“And my other question?”
“We won’t leave you to your old life, I promise. What we will do is not clear yet. We don’t even know what we’re going to be doing. As you’ve no doubt figured out, we’re working. Our job is secret, but it involves ships and people who are enemies.”
“Then they are also enemies of mine.”
Tanner nodded hello to another pair of young women, a little older and more attractive. Devlin had said they were also his enemies, but what he didn’t know was that they also wore dragon tattoos on their arms. They were his people.
He needed to talk with Carrion about Devlin in private. What were they going to do with him? Why had they even allowed him to join with them? He brought the danger of a different sort. Was it worth jeopardizing their mission for the boy? He had another hundred questions but allowed them to slip into the back of his mind as a young woman lounging outside a tavern asked if they wanted to enjoy themselves.
Devlin started to answer.
Tanner kept him moving, telling him, “If you make friends with that one you won’t have any coins to use for your food or drink.”
Devlin glanced back and took a good look at her. “She’s never spoken to me before. I’ve walked right by her twenty times.”
“She never thought you had enough coin to be her friend.”
“No. It wasn’t that. She never even saw me when I walked right by her. I was invisible.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Tanner and Devlin continued walking down the various streets, each one taking them closer to the fast ships sitting near the end of the piers. All three were still there, and no others had joined them. Of the three, the Far Seeker drew Tanner’s eyes.
They walked closer to the ships, Tanner observing the crews as much as the ships. They paused at a bakery and carried sweetbreads to eat. A commotion broke out on the pier where the Far Seeker was tied. Two crewmen in matching black uniforms heaved a small man down the gangplank amid shouting. Once on the pier, another crewman in black struck the smaller man, and he fell. A crewman kicked him in the ribs.
The crew went back aboard, laughing and catcalling to others of their crew while the man on the pier managed to climb to his feet and stumble away from the ship. His direction took him near Tanner.
Making up his mind, Tanner went to the side of the man and slipped an arm over his shoulder. Devlin rushed to the other side. They helped the man to some timber stacked for shipment, but the right height for sitting.
Stepping back, Tanner asked, “Are you hurt?”
“Only my ego.”
“Ego?” Devlin asked, not recognizing the word.
The man half-smiled and pointed to his temple. “Here. Inside. I thought I was so smart.”
“They beat you for what you were thinking?” Devlin asked.
His concern encouraged Tanner. It showed he was curious, sympathetic, and willing to help. He decided to let Devlin do the talking since he was asking many of the same questions he wanted to ask.
“No, I went to the Captain with an idea of how to make money. He welcomed me and my idea, at first.”
“Then what?”
“This happened on his last voyage. I found out he used my scheme, but paid me nothing. I came down here to collect.”
Devlin said, “This is how he paid you?”
She small man shrugged. “I should have known better. People warned me he’s a cheat. At least, all I got is thrown off the ship while it was in port. Rumors say he threw more than one passenger over the side at sea, but their purses always remain on board.”
Tanner had heard enough. “Can we help you to your home?”
The small man stood, wavered and caught himself. “I guess I do need a hand if you don’t mind.”
“Where do you want us to take you?” Tanner asked while helping the man steady himself.
“My house is up that way,” he lifted his chin, pointing with it in the right direction. Several places were already turning color on his face, and his arms were scraped raw. By the following day, he would probably be too sore to climb out of his bed.
Devlin walked alongside, helping where he could, and ready to relieve Tanner. But Tanner wanted to escort the man because he wanted to talk and draw more information from him. “The Captain of the Far Seeker isn’t trustworthy?”
“My name is Margo, by the way. I can pay you for your kindness.”
“I’m Tanner, and this is my friend Devlin. No, we want no coin for offering help, but we were told to check out the three ships down there if we wished to go anywhere.”
“Might as well book passage on one of the cargo ships. More comfortable and you probably won’t get cheated or murdered like those who book the Far Seeker.”
“Why did you deal with the Far Seeker if that’s the case? Or, do you mind me asking?”
“The other two would be better choices in other times, but the owner of the Edna died almost a year ago, and the ownership is in dispute with creditors. Probably the ship will rot the rest of the way and sink before it’s settled. The Rose is about to do the same. Can’t pay her debts and will probably be sold for scrap without ever sailing again. Those are the last three fast packets on the entire coast.”
The man paused at a corner and tentatively stood. “I think I can make it from here. Are you sure I can’t reward you?”
“Can you spare time for another question, or two? Or meet us at the Anchor Inn for a mug of rum?”
“Ask away. And I’ll meet you there anyhow. That’s where I’m heading.”
“The Rose interests me. Do you know the Captain or the owner?”
“A man named Captain Jamison is both. He’s a good man. I wish he could have dealt with me instead of the Far Seeker, but stealing and piracy pays well, and maybe that’s why the Far Seeker is doing so well, huh? An honest man can’t make a living.”
“Where would we find Captain Jamison? On board The Rose?”
“Normally on his ship, but lately he’s been spending his time at the bottom of a mug of ale at the Anchor. Short, thick man. Reddish wild hair. You’ll know him on sight.”
“Was he always a drinker?” Tanner asked.
“Only in port. They say at sea he’s the best captain there is. Are you going to talk to him?”
“We hope so.”
“Lenders won’t trust him with more money, nobody will risk the losses so you probably should figure out something else. Tell you what. Tomorrow I’ll meet you at the Anchor, and you tell me what you’re looking for, and I’ll try to repay you for today with honest advice. Now, I think I had better be getting home.”
“Margo, are you sure we can’t help?”
The man took a wobbly step and almost fell. “If you insist.”
This time, Devlin helped him. He directed them to a door that had been red at one time. He inserted a key, and they faced a narrow set of stairs. Margo went first, with Devlin pushing from behind. At the top was another door, unlocked, and inside a few small, but neat rooms.
Margo sat heavily on the bed. He said, “Tomorrow at midday at the Anchor.”
Tanner and Devlin left him lying on the bed, eyes closed. Tanner suspected a cracked rib from the way Margo had winced in pain when his arm was lifted. He might show up at the Inn, or not, but Tanner had gained valuable information.
They walked directly to the Anchor. Inside, still at the same table, sat Carrion. When they took seats, Carrion said, “Almost didn’t recognize you.”