Chapter ONE - Weebly

“You told me that you had no idea why Berson had
hired me, and you said that you had no idea how
Jennifer died. The truth is you knew she had been killed
by a conjuring, and you recommended to her father that
he give me the job.”
Derne didn’t answer at first. He stared out across
the harbor at a vessel putting to sea, a mist-laden wind
stirring his dark hair. Two workers lingered in the
doorway to the warehouse watching Ethan and Derne.
“Who told you?” Derne finally asked. “Was it
Abner?”
“No. I worked it out for myself. I would guess that
he asked you who he ought to hire and you offered to
find someone for him. You went to Sephira Pryce first,
but once she realized that a speller was involved, she
sent you to me.”
The young merchant twisted his mouth sourly. “I
suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that you reasoned it
out.” He took a breath and faced Ethan. “I’m sure
deception comes naturally to men in your line of work.”
Ethan ignored the remark. “Why not tell me the truth
from the beginning?” he asked.