Royce turned to Hadrian. โItโs supposed to make them look tough, but all it really does is make it easy to identify them as thieves for the rest of their lives. Painting a red hand on everyone is pretty stupid when you think about it.โ โThat tattoo is supposed to be a hand?โ Hadrian asked. โI thought it was a little red chicken. But now that you mention it, a hand does make more sense.โ Royce looked back at Will and tilted his head to one side. โDoes kinda look like a chicken.
Michael J. SullivanStealing swords,โ Royce muttered mostly to himself. โOkay, letโs take a look at this tower. The sooner I see it, the sooner I can start cursing.
Michael J. SullivanYouโre too visible, Albert,โ Hadrian explained. โCanโt afford to have our favorite noble hauled to some dungeon where they cut off your eyelids or pull off your fingernails until you tell them what weโre up to.โ โBut if they torture me, and I donโt know the plan, how will I save myself?โ โIโm sure theyโll believe you after the fourth nail or so,โ Royce said with a wicked grin.
Michael J. SullivanIt was a trap after all,โ Alric said. He turned to Royce. โMy apologies for doubting your sound paranoia.
Michael J. SullivanI need your help.โ Royce looked up as if his head weighed a hundred pounds, his eyes red, his face ashen. He waited. โOne last job,โ Hadrian told him, then added, โI promise.โ โIs it dangerous?โ โVery.โ โIs there a good chance Iโll get killed?โ โOdds are definitely in favor of that.โ Royce nodded, looked down at the scarf in his lap, and replied, โOkay.
Michael J. Sullivan