The Thorn of Dentonhill by Marshall Ryan Maresca Page B

right.” She took a seat again. “We know that there’s been someone nibbling at dealers across the ’path, and we ain’t been paying that no mind. Last night, that changed.”
    â€œWhat happened?” Hannik asked.
    â€œThe guy stepped up and hit a shipment drop, is what we hear.”
    â€œHow big?” Colin asked. He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the answer.
    â€œNo one is talking numbers, from what we hear across the street. But the word is Fenmere is going to start cracking skulls to find this ‘thorn in his side.’”
    â€œSo he’s going after this ‘thorn,’ then?”
    â€œAnd from what I hear, if he thinks the thorn is on this side of Waterpath, no truce is going to keep him from coming over to get him.”
    Everyone groaned.
    â€œI got to ask,” the Rabbit captain asked. “Anyone claiming this? Anyone know anyone who knows anyone?”
    Colin put on his best dice game face. Nobody in Aventil needed trouble from Fenmere, and the last thing Colin needed was for any one of these folks to think he had any clue what might have happened. Or who it might have been. But he had a damned good idea indeed.
    â€œNo one?” The Rabbit captain shrugged. “Didn’t figure.”
    Hannik scoffed at the Rabbit captain. “You’re only asking so you can turn your teeth once Fenmere’s boys ask you.”
    â€œWe ain’t never—”
    â€œRabbits always turn their teeth!”
    â€œRabbits gonna show you—”
    â€œEnough!” the Reverend shouted. Everyone became silent. He said, much calmer, “Now, so we are clear, none of you claim this ‘Thorn’ is with any of you.”
    Four-Toe shook his head. “If he was one of ours, he’d blazing well know not to bring heat like that.”
    â€œThis is going to be trouble for everyone,” Yessa said. “Don’t be surprised if you see some rattling out there the next few days.”
    The Hallaran’s Boys stood up, chests out. Hannik said, “They cross Waterpath to rattle us, they’ll get what for.”
    Yessa shook her head. “Easy for you. Fenmere’s goons cross, it’s Orphans and Rabbits who bear most of their rattle.”
    â€œPrinces feel it,” Jutie added. Colin glared at him, but that did nothing to hold back his swagger. “And if we find out who this ‘thorn’ is, we’ll leave him in a bloody heap in the middle of Waterpath.”
    â€œMore loyal to your enemy than a potential ally?” It was the priest who spoke. All eyes went to him. “A thief is no better for stealing from a thief, but is he not doing what you all wish to do yourselves?”
    â€œFenmere runs his neighborhood, leaves us alone,” Yessa said. “That’s how it’s been for years.”
    â€œWe’ve got our own to worry about,” added the Rabbit captain.
    â€œYou’ve been quiet,” the priest said to Colin.
    â€œI ain’t got nothing to say,” Colin said. “Fenmere got hit, and he’s all steamed. Good to know. We’ll watch ours.” He got up and went down the aisle. Jutie scrambled after him. He called out behind him. “I’ve heard everything I need to hear.”
    Colin couldn’t keep his anger off his face, so he was glad he had his back to the rest of the gangs. This was a very bad start to the day.
    He was going to have to have a long talk with his cousin.

Chapter 7

    V ERANIX WOKE UP when someone pounded on the door.
    â€œBed check!” came a shout from outside the door. “It’s dawn!” Veranix could barely move from his bed. Fortunately, Delmin got up and answered the door.
    â€œIs this really necessary, Rellings?” he asked as he opened it.
    â€œPeriodic checks are part of the routine, Sarren,” Rellings said. He pushed his way into the room.
    â€œWell, we’re both here,” Delmin said.