Shadows Linger by Glen Cook Page A

blank-faced us again. “You're sniffing up the wrong tree, Inquisitor.” “Just
     telling you so you'd know.“ ”What did this guy do?“ ”Hit somebody who don't take
     hitting.” Krage's eyebrows rose. He looked puzzled. He could think of no one who
     fit that description. “Who?”
    “Uhn-uh. Just don't let your boys take any old money without you checking the
     source and getting back to me. Hear?”
    “Said your piece, Inquisitor?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Shouldn't you better be going, then?”
    We went. I didn't know the rules of the game, so didn't know how the locals
     would score the exchange. I rated it too close to call. Outside, I asked, “Would
     he have told us if he'd been paid in old coin?“ ”No. Not until he looked into
     it, at least. But he hasn't seen any old money.” I wondered why he thought that.
    I didn't ask. These were his people. “He might know something. Thought I saw a
     glint in his eye a couple times.“ ”Maybe. Maybe not. Let him stew.”
    “Maybe if you'd told him why. . . .”
    “No! That doesn't get out. Not even a rumor. If people thought we couldn't
     protect their dead or them after they kick off, all hell would break loose.” He
     made a downward gesture with one hand. “Juniper like that. Crunch.” We walked
     on. He muttered, “All hell would break loose.” And after another half-block:
    “That's why we've got to get these guys. Not so much to punish them. To shut
     them up.”
    “I see.” We strolled back the direction we had come, planning to resume
     tavern-hopping and to see a moneylender named Gilbert when we reached his
     territory. “Hey?”
    Bullock stopped. “What?”
    I shook my head. "Nothing. Thought I saw a ghost. Guy down the street. . . .
    Walked like somebody I used to know."
    “Maybe it was.”
    "Nah. Long ago and far away. Long dead now. Just because I was thinking about
     him a little bit ago.''
    “I figure we got time for half a dozen more visits. Then we head uphill. Don't
     want to hang around here after dark.”
    I looked at him, one eyebrow raised.
    “Hell, man, it gets dangerous down here when the sun goes down.” He chuckled and
     gave me one of his rare smiles. It was the genuine article. For one moment then,
    I liked him.

Black Company N 2 - Shadows Linger

Chapter Fifteen:
    JUNIPER: DEATH OF A GANGSTER
     Shed had long, violent arguments with his mother. She never accused him
     directly, but she left little doubt she suspected him of hideous crimes.
    He and Raven took turns nursing Asa.
    Then it was time to face Krage. He did not want to go. He was afraid Krage might
     have lumped him with Raven and Asa. But if he didn't go, Krage would come to
     him. And Krage was looking for people to hurt. . . . Shaky, Shed trudged up the
     frozen street. Snow fell in lazy, fat flakes.
    One of Krage's men ushered him into the presence. There was no sign of Count,
    but word was out that the big man was recovering. Too damned stupid to die, Shed
     thought.
    “Ah, Shed,” Krage said from the deeps of a huge chair. “How are you?”
    “Cold. How're you keeping?” Krage worried him when he was affable.
    “Be all right.” Krage plucked at his bandages. “Close call. I was lucky. Come to
     make your payment?”
    “How much do I owe, all told? You buying up my debts, I couldn't keep track.”
    “You can pay out?” Krage's eyes narrowed.
    “I don't know. I have ten leva.”
    Krage sighed dramatically. "You got enough. Didn't think you had it in you,
    Shed. Well. You win some and you lose some. It's eight and some change."
    Shed counted out nine coins. Krage made change. “You've had a run of luck this
     winter, Shed.”
    “Sure have.”
    “You seen Asa?” Krage's voice tautened.
    “Not since three days ago. Why?”
    "Nothing important. We're even, Shed. But it's time I collected that favor.
    Raven. I want him."
    “Krage, I don't want to tell you your business, but that's one man you'd better
     leave alone. He's crazy. He's nasty and