Chapter 19
A look of panic crosses Naboo's face at the sound of the voice.
"Naboo?" He regains his composure.
"I'll be right down." Running downstairs, he trips on a few steps. I hear them have a brief conversation, then he comes back upstairs, accompanied by another shaman. I study him briefly, trying to work out who he is.
He's tall, about the same height as Howard, and I think he's older than Naboo. His beard is weird, no matter what Naboo says, and he's wearing exactly the same outfit as he was when he was at Howard's party, right down to the feathered hat. Naboo speaks, pulling me from my thoughts.
"Vince, this is Saboo, Saboo, this is Vince." The shaman steps towards me. I stand up, ready to defend myself, but he just extends his hand for me to shake. I take it nervously.
"Vince, it's good to see you again." I nod, unable to speak.
"Would you like a drink, Saboo?"
"I'm fine, thank you Naboo."
"Ok then, take a seat." I stand there, unsure of what to do. "Vince? Are you coming?"
"Yeah, I am." I follow them to the sofa and sit down. I feel awkward, somehow out of place.
"Vince, I want you to know that Saboo is my oldest, most trusted friend. You can tell him anything, and he won't tell anyone unless you ask him to, ok?" I nod, feeling a little less awkward.
"Actually, Naboo, I was wondering if I could chat to Vince alone? If it's ok with both of you?"
"Vince, are you ok with that?"
"Yeah, I'm fine with it."
"Ok, then. I'll be in the shop if you need me."