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’I vaguely recall a fuss,’ Gruntle said, frowning

’You were in Quip’s, weren’t you? Blind for days on end’

Gruntle winced ’Had my eye on Lethro, you knoent out on a contract and caone and

’Not just someone else’ Gruntle scowled ’That bloated crook, Parsemo-’

’An old master of yours, I seem to recall Anyway Who was the killer and why did the killings stop? Vorcan’s guild did not step forward to claim the Council’s coin The murders stopped because the murderer had left the city’ Buke nodded towards the e ’He’s the one Korbal Broach The man with the round face and fat lips’

’What one cold Gruntle poured hied, eyes on the fire ’I just know Who can abide the murder of innocents?’

Hood’s breath, Buke, I see both edges to that question well enough -- do you? You’Listen to me, friend We may be out of the city’s jurisdiction, but if Darujhistan’s iven that Vorcan’s guild ht still have an interest -- issues of jurisdiction areyou’re right and you’ve proof of your certainty, Buke -- and in theelse He’s a sorcerer -- mark my words You won’t stand a chance Leave the execution to the assassins and lanced up at the arrival of Harllo and Stonny Menackis The two had co washed and bundled in their arms Their troubled expressions told Gruntle they’d heard at the very least his last stateht you’d be halfway back to Darujhistan,’ Harllo said

Buke studied the guard over the rinize you, friend’

’Ha ha’

’I have found myself a new contract, to answer you, Harllo’

’You idiot,’ Stonny snapped ’When are you going to get some sense back into your head, Buke? It’s been years and years since you last cracked a sht into your eyes Howto stick your head in, man?’

’Until one snaps,’ Buke said,to one side the dregs fro ’Thank you for the tea … and advice, friend Gruntle’ With a nod to Harllo, then Stonny, he headed back to Bauchelain’s carriage