Aftermath- - Thieves World 10 Read Free Page A

just waiting to happen. Why, any of these—he ground his foot into the dirt erasing the names—could be his target. Or all of them. Many of them would have the ability to find him; some would certainly know his name, others would be intelligent enough to make the connection between him and Terrel. No, he would simply advertise his presence and let the killers
    come to him, or others approach him with information. He stood up.
    "This is going to be messy," he said to the empty land around him. But he would slip into the city later tonight and check in with his people before he revealed himself.
    "I'm coming home," he whispered.
    Cade took another sip of the wine, his black eyes searching the face of the man across from him at the oaken table. Targ was a good man. He had never failed a mission, but he was dangerous. Cade would have to be very careful how he used this one, very careful.
    "So," Cade said, "I was right about Tempus and the others. Still, there are quite a few with power remaining."
    "The streets are safer than even a few months ago," Targ answered, his thick hand digging in his beard. 'The coalition seems to be holding, at least for now."
    Just then the door to the house was opened. A young woman dressed in a fine gown and a dark shawl walked in.
    "I told you not to go out at night," Targ said, though his voice carried no concern.
    "I was just checking on Sarah," she answered, staring unabashedly at Cade, who simply stared back. Targ waved a hand at Cade.
    "Our employer," he said. Marissa stood by the door, a little unsure of how to react.
    "Sit," Cade said, watching as the woman seated herself, near Targ, but not too near. So, Cade thought to himself, she fears him. I wonder how much she knows. "Targ," he said aloud, "says you have done well. My brother's wife trusts you."
    "Yes." She nodded. "She and I have become friends, lord." Cade smiled slightly at the title but he didn't correct her.
    "She doesn't know that you work for me."
    "No, lord, she waits for you, knowing that you will, ah, help."
    "Understand one thing." Cade's voice was harsh. "I have come for
    ^enge, nothing more."
    "I think Sarah understands, lord."
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AFTERMATH
    "And tell me how does it feel to be the Lady Marissa?"
    "Better"—she smiled—"than it did to be the slave girl Donan." Cade did not answer her smile. Disguised as an old merchant, he had bought the girl's freedom. Then two months ago he had sent her here with Targ to set up a base for him. It was no accident that the house next to this was his sister-in-law Sarah's.
    He tasted the wine while the other two waited for him to speak. Cade nodded his head once. Good, they had done well, the girl in particularShe hardly resembled the anemic creature he had freed so many months ago. She had been a find, that one. Able to speak court Rankene, and read and write: a rare find
    And she was strong. He could sense that in people. After what this girl had been through it was surprising she retained her sanity. Cade had seen
    the scars that covered her back and thighs. He liked her; she was good and if he didn't need her he would free her from life's black curse, but first . . .
    "Some here might still know me," he said. "Terrel did not hide the fact that it was I who bought his house, and his shop." He stood up. "Therefore I see no reason for further subterfuge on my part." He picked up his
    sword belt and buckled it about his waist.
    "Tomorrow," he addressed the two, "I will ride into town at dawn. I will go straight to Terrel's home. Let those who might care know that I am here. You two must remember: You do not know me, I do not know you. Since Lady Marissa is a friend of Sarah's, and I will be staying at her
    house, we will have plenty of opportunity to get to know one another." He smiled and turned to go.
    "Ah, one last thing, Targ." The mercenary just looked up. "Tomorrow, go to the guild. Get a few guards for this house, especially a good bowman. From now on I want both houses under