. Extensive surveillance had given him a perfect awareness of the house's layout, so he knew her bedroom was at the far end of the ha
