*****
“I have a suggestion…” Trimas said, walking into the bedroom. Daeholf looked up from where he was squatting awkwardly over the bucket.
“God, I didn’t need to see that,” Trimas said, quickly averting his eyes.
“I was washing actually, though a knock is always a good idea,” Daeholf said, finishing and pulling up his trousers. “Bucket is full of water. Would you be a gent and tip it out of the window for me?”
“Better that than having to wash you I suppose,” Trimas said, walking to the bucket.
“And I thought we were friends,” Daeholf said, laying back on the bed.
“There are limits,” Trimas said as he tipped the bucket out of the window. “Washing your balls is beyond mine.”
“I think we can agree that is an experience that would make both of us very uncomfortable,” Daeholf said.
“Just try not to get hurt like that again so that it never comes up,” Trimas said.
“It’s not on my to-do list,” Daeholf said. “So, you were saying you had a suggestion when you interrupted my improvised bath?”
“Ah, yes. We’ve got some money now and I think we should use it,” Trimas said.
“Sounds good. How?” Daeholf said.
“Erik didn’t tell you?”
“Probably not from the sound of it. He doesn’t tell me much of anything, just keeps asking me how I am.”
“Yes, well, I guess he probably wants rid of us. It’s starting to feel like we’ve been here for years.”
“Weeks of sleeping on the floor will do that to you. So, what hasn’t he told me?”
“Apparently there’s someone putting word around that they have information on the Nightwalker.”
“Really? Anyone that might actually know anything would be mad to go around announcing it unless he wants to be the next target.”
“That’s what we thought.”
“We?”
“Ah, Zedek and me.”
“You’ve discussed this without me?” Daeholf said a little defensively.
“It’s not always convenient to come back here for every conversation. And we’re discussing it now,” Trimas said calmly.
“Okay, sorry. I just feel a bit left out stuck in here.”
“You’ll be on your feet in no time. And then finally the rest of us might be able to get some sleep.”
“We’re getting off track here.”
“Yes. So, agreed, whoever this is, is probably a liar or a crackpot but we think it’s worth checking out. It’s always possible we might get something useful.”
“And I’m guessing this information comes at a price?”
“Exactly.”
“And now that we have some money…”
“Yep.”
“You were going to steal some for our own investigation.”
“Steal is a strong word,” Trimas said reproachfully.
“Oh, don’t get me wrong, I agree with you. We just need to be aware of any potential consequences, that’s all.”
“We won’t need much. It won’t be noticed.”
“Let’s hope so.”
*****
“So he went for it then?” Zedek said as they walked.
“Was there any doubt?” Trimas said from his side.
“I guess not,” Zedek said.
“He doesn’t think we’ll get anything useful though.”
“Probably not. Worth trying though.”
“Indeed.”
“Shouldn’t we be taking some sort of precautions?” Zedek said.
“You wearing your armour?”
“Yes. Bit uncomfortable though.”
“You’re just not used to it. Anyway, we’re covertly armed and armoured and we’re meeting him in a public place. I think we’ll be okay.”
“Could be a trap though. Perhaps I should hang back and watch.”
“A trap for who? It’d be a bit of a random scheme to trap us specifically.”
“You have a point.”
“It’s not a bad idea though. When we get to the tavern, stay near the door and watch my back.”
“You and your idioms. You mean watch for danger of course. I doubt actually watching your back would be much use.”
Trimas stared at him. “Are you trying to be funny again?”
Zedek just looked at him blankly.
“We’re here. You know what to do.”
The two of them entered the tavern, taking a moment to adjust to the gloom. Zedek took up position near the door, trying to look as unobtrusive as he could manage whilst Trimas scanned the room, looking for their man. There was a decent crowd in and it took him a minute to locate the man based on the description that had been given. Trimas looked at him twice to be sure. He had the beard and the hat certainly, but his clothing was rather mismatched, rough patched trousers but a new looking jacket. Almost as if he had recently come into some money. Trimas sighed. The man practically screamed chancer, but they might as well see this out. It wasn’t going to cost them anything personally to find out if the man knew anything useful after all, however unlikely that now seemed. Trimas went to the bar and bought two tankards of beer before walking over to the man and sitting down without invitation. He pushed one of the tankards in front of the other man.
“You would be Hanson I take it?” Trimas said.
“Says who?” the man said quietly.
“I have some money for a man named Hanson. I hear he may have some information that I might be interested in,” Trimas continued.
“You the watch?”
“Do I look like it?”
“No. Not really. So who are you?”
“I hear there’s a price on you-know-who’s head. I might know some people who might try to collect.”
“That doesn’t sound like the sort of people I’d want to be talking to.”
“Who else is going to give you money for what you know?”
“Okay, I’m just checking. Let me see the money.”
“Information first. I’ll decide if it’s worth anything.”
“Oh, no. I’m not daft. Let me see the money or I’m saying nothing. Nice and slow now, let’s not get excitable.”
Trimas drew out a small pouch. He undid the string and gave the man a look at the contents. The man looked with undisguised greed.
“So I have the money. Let’s hear it.”
The man ducked forward. “The Nightwalker is a watchman,” he whispered conspiratorially.
“I see,” Trimas said. “Do you have any more than that?”
“My information is that he works out of a station in the old quarter.”
“That’s it?” Trimas said.
“You don’t think that’s enough?” the man said, eyebrows raised. “It’s dangerous for me to say even that much. Now pay up.”
Trimas sighed. “Thank you for the information,” he said, pushing the pouch across the table. He stood up, looked at Zedek and shrugged. He walked over and they left the tavern together.
Elena, who had quietly observed the meeting from a table nearby, watched them thoughtfully as they walked away.
*****
This city was a shithole.
Not the view of the Governor, or one he would endorse even in his darkest moments because he actually loved the city. Not the view of Vika, or Elena. No, that was the view of a man who’d just poured himself a mug of the local ale and decided he needed to be far, far away from this God forsaken northern land with its snow, freezing temperatures and ale that cut through you like a knife.
He knew all about the knife part as he’d stuck a few into people.
More than a few people.
He eyed the ale warily, and pondered. Was he being poisoned? Was this why he’d been left the barrel, because they were trying to kill him off?
It was one thing agreeing to spy for the drugs gangs, and to travel and hide in Bastion. It was another to be left supplies which you’d need the drugs to consume.
He
pushed the mug away and considered just going to the well nearby. Water from a well … that was good stuff right?
Unless it was poisoned, but that hadn’t happened for a few generations.
Right, water, and he stood, shuffled to the door and opened it. Boy, his foot hurt, which was one reason why he blended in as a…
He would have thanked a god for the luck of opening his door just as a group of guard turned the corner and began to march straight for it, but he was too busy slamming the door, cursing the god for sending the guard in the first fucking place, and running as quickly as his limping body could go to the back door.
Fingers struggled with a catch, but he was able to yank it open and dive outside, into the alley behin…
Vika was stood there. Tall, red hair bright and flowing, stark against her dark clothes. Next to her, behind her and around her were more guards.
Some people fought when they were being arrested.
Some people shouted and complained and called for a justice to complain to.
He just slumped, knowing the game was up.
Guards stepped forward, grabbed him bodily, and pulled him along.
“We are arresting you…”
“Yeah, yeah, don’t trouble yourself with the spiel.”
The guards all relaxed as they discovered clubs could stay sheathed. Vika had been very clear this man was to be taken alive, which would have presented a real difficulty if he’d charged out with a sword and a cauldron lid as a shield.
“Back to the offices then,” Vika said, waving the guards to drag him along.
The spy was expecting to be kicked along, but began to think he might escape this seeing as they were walking at his limping pace.
Maybe he was being treated nicely so he could act as a double agent.
Maybe he’d get to leave this city and their shit beer.
As they walked, the spy turned and stared at Vika. He found her attractive, even as she returned the stare coldly. Hell, if he was a younger man, he…
“If you don’t look forward I’ll have your eyes burned out,” she told him.
His head snapped right round.
They walked at leisure through the city, got to the offices of the Thieftaker and the spy found himself being taken into a small cell and chained to a wooden chair so sturdy a god wouldn’t have been able to break out.
“What’s your name?” Vika asked, as she came and stood before him.
“Hara,” he said, looking up.
“Eastern name. Not native. So why are you in this city?”
“Cold is supposed to be good for my leg.”
“Right. And if I was to tell you we know you are spying for the gangs, would you admit that before or after we brought in the testimony of the man who collects your letters. Your really badly written letters.”
“Er ... you’re bluffing.”
“Why these gangs couldn’t find someone who could write legibly is beyond me. Are you all that’s left?”
“My writing is top class imperial script, stop slating my writing!”
Vika just raised an eyebrow.
“Oh, right, I just…”
“Gave it away, yes. So, this is normally where I say we execute you or you tell me what I want to know and you go to prison.”
“Er … my leg is bad?”
“We don’t need you on two legs to hang you. In fact it helps if you don’t have any.”
“So… I live if I admit it?”
“Yes.”
“Then I hereby admit to being a spy for a gang and offer myself as a double agent in your service.”
He’d been expecting a reaction. She didn’t even blink.
“If everyone else could leave the room please.”
Hara felt his heart sink as everyone left. Then it rose as he realised this might be a private arrangement.
Vika hadn’t moved, but with the room empty she began speaking again.
“A double agent. Okay. If you tell me where the money is coming from, how it is being brought into the city, and who is spreading it.”
“Sorry?”
“The money.”
“Yes, I got that bit. What money?”
Vika stepped forward and stamped on the spy’s foot, making him scream. “If you want to be a double agent, you talk.”
“B–b– I don’t know what.”
“Your gang is flooding this city with money. I want to know where from.”
“It’s not us. It’s not. We, they, yes, they aren’t sending shit into this city except a washed up spy until they know they won’t lose it.”
“Go on.”
“They nearly lost everything ’cause of you. They won’t do that again. I’m here because I’m cheap and desperate. They won’t send a fucking copper in yet.”
Vika nodded. He could be lying, but the story was plausible and he didn’t look like he was misleading her. But that meant he had no information and was useless.
“You’re right, you’re desperate. I don’t need you.”
*****
“Eric said you were all here and that I should come up,” Elena said from the door. Daeholf looked over from the bed, Trimas from the chair and Zedek from his perch on top of a chest.
“Hey,” Daeholf said.
“You’ve all stopped working in the shop then?” Elena said.
“Not sure I’d be much use yet,” Daeholf said.
“Erik said he could get more done without us under his feet,” Zedek said.
“Plus he’s mended now and we’re kind of busy with other things,” Trimas said.
“Indeed. So, have you boys made any progress?” Elena said.
“Sadly not,” Daeholf said.
“No leads, nothing?” Elena said intently.
“No. You?” Daeholf said.
“Nothing new. Shame, I thought you might have found something,” Elena said, not letting up.
“I don’t follow,” Trimas said, frowning.
“What are you getting at?” Zedek said, confused.
“Maybe I should ask this a different way. What was it you came to this city to do exactly?” Elena said calmly.
“You know that. We’re here to deal with the extortionists. You arrested us for it,” Zedek pointed out.
“So is there a lot of money in beating up extortionists? Or perhaps you followed them, found their stash and robbed it?” Elena said pleasantly, though the tone didn’t match her eyes.
“Why would you think that?” Zedek said. “I thought you’d have got to know us by now.”
“I would have thought that too,” Elena said. “But sometimes you can be wrong about these things, can’t you?”
“Ah,” Trimas said.
“Ah,” Elena said.
“Were you following us then?” Trimas said.
“No, I was checking out a lead. I thought he was a chancer with nothing useful to say. He was asking a lot of money too, so I was quite surprised to see you there,” Elena said.
“Ah,” Zedek said.
“More surprised when you handed over what looked like quite a sizable sum, especially since your current living arrangements don’t exactly speak to wealth,” she continued.
“You have a point,” Trimas admitted.
“Before we go any further, I’d like some answers,” Elena stated firmly.
“Open the chest,” Daeholf said.
“You sure that’s a good idea?” Zedek said.
“We’ve done enough damage to the level of trust between us today, let’s not do any more,” Daeholf said.
Zedek stood up reluctantly and lifted the lid on the chest. Elena stepped forward and looked at the contents. She resisted the temptation to whistle in surprise.
“That’s … that’s not quite what I was expecting,” she said after a moment. “How much is in there?”
“A lot,” Trimas said.
“You didn’t get that by robbing anyone here. I’d have heard about a job that size. Everyone would have heard about a job
that size,” Elena said, stepping back and studying them.
“We didn’t steal it,” Zedek said.
“So you got it honestly? Somehow I don’t believe you,” Elena said.
“It’s not ours,” Daeholf said calmly.
“But you didn’t steal it?” Elena said.
“Correct,” Trimas said.
“So are you going to tell me whose it is? It’s clearly not Erik’s,” Elena said, frowning. “What have you got me into?”
“By telling you this, we’re trusting you more than we’ve trusted just about anyone in recent times,” Daeholf said.
Elena looked at him, thinking. “Go on,” she said after a moment. Trimas and Zedek both nodded.
“It belongs to our employer,” Daeholf said. “She sent it here for a specific purpose, and one we weren’t in on when we agreed to come here.”
“Had we known, we wouldn’t have come,” Zedek added.
“So who is your boss, and what does she want?” Elena said.
“Both very good questions, and I can’t say that I have a definitive answer to either,” Daeholf said.
“That’s not helping me trust you,” Elena said.
“It’s true though. Perhaps it would help if I started from the beginning,” Daeholf said.
“It might,” Elena said doubtfully.
“We were in a bit of trouble and we needed to get out of the area fast. She was a friend of a good friend of ours and offered to help us. The offer seemed innocent at the time, we come here, far from where we were and in return we sort out a problem with some local thugs for her,” Daeholf said.
“That’s starting from the beginning?” Elena said. “It also doesn’t explain the money.”
“No,” Daeholf sighed. He looked over at Zedek and Trimas. “Can you two leave me alone with Elena? I’ll sort this out.”
“That’s a big claim,” Elena said.
“Are you sure?” Trimas said. “How much are you going to tell her?”
“Everything necessary,” Daeholf said.
“Can we trust her?” Zedek said.
“I’m right here,” Elena said angrily.
“Yes,” Daeholf said. “Please, leave this to me. Why don’t the two of you follow up on another lead and leave us for a while.”
“If you’re sure,” Trimas said doubtfully. He nodded to Zedek and the two of them left the room.
Knives of Bastion (An Empire Falls Book 2) Page 36