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(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

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linking one eye, then the other <strong>to</strong> clear my vision. For the moment I<br />

allowed Morte <strong>to</strong> lead the way as we meandered about the city. He led us <strong>to</strong><br />

the shade <strong>of</strong> a building.<br />

I should’ve expected this.<br />

The harlot was a tired-looking woman dressed in a tight leather bodice and<br />

leggings. The o<strong>do</strong>r <strong>of</strong> cheap perfume surrounded her like a cloud, and her<br />

face was covered with a mask <strong>of</strong> crude make-up. She smiled as she saw us<br />

approach. “Why <strong>do</strong>ncha stay and chat wit’ me a bit, love?”<br />

“Morte...” I snarled out the side <strong>of</strong> my mouth.<br />

The woman looked coyly at me and shifting her weight, placing both hands<br />

on her broad hips. “Now ye look ta <strong>be</strong> a blood who's lost something.<br />

Mayhap I can help ye find it, cutter?” She smiled slightly.<br />

Morte piped up eagerly, “What good fortune! We probably lost what we're<br />

looking for back at your kip, miss.”<br />

“All I’m missing is a journal, madam,” I said dryly.<br />

“Eh?” She seemed confused. “What’re ye about?”<br />

If I was going <strong>to</strong> talk <strong>to</strong> the odd and outcast <strong>of</strong> the city, I might as well start<br />

here. I changed the <strong>to</strong>ne <strong>of</strong> my voice, gave a smile light enough that it<br />

couldn’t have <strong>be</strong>en mistaken for that <strong>of</strong> a lecher, “Actually, I’m <strong>not</strong> missing<br />

anything, though I <strong>do</strong> need some information.”<br />

Morte sc<strong>of</strong>fed.<br />

“I’m <strong>not</strong> a <strong>to</strong>ut...” She frowned with a pout, then rub<strong>be</strong>d two fingers<br />

<strong>to</strong>gether. “Unless ye’ve got something ta pay fer my time.”<br />

I leaned in close, spreading my arms a bit, giving a confident, friendly grin.<br />

“How much?”<br />

She eyed me up and <strong>do</strong>wn, smiling, then gave a pleased giggle, “Oh, fer a<br />

handsome basher like yerself... “Three coppers’ll <strong>be</strong> enough t’loosen me<br />

<strong>to</strong>ngue. For information, mind you.” I laughed. She licked her lips, then<br />

frowned. “Other questions <strong>of</strong> a deeper chant’ll cost ye more, though.”<br />

67

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