Part 43 (2/2)

”Not at all. Not at all.” Probably wouldn't hurt to tell him everything, even if he did remember. Old Bones wasn't clueing me in about much these days.

Several kittens chose that moment to set up housekeeping in the Colonel's lap. Block petted them but paid no attention otherwise.

Chuckles and the Luck made a dangerous team.

”Tell you the complete truth, I have no idea where they went or what happened to them. The way it was explained to me, what I don't know I can't blab to some nosy Watchman.”

I wouldn't overdo the truth stuff in any case. The Dead Man isn't infallible. Block's confidence might be justified. He might've had a metal plate installed in his head to block out Loghyr thoughts.

I wasn't untruthful. I didn't didn't know where the crowd had gone. I couldn't think of anywhere to stash them that the Watch wouldn't look right away. know where the crowd had gone. I couldn't think of anywhere to stash them that the Watch wouldn't look right away.

I wasn't confident that Saucerhead, Winger, John Stretch, and Jon Salvation could manage that crowd, either. However much Penny Dreadful seemed inclined to cooperate now.

Being a natural-born, ever-loving, blue-eyed cynic, I didn't buy that kid being satisfied with a father who wasn't the avenger with flaming sword she'd come to find.

Block kept trying to get steamed up. But another kitten arrived every time the red began to show in his cheeks.

I changed the subject. ”You heard anything to explain this strange weather? I don't like it. People can't get out and show off their three-wheels. The fad might go away before I get rich.”

”You'll never be rich, Garrett. You don't have what it takes to hang on to wealth and make it grow.”

”I'll buy that. I should get rid of these freeloaders. Thanks, Singe.” She'd brought beer.

He was distracted. He'd begun to look confused. Like I do when I walk into a room, then stand around trying to remember why.

The Dead Man had Block, subtly enough that the Colonel didn't realize it. But then, we'd lied to him about Old Bones being asleep.

We had a few beers, relaxed, solved most of the problems of TunFaire. On Block's side, that reflected Deal Relway's conviction that to set the world right we need to kill the people who get in the way. Every little bit, he'd realize he was out of character and get upset. A cat or -two would pile on long enough to distract him. After Tinnie joined us the cats were unnecessary.

The man would offer some compet.i.tion if he could.

You can release him back into the wild, Garrett. The worst is past. He is not likely to be concerned about us for several days now.

74.

I shook hands with Block. He frowned, unable to shake the suspicion that he'd missed something critical. He went down to the street hugging his bundle of papers, stopped, shook his head, went on. He had trouble steering a straight line.

I shook hands with a groggy and thoroughly confused Kolda, too. The poisoner winced. He couldn't close his fingers into a fist. It wasn't much, but it was some payback. He headed out, dispirited. He pa.s.sed a bent old man coming uphill slowly, leaning heavily on an ugly, polished teak cane.

I just had time to notice him, then had to get out of the way as the Green Pants wide load shuffled out of the house. A-Laf's s.e.xton had less grasp on the world than did Kolda. And smelled bad besides.

Watchmen moved in on him, grinning. The big guy went along docilely.

Penny Dreadful observed from her usual perch. How did she shake loose?

The little old man reached my steps. He stopped. He wore a huge brown overcoat, far too large for him. He pushed hard on his cane, forcing his body upright. He looked at me. He didn't seem impressed. ”You Garrett?”

”Garrett! You going to hold that door open until we all freeze?” Tinnie was not in a good humor.

”Yes.” Meant for the old man but heard by the redhead. And taken to heart.

Bring him to me.

”Who?”

Silverman.

”I am Silverman,” the old man announced. As though that explained creation itself.

”How marvelous for you.” What the h.e.l.l was this? ”Come on in.”

”I'll need help. These steps look treacherous.”

The air was warm. The snow was melting, making the footing dangerous. There'd be flooding in the low parts of town.

On cue, in a roar of tiny wings, pixies exploded from my wall. The swarm streaked out into the weather. Except Melondie Kadare. Mel tried to flit into the house. Tinnie slammed the door before she got there.

I went down to help Silverman, baffled. ”I suppose you're expected.”

He gave me an odd look. ”Stay close. Catch me if I slip.” After a three-step climb he paused to catch his wind.

”Wouldn't be a big cabbage eater, would you?”

”Eh?”

”Never mind. Who are you? What are you?”

Melondie perched on my right shoulder.

”Silverman. You don't know why you sent for me?”

I'd overlooked it when I became a dual personality. The one in charge now didn't have a clue. ”I don't think so.” If you were two people in one slab of meat, would you know it? Werewolves usually do.

”Your man came. He seduced me away from my work. He said you can get my daughter moved up the priority list...”

”But- Stop that, Bug!” Melondie was messing with my ear.

I sent for him, Garrett. Will you cease dawdling? Bring the man here. I caught a hint of unease. Something wasn't going quite the way he wanted. I didn't think he was fussed about the pestiferous pixie, though. I caught a hint of unease. Something wasn't going quite the way he wanted. I didn't think he was fussed about the pestiferous pixie, though.

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