Ron Goulart - The Curse of the Obelisk

60 RON GOULART
After puffing on the cigar and limping back and forth across the threadbare carpet, the Great
Lorenzo said, "A dedicated performer, my boy, never lets down. I am supposed to be suffering with
the gout and as long as we're here in this ragtag watering place I intend to limp in a most
convincing and pitiable manner."
Harry grinned. "You are convincing," he said. "Brings tears to my eyes just watching you."
"I dropped in, now that we're all settled, to announce that I am going out to hobble through the
lanes and alleys of the town," he said. "My task will be to gather in all the information and
intelligence I can regarding the Zaytoon household." He limped toward the off-kilter door. "We'll
meet, as planned, in the cheerless dining room of this hostelry when twilight descends."
"Yep, that'll give Belphoebe and I time to take a closer look at the castle."
The Great Lorenzo held up a cautionary forefinger. "Be extremely careful while you're in the
vicinity of that place, Harry."
"You giving me the benefit of another vision?"
"Merely the benefit of common sense." He bowed, opened the door and limped out into the
shabby corridor.