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Thirty-five e and cli to their destination

The Cove, thankfully, was a bit less dilapidated than the Brine, but its patrons were equally as unkempt and a lot drunker than the others had been, probably because it was now al the sailors ample time to sink deeper and deeper into their cups

Again Julian checked Aurora's appearance Then, confident that she was as concealed as her layers of clothing would allow, he drew her close to his side, holding her tightly—and possessively—as he led her through the front door and to the counter

"We got no rooaze sliding from Julian to Aurora "So ye'll 'ave to take this pretty morsel somewhere else" He leaned forward, his teeth so yellow, his breath so hideous that Aurora winced with disgust "Unless, of course, ye want to share 'er with me Then, we can take 'er to the kitchen and…"

"I don't want a rooe to throttle thefor someone We want you to help us find him"

"I sell ale, not information"

"I want both" Julian slapped a ten-pound note on the counter "And I'll pay for them"

The tavern keeper's eyes gleamed "That's a different story" He snatched up the money "Who're ye lookin' for? And why?"

"A sailor naravelly voice A reliable source tells s at the Cove"

An assessing pause "Ye still haven't told me why ye're lookin' for this fellow Barnes"

"He and I have a mutual friend I have some questions about"

"A friend? Or someone ye're plannin' to steal from or kill?"

"A friend Someone I want to discuss"

"Nothin' more?"

"Nothing more" Clearly Julian sensed victory, for he withdreo more notes, waved them visibly about like bait, then folded them neatly and tucked them into his palhts, just information After which—if Barnes should happen to be here—my wife and I will buy him a few rounds of ale, chat with him for a time, then take our leave Period" Julian rubbed the pound notes between his fingers "Well?"