Noddak sat on a wooden rush-bottomed chair. He watched Gleesa’s mother scramble the eggs in the sausage fat, while Gleesa sliced some thick, brown, homemade bread. She stacked the slices on a plate and set them on the table, along with a little pot of butter and another of blackberry jam. Gleesa’s mother made three plates of eggs and sausage, then set them on the table, one in front of Noddak.
Noddak suddenly realized that he was ravenous. He hadn’t eaten since… yesterday morning? Just before he got on the boat with that surly boatman. Without waiting, he stuffed a forkful of sausage into his mouth and started slathering butter on a slice of bread.
“I’m Maleena,” the woman said. “I’m Gleesa’s mother, as you have no doubt surmised.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Noddak didn’t say through his mouthful of bread and sausage. It came out more like, “Beesta meedcher.”
“And you’re Noddak,” Maleena said. At Noddak’s raised eyebrows, she explained, “Well, of course I know. I was at the inn last night, though I doubt you noticed. Anyway, by now, the entire island knows who you are and what you want.”
“Ef rrlley dit nof bunna cher—” Noddak began, but Maleena cut in.
“What we don’t know is why you need to see the Brackenpools. You see, we’re very fond of young Vetta. She’s been through a bad time. It’s been extra hard for her since her husband was killed.”
“Flim savnt brfder onner tak.” A shower of bread crumbs accompanied Noddak’s attempt at speech.
“Well, how about you explain yourself after you’ve had your breakfast, and we can decide how best to help you?”
Noddak nodded emphatically with no further attempts at speech until the last tasty morsel had disappeared from the table. He had three helpings of bread and jam and seemed disappointed that no more was forthcoming. He sighed contentedly, folded his hands over his bulging belly, and leaned back in his chair. “I thank you for the breakfast. It was truly marvelous, especially your homemade jam.” His expression turned suddenly dark. “But don’t imagine for one moment that feeding me gives you the right to inquire into my business. My business is my own, and I’ll thank you to remember that.”
“Why, I’m sorry, Mr. Noddak. I didn’t mean to pry unnecessarily. I’m only trying to figure out how to help you.”
“Of course you meant to pry! Everybody always means to pry. I don’t understand why you all just can’t learn to mind your own business!”
“I only—”
“Aren’t you listening to me, woman? I’m a secret agent, you know. Secret, get it? That means I can’t tell you anything! If I did, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore, would it?”
“I understand, but—”
“Never mind! I don’t care! Just let it be!”
Maleena’s face flushed nearly purple. “Now you look here, sir! I assure you—”
“I don’t care one whit about your assurances! I just need to know where the Brackenpools live, so I can warn them before it’s too late!”
Maleena glowered. “You’re uncommonly rude, sir. I wouldn’t tell you anything if the Brackenpools’ lives depended on it! You’re welcome to leave any time, sir. And don’t let the door hit you in the rear on your way out!” She grabbed her broom and shooed Noddak out the door. “Out! Go on, get moving! You heard me!”
“But madam—”
“Don’t you ‘madam’ me, you cranky old goat. On your way! Now!”
Noddak dodged the broom and dashed out the door. Outside, he straightened his traveling cloak and started down the path. Idiot woman! Didn’t I make it clear that the Brackenpool’s lives were at stake? Whatever is wrong with these islanders?