Estherbrook shrugged, as if that were of little importance. “Well, if we can find a way to avoid that, my lot in life would be easier.” He put down the cup. “And be warned, while you are presently well connected at the palace, you are not the only one. My friend Frederick Jacoby also counts powerful men as friends.” Leaning over, he whispered, “if you must kill his sons, be discrete about it, will you, now? And if you can manage, some advance warning so I may distance myself from the Jacobys would be appreciated also.” Patting Roo on the shoulder, he made his way around the table. “My coach is now outside. I will see you for supper on Fifthday.”
Roo sat alone for a minute, wondering at this new world of intrigue he found himself in. The polite manner in which Estherbrook discussed murder bothered him as much as anything he had witnessed during the war.
Then he thought of seeing Sylvia on Fifthday and his heart almost beat out of his chest. Forcing himself to calmness, he realized he must do as Duncan suggested and improve his wardrobe.
He stood up and left, and until he reached his shop and Jason brought matters of trade to his attention, he couldn’t stop thinking about Sylvia Estherbrook.
During the week, Roo fell into a routine. He left home at first light, stopped by the shop and went over the day’s shipments with Luis, Duncan, Jason, and Dash, then went on to Barret’ s. Sometimes Duncan or Dash would accompany him, depending on what else needed to be done at the shop. Other times he went alone.
Duncan had found a small house to rent not too far from the office, with two bedrooms. Roo told him to hire a cook. Jason and Dash spruced up their own quarters at the shop and seemed to be becoming fast friends. While Jason was a few years older than Dash, it was clear from his manner and comments that Dash was old beyond his years and far more worldly than Jason.
Roo followed Duncan’s suggestion and visited a tailor recommended to him by Lender. He supplied Roo with clothing fit for both Barret’s and social functions. Duncan went for far more colorful clothing, looking nothing so much like a court dandy as a former mercenary.
Jason came to him on the third day after the syndicate was formed and said, “Can I ask you something without causing offense, Mr. Avery?”
Roo said, “Certainly, Jason. You were the only one at Barret’s who tried to set me right when Kurt and the others were trying to trip me up; I consider us friends. What is it?”
“What is it exactly that your cousin is doing?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean Luis is overseeing the shipping schedule, seeing to rates, and making runs, I’m doing all the accounts and paying the workers, and Dash is helping Luis and me when either of us need him. But Duncan, well . . . well, he’s just sort of . . . around.”
Thinking of the encounter on the road with the driver from Jacoby’s and how Duncan could stand at his back with his sword, Roo said, “I understand your concern. Let’s just say he helps me. Is there anything else?”
Jason said, “No. I just . . . well, anyway. Are you heading for the coffee house?”
Roo nodded. “I’ll be there if you need me for anything.”
Roo reached Barret’s less than a half hour later only to discover the upper room in quite a minor frenzy. Masterson waved him over to the table and said, “Something is going on.”
Several waiters were hovering nearby, taking pieces of paper that were being scribbled upon by Hume and Crowley. “What is it?” asked Roo.
“We’re getting offers. Many of them.”
Roo’s forehead furrowed. “Where are they coming from?”
Masterson said, “Why, from other members.”
“No, I mean where is the grain coming from?”
Masterson blinked. “I don’t know.”
Suddenly Roo felt certain he knew the answer. He took a waiter by the arm and said, “Send a message to my office. I want my cousin Duncan or my assistant Dash here as soon as possible.”
To the others he said, “Have we taken any positions?”
“Not yet,” said Crowley, “but the price is dropping and I’m inclined to think it’s not going to go lower.”
“How low?”
“It’s down to two silvers for three bushels, at eight percent secured.”
Roo lowered his voice. “I’m willing to bet one of the other brokers has sent someone east to the Vale of Dreams. Would you think that price reasonable if someone is bringing Keshian wheat north through the Vale?”
“What makes you think that?” asked Masterson.
Roo said, “Because I’m a sneaky bastard whose father drove a wagon to all parts of the Kingdom, including the border near the Vale.”
Soon Duncan showed up and Roo said, “I need you to start hitting inns near the traders’ gates. Listen for Valemen. I need to know if anyone has been buying grain in Kesh, who, and how much.”
After Duncan hurried off, Crowley said, “Are you using some magic power we’re ignorant of, or is this a guess?”
“It’s a guess. But before sundown I think we’re going to find that as much wheat as we need, twice over, is on it its way west from the Vale.”
“Why?” said Hume. “Why do you think that?”
Grimly Roo said, “Because it’s what I would do if I wanted to ruin this syndicate.” He then asked, “What sort of surety do we get regarding delivery?”
“The options are secured, so if the person offering the option defaults, he is liable under Kingdom law for the entire price, and more, for the gold we’d lose by not being able to ship the grain. To offer a contract and not make delivery would be terribly damaging . . . unless . . .”