Okay, let me make things clear. Many apologies to Big Cat, because you have a right to be confused. Originally, I was going to make James Downey's son. But then I changed my mind, because I love young vetinari and wanted him in here. So sorry. (also, if anyone knows Downey's actual first name, please tell me so that I can change it.)

Much to James's surprise, he had managed to get both he and Casey out of the Shades without being found. Now, they were standing in a small side road off of Short Street, and James was attempting to explain the finer points of life in the Big Wahooni to Casey.

"So…you're saying that where I was…it was dangerous to be there?"

James gently banged his head against a soot-stained retaining wall. "Yes, Casey. That is the point."

Casey looked puzzled. "But everyone was so nice there! Everyone I saw told me I was really pretty!"

"Oh, Gods!" James half-screamed. "Of course they did! They thought you were..." seeing Casey's inquisitive look, he trailed off.

"What?"

"Uh…you know…" he coughed uncomfortably. "Um. A…loose woman."

"A what?"

James stared at her disbelievingly. "How long have you lived in the city, Casey?" he asked slowly.

She tilted her head to the side, looking thoughtful. "What day is it?"

"The twenty-first."

"About…eight days, then. Or seven. I'm not really sure."

James slid farther down the wall until he landed on the grimy street with a thump. "Seven days?" he asked incredulously. "Are you serious?"

"Wha--"

"What were you doing in the Shades? Are you insane? Why couldn't you just ask someone about the city? ANYONE would tell you that only idiots walk through the shades. And now...now…"

James's eyes suddenly widened in horror. "…and now I'm missing my bloody chance! Stay there! I have to go."

"Where?" Casey asked curiously.

"To finish my contract. And thanks to you, I might not be able to…"

James quickly gathered up the knives that had fallen from his sleeves when he jumped up, and glared at Casey. "You. STAY."

James fled, leaving Casey staring bemusedly at the vacated retaining wall. "Huh," she said out loud. "What sort of contract?" Then, after a few moments of thoughtful silence, she stood up. "I can't imagine why he'd think I'd stay here," she explained to no one in particular. "Ankh-Morpork is just too interesting."

With that, Casey left the street at a brisk pace, following James's path.

-------------

As James neared his former hiding place, he could hear the sound of hooves clattering several streets away. He swore under his breath, and ran slightly faster.

Finally, he peeled into the cramped street just as the carriage rounded the corner. Grinning, he retreated into a doorway and was swallowed by shadow. As the carriage grew closer, he let his wrist knives slide into his hands. When the horse's hooves hit the ground in front of him, he turned and threw his left-hand knife, smoothly and perfectly. It found its target in the coachman's chest, and the man was dead before he could make a sound.

James quickly hopped into the driver's seat, nudging the body aside. He yanked the reins from the dead hands and urged the horse onwards. The carriage continued to move through the night, and the passenger had noticed nothing.

James sighed quietly and smiled, grateful that his plan had gone without a hitch. Well, there was that girl Casey, but she wasn't going to interfere with the next stage. When the carriage rounded the next corner, James would terminate his contract--along with the carriage's passenger.

Things were definitely coming up roses for James Downey.