“No, I knew nothing of the sort. Just that they were hiding something by redacting the meeting notes.”
“Who had this office in 1642?” I asked.
Ubhan frowned, thinking back. “That would have been Councilor Rasla.”
“Of course.” Carrow shook her head. “That bastard made it a rule that everyone has to join a guild and control their signatures. He couldn't stand those who were different, those who joined the Shadow Guild, so he hid it with his curse and struck it from the history books and your memories.”
“That’s quite the tale,” Ubhan said.
“It’s true,” Carrow said. “And we don’t know the whole of it yet, but we will.”
I studied him, debating what to do. Our time was limited here, after all. “Have you told us everything you know?”
“Yes.”
I frowned. His eyes looked weaselly. I might not like him, but Ubhan was smart. “What other relevant documents do you have?”
His scowled deepened.
Yes, I’d hit the nail on the head. “Hand them over, and we’ll call it good between us.”
“After this invasion, it will never be good between us.”
“We’ve uncovered the corruption you sought to reveal yourself, so we’ll consider it even.”
We’d had the same agenda, but he would still hate us. I’d have to ensure Carrow’s safety before the curse took me to hell. He didn’t have the power to bother me, but I couldn’t leave her unprotected.
Ubhan’s lips twisted, and his gaze moved to the table on his left. “There is a small leather book on that table. Given what you’ve said about Councilor Rasla, I think it will be of use to you. It is his personal diary.”
My brows rose. “How did you find that?”
“Secured beneath the desk by a special adhesive.”
“He was all about hiding things around this office, wasn’t he?” Carrow asked.
“He died quite suddenly in 1643,” Ubhan said. “It seems that he didn’t have time to clean the office.”
“All the better for us.” She went to the table and retrieved the book, then turned back to him. “Is there anything else?”
“Not that I know of.”
A disembodied voice came from a comms charm around a fallen guard’s neck.
“It’s time to leave.” I looked at Ubhan. “Stay seated there for ten minutes. Afterward, I suggest you not give us any trouble over this, or it will look like you support Rasla’s actions.”
Ubhan glared. “I’d never support such a thing.”
“Good. Then we are on the same side.” Carrow grinned and strode toward the door.
I followed her, and we made our way quickly through the halls. Near the stairs, we passed a reedy-looking man I recognized. He was an assistant to one of the council members, but he didn't do more than glance at us.
“Are you sure he’ll stay put?” Carrow asked as we began to descend the stairs.
“Ubhan? Yes, for the ten minutes, at least. After that, my hold won’t work on him.”
She nodded. “We’ll be across town by then. Let’s go to my place to check on Mac and Seraphia. We can read the diary there.”
“Excellent plan.”