Chapter ONE - Weebly

watching, and Ethan thought they looked eager for an
excuse to intervene.
“Abner Berson won’t be happy to learn that you’ve
refused to help me,” Ethan said.
Derne actually laughed at that, a high-pitched
nervous bark. “Not that I care, but you’re wrong.
Abner would understand completely. He’s a merchant.”
Ethan wanted to argue, but he wasn’t entirely sure
that the man wasn’t right. Berson had far more in
common with the Dernes of the world than he did with
Ethan.
At last, Derne reached the door, still walking
backward. He groped for the doorframe, found it, and
quickly slipped into the warehouse.
“Stupid bastard,” Ethan muttered. But he felt sick to
his stomach. Shivering at another raw gust of wind, he
walked back along the wharf toward the street.
Just as he reached the thoroughfare, he saw Diver
walking toward him, his eyes scanning the street warily
and his hands in his pockets. He didn’t notice Ethan
until the thieftaker stepped right in front of him, blocking
his way.