Shattered Line

Chapter 6: Unknown Whereabouts

He chuckled. "Don' yer worry yer pretty self. It be enough." Callum took the bench beside Eve, smoothing his red gnarled beard. "But outsiders be an issue. Always are. They don' be followin' the same rules we do. And worse, there be talks of children lately. They be rich brats. The outside riffraff sellin' them off."

Eve covered her mouth. "It couldn't be," she murmured.

"The kids could have been mistaken," Isla added then paused. "But that's not enough to go on. The guards should still be informed. They might move to action if the rich are affected."

"Aye, they might. In case, I ha'e a man. He been lookin' into the problem. This stink been recent, those rich fools be killin' Detra. Spoiled and rotten, stirrin' up dirt and maddening the Gods."

Isla watched Rydin, his back trembling. "Rydin-"

Rydin jumped up, the bench screeching backward. "I need to go. I need to find him."

"Rydin please wait," Eve cried.

Rydin ignored her plea, instead, he stomped towards the door.

Eve rose, her gaze flickering between Callum and Isla. "I'll go and make sure the poor dear is well. Heaven's protect us." Eve scampered after him, albeit half Rydin's speed, the door slamming behind them.

Isla's gaze remained transfixed on the door, her muscles stiff. The fool reacted too quickly. He would die young.

She traced the surface of her mug, wiping the condensation. Still, she needed Rydin alive to acquire transport for Arcadia. Would the guards help? She doubted. No, rather, her gut said this problem wasn't simple. Like Callum had said, the city stunk.

Callum stood before her, his face directed at Eve's last remnants.

"Who's your contact?" Isla questioned, pulling his attention.

Callum faced her, scratching his head. "Eh, he be named Squirt, he'll be here soon," he said then strode to the front counter.

Again, the door swung open, but three rough men entered the bar, their movements clunky. Isla scrutinized their actions as they maneuvered to the opposite corner from her. They stole a look at her cloaked form, and instinctively, she tugged her hood lower. Damn Detra, more men of this type.

While Callum served them drinks, the door creaked open. A sole man entered, wearing dark brown slacks and a loose jacket. His black mop hair curled and shined from the morning light. Outwardly, he mirrored a beggar, but the vigilant eye he bore had her hesitant.

Callum motioned towards her then moved to fill him an empty mug.

Isla approached the counter, continuing her observation. The man reached his drink first, his back to her. Was this Squirt? She guessed such, but Callum would be her final judge.

"This man be the lookout at the base by the docks. A tiny place by the cove," Callum said while resting his back against the bar's middle column. "Right, Squirt?"

Squirt nodded, lifting the ale brimming mug to his mouth. The frothy mixture sloshed, foam overflowing down the side. After relinquishing the drink, he commented. "Aye boss, place been loud."

Callum frowned. "How loud we talkin'?"

Squirt's head tilted her way, his eyes narrowing beneath his long bangs.

"The lass' good," Callum stated.

He coughed once before continuing. "Brought in lots of cargo late last night. They gettin' ready to ship it from the docks."

"Are the docks guarded and checked by the city?" Isla asked, resting her elbow on the countertop.

Squirt paused before answering. "Aye, they inspect the goods normally. Not now. Bought off for the week is me guess, but I ha'e no proof."

"They're bold. What about the rich? Any sign of movement from them?"

"Restless but unconcerned for now. They be rarin' if the gang goes after higher targets."

Isla nodded. "Sounds right. When do they plan to move the goods from last night?"

Squirt shrugged. "Not sure, Ma'am. Tonight maybe? I'd ha'e to check."

"Are you planning to check soon?"

"Aye."

Isla sighed, massaging her forehead. She had no choice now. This investigation required her involvement for transport to Arcadia. Rydin's chaotic emotions blinded him from proper action and thought. Without her, she could foresee Leef's death. Still, if this lead didn't prove fruitful, where else could Leef be?