“That’s what I thought,” said Roo. He instructed the boy, “Return and say to Mr. Masterson that Rupert Avery of Avery and Son and the grandson of the Duke of Krondor would appreciate a moment of his time.”
At mention of the Duke, Dash made a theatrical half-bow, with a wicked grin, and Kurt’s face drained of color. He glanced at the now totally confused waiter and said, “Do it!”
Two men returned with the waiter a few moments later. To Rupert’s surprise and pleasure, one of them was Sebastian Lender. “Young Avery,” said Lender, holding out his hand. They shook.
“Gentlemen, may I present Dashel, grandson of the Duke of Krondor and the newest member of my company.”
“And may I present Jerome Masterson,” said Lender, referring to the stocky man at his side. Masterson wore a shortcut black beard shot with grey, and his hair was cut straight at his collar. His clothing was finely made but of plain design, and he wore a minimum of jewelry.
“Please, come with me,” said Masterson, leading them into the main room of the coffee house.
As they left a gaping Kurt behind, Roo turned and said, “My cousin Duncan will be along sometime soon. Please show him to our table the moment he arrives.”
The order for coffee was put in as they settled around a large table in the corner, and Masterson said, “Your grandfather and I are old friends, Dash. Boyhood friends.”
Dash grinned. “I think I understand.”
Roo did as well. Given what he overheard that night outside the headquarters of the leader of the Mockers, he guessed that the Duke wasn’t the only former thief to have migrated to a lawful existence. Then there was always the chance that despite his proper appearance, he was still a thief.
Masterson said, “You look enough like him . . . it’s uncanny. Do you take after him in other ways?” he asked with a wink.
Dash laughed. “I’ve climbed a wall or two in my time, but I’ve never picked up the knack for cutting purses. My mother frowned on that sort of thing.”
They all laughed, and the coffee was served. As each man fixed his cup the way he liked it, Lender said, “So, Mr. Avery. I was conducting some routine business with one of my clients when your message came to us. What is this about?”
Roo glanced at Masterson, who nodded. “Lender is my litigator and solicitor, so he would be here even if you didn’t know him. I am right in assuming this isn’t a social call, am I not?”
“You are indeed, sir,” said Roo. Clearing his throat, he said, “I am looking to form a syndicate.”
Lender glanced at Masterson, and then asked, “You mean join a syndicate?”
“No, I mean to form one specifically for an investment.” Masterson said, “I am a partner in several. It might be far easier to propose you as a member of one than to build one from scratch.”
Roo said, “I only worked here a short time, but as I understand the workings of such, if I join a syndicate and propose a venture and the partners vote it down, then I’m out of luck.”
“Yes, that’s true,” said Masterson.
“But if I propose the creation of one for the specific purpose of the venture, then only those who wish to participate will accept partnership, and we go forward.”
“That is also true,” said Lender.
“Well, before we rush down that avenue,” said Masterson, “let’s hear something about your venture so I can judge the wisdom of starting from scratch.”
Roo hesitated, but it was Dash who spoke. “You’re going to have to tell someone sooner or later, Mr. Avery.”
Roo sighed. His biggest fear was of telling someone in a position to take advantage of the news without benefiting himself. He knew it unlikely from anyone who was recommended by the Duke and a client of Lender’s, but he still hesitated.
“Go on,” said Lender.
“I mean to underwrite shipping.”
“There are dozens of such syndicates already,” said Masterson. “Why do we need a new one?”
“I want to specialize in grain shipments to the Free Cities.” Masterson and Lender looked at each other. Masterson said, “That’s usually a fairly short-gain, low-risk venture, young man—unless the Quegans are in a raiding mood. But as they’ve been quiet of late, one must suspect you’ve a different reason to wish to specialize in a relatively dull enterprise.”
Roo colored a bit. “I have reason to believe that the demand for such transport is likely to go up soon and that there will be a very heavy increase in shipping to the Free Cities, so I thought I would be in a position to set up some multiple-voyage underwriting.”
Masterson looked at Lender. “The lad knows something.” Leaning forward, he lowered his voice. “Out with it, Rupert. I give you my word that whatever it is, you shall be entitled to a full share based on both your participation and your news.”
Roo glanced at the other three faces and quietly said, “Locusts.”
“I knew it!” said Masterson, slapping the table.