Cogan thought himself a right big thinker. After all small thinkers weren’t promoted to guard captain. Never mind nobody else wanted the job with all the work and not to show but a pretty mark on ya sleeve. He had a plan; after all, big thinkers need big plans.

He checked his reflection in the teapot yet again and flashed a smile to Elder Thorn. “We has all got our roles to play in Pagiz. A ain’t got these little swirly do dads on me uniform for nothin’. My part is to protect this here city, and your part is to see they get blessings and whatnot.”

He casually hefted the purse in one palm, its weight irritatingly lacking. He was being cheated. The shriveled bastard in his fancy robes thinks himself smart.

Thorn settled back in his chair, a contented smile on his pale face. “Yes, it is not the usual fee. However, think on this. You had no part in the retrieval of this girl. You are mainly being compensated for your continued discussion.”

Cogan studied the Elder for a long moment letting the silence hang between them. He want to stomp that satisfied smirk off this little shit face and wipe his foot clean on his fancy rug. But he could no more do that than slit his own throat. But he could not let this bastard get the better of him. If the little rat got away with it, he would do it again.

His eyes drifted to the teapot again, and saw that he looked more trapped than menacing. He forced a smile and imagined grinding his heals into that wrinkled smile. That would have to do for now. “This is why ya need me. This weren’t no bloody street dog. She had a family what been making a fuss. The way A look at this, seem you owe me the usual coin. Me and the men will need to do a bit of cleaning up.”

Thorn climbed to his feet and dropped another coin pure on the table. “I trust you can see yourself out. I have other matters that need my attention.” He flashed that shit smile again and turned away.