Wren
Ch. 6
Half an hour in, and there was still no sign of the mark. Rich was just starting his second goblet.
“So, what brings you here today? I’ve heard you rarely leave The Old Ox.”
“I just felt like a change of scenery.”
“Well we’re glad to have you here. I’ve heard what a legendarily big spender you can be. You don’t seem to be living up to that yet, but I’m sure you’ll pick up the pace!”
“Mhm,” Rich grumbled. He was having to make a conscious effort to not spill his guts at this point. He was confident that he could keep the intended murder a secret, but he wasn’t sure how long he could hold off from telling this bartender his life story.
“You’re not very talkative tonight.”
“Never am.”
The bartender went on to serve other patrons. He was spending an unusual amount of his time on Rich. Either he knew exactly how wealthy Rich was, which was possible, but unlikely, everyone knew that the Newport family was wealthy but nobody knew quite to what extent, or he had someone who wanted information on him, which was a distinct possibility. Bartenders in Wrenfield traded in information, especially upscale ones. That’s why Rich drank at the Ox. Mags didn’t care about her customers’ lives. She just cared about getting paid.
Maybe, Rich thought, he’s just trying to get a good tip. Sure he trades in information, but that doesn’t mean he’s targeting me. I just need to avoid mentioning anything incriminating.
Wait, Rich thought, He knows I don’t have any money on me. He can’t be expecting a tip, and I’m sure even with my credit he wouldn’t expect me to buy a round for the entire place. So he must be looking for information on me. I’m not surprised. I’m probably the wealthiest person in the city. Lots of people would pay well for info on me. Rich took a moment to appreciate that he was still clear headed enough to realize this.
Well, if it’s information he wants, it’s information he’ll get. Useless, pointless, irrelevant information.
“Barkeep—”
“My name is Fitzroy.”
“—Fitzroy, pour another two meads, sweetest ones you have. I feel like running a large tab tonight.”
“Now this matches better with the rumors I’ve heard!”