Temple Hill - Drew Karpyshyn [36]
"What kind of work do you think I do?" Lhasha asked suspiciously. "I'm not an assassin," she hastily added.
"No, of course not," the man said, shaking his head so vigorously the flesh on his cheeks and neck actually jiggled. His voice had changed from the imperious tone of a noble addressing a serf to the slick patter of a merchant trying to close a deal. "My inquiries around town weren't for an assassin, but for a thief. One of exceptional quality. One not working for the Purple Masks, or the Cult of the Dragon… not too many independent operators left in this town. My sources said to leave a message with the innkeeper at the Wyvern's Pipe. Imagine my chagrin when he told me you had recently checked out. But since you're here, I take it you got my message?"
Lhasha nodded. "It was passed on to me. You're offering an awful lot of money, probably enough to buy anything I could possibly steal. Something doesn't seem right about this."
The man gave her an oily smile that did nothing to reassure her.
"And yet you're here, despite your doubts. The sum. must be to your hking."
"It's a good place to start the bargaining," Lhasha said. The man shook bis head, still grinning his repulsive smile.
"Oh no, my pretty little thief. The offer is non-negotiable. Take it or leave it. If there's one thing I know, it's how to read people. I can see you're already thniking of taking my offer."
Lhasha found his condescending attitude grating. Pompous and vain, he obviously felt himself above the unwashed commoners of the city. Lhasha wanted to get up and walk away, just tell him to take his offer and stuff it down his fat, swollen throat, but he was right… she was very close to accepting. It was more than she'd normally make in a month. More than enough to get Fendel started on Corin's prosthetic arm. She had to at least hear the odious man out.
Til admit you have my interest. What's the job?"
"Nothing too difficult. One of my competitors has recently brought a package into the city, something quite rare. Something you can't just buy. My industry is very competitive, and it is vital that I get the package for myself."
"What is it?"
He waggled a chubby finger under her nose.
"Tut-tut. Youll find out when you get there. It's in one of the warehouses over in the merchant's quarter. Heavily guarded, of course. Ill give you the exact location if you accept. Needless to say, the utmost discretion is required. That is why we came to you, and not the guild. Too many spies in the Purple Masks, no secret is safe with them."
"I don't like being kept in the dark," Lhasha said. "How large is this package? Will I even be able to carry it out if I find it?"
The fat man waved his hand dismissively, his horrible rings catching the light from the tavern's fire.
"I guarantee that won't be a concern."
Still, Lhasha hesitated. Her instincts were rarely wrong, and something about this job seemed off.
"As I said, I have a gift for reading people," the man said, "I sense you need something more. A sign of good faith, perhaps. Tell you what… 111 pay you half up front, the rest on delivery. Do we have a deal?" He extended a plump hand.
Lhasha considered the offer for several more seconds before clasping his hand in her own slender fingers. "Deal."
Corin heard someone just outside the door. Lhasha was back earlier than he expected, he wasn't even in position. Moving as quickly as he could without giving himself away, he found a corner that would be well concealed in shadows when the door to the hall was opened. He'd wait until Lhasha was inside before springing out-hopefully a good scare would make her change her mind about a bodyguard at the foot of her bed.
The door was opened slowly, cautiously. Three silhouettes crept in, the last closing and locking the door behind them. The light from the hall had illuminated the intruders for a brief second before the door shut. Three men, their faces covered by violet cloths wrapped tight around their skulls. Purple Mask assassins.
Corin remained motionless,