Chapter Two
For Those Who Have Ears to Hear
Kaz Brekker was a rouge associate of William and Silco in the stock trade. He started as a runner in his younger days in the Dregs. Per Haskell, he saw the natural talent and bright mind to spot tells, moving pieces upon a chess board.
After Per Haskell's death, he willed his entire company to Silco.
The predictable leavers utilized money, influence, and power. A specific sheen to the eyes that he could spot. Now kept buried away to not alert others to his own tells.
His code name is simply Blackbird. Kaz would have Jesper visit those who traded on the stock floor. His personnel representative, which was, in a way, true. To keep tabs and report back.
Jinx was tagging along with Jesper, frankly annoying the hell out of him. For Saint's sake, please stay out of the way; where's Sevika? What that ogre? What the fuck do I care about her? She's always on my case, nagging Silco to dump me like Topside trash.
Eyes to the sky and a blown-out breath, OK, but stay on the rooftops and out of sight? You're able to do that much, right, Jinx?
That's my name, with a manic smile. Sure, can do; easy enough; I've been doing it since I was eight.
What stick is up, bird-blacks ass? Another sigh: your dad has him on critical business. He's visiting the Manejerie, among other brothels that Silco has a vested interest in.
Oh, you mean the Jurda aka. Shimmer the whores take before they are fucked?
Jesper, now beyond his boiling point, how the hell is it you have such a filthy mouth? You know what, don't answer that; I know the answer.
Another eye roll: hey Jes' you keep doing that, your eyes will get stuck that way. Let's play shoot the schooners who get it our way. I've got Bam-Bam, and you've got your pearly. 45's Sounds hella fun!
NO!
OK then, smell you later, loser. I'm not even sure why you're a crow, to begin with. So if you never miss a shot, you're not that lucky, just a filthy pagan. You could be useful in my lab, help me make helpful shit, but no.
Jesper, ignoring Jinx, continued walking, and she evaporated into the green chemical fog.
Kaz met Jesper at the Manejerie in a disgusted mood; a slash adorned his face. Furrowed brows. Where the hell were you?
Jinx was following me and being. Before you finish that excuse, I want you to think carefully about how you'll try to bullshit me. Because I have to report back to Silco and you report to me.
Jesper, blowing out a breath, thoroughly dressed down, mumbled No excuse, boss.
That's what I thought.
Cain clacking on the cobblestone, black suit, top hat vanishing in the wind, very spry for a disabled person.
Whatever, Jesper whispered under his breath when Kaz was out of earshot.
Second visit to the Manejerie (this cage made his skin crawl, which was saying something.)
Earlier, William who'd bought the indenture of one Inej Ghafa for a pretty tower of Kruge. She'd been in tow with William discussing legal matters with the hag that ran this shit-hole.
Surprising Kaz, Inej had slipped away from William in a heated argument. Sneaking up on Kaz, he didn't perceive but, upon the second inspection, sensed a shift in the air beneath his high-turned collar.
Turning, he remembered her request from an earlier meeting, 'I can help you.' Bold little slight thing. All the unimaginable horrors she'd been through since she was 14 by thousands of 'men.' To say this to him, of all men, caused him pause.
I could use your skills for disappearing; they rivaled Jinx's vanishing acts.
Wide eyes, oh Inej had heard of the awful adopted child of Silco, how much of an unhinged little terror she was.
For Kaz to say this caused her to pause as well. Could she do this? Yes. She could, and she would.
Thus began an exciting partnership with Jesper, Kaz, Jinx, and Inej.
Events following were about to get very disturbingly weird.