Viv spread her hands. “We came to an arrangement. Her idea.”
“An arrangement?”
“Well, thereisgoing to be a payment, of sorts. Weekly, in fact.”
Tandri’s brow wrinkled in consternation.
“I guess she likes Thimble’s cinnamon rolls.”
* * *
When Thimble arrivedat his usual time, he was laboring under the burden of a wooden box about two feet long and one foot wide. Viv took it off his hands, and he directed her with a paw to the pantry, where she set it down and removed the lid. Inside, packed in straw, was…
“Ice?” she asked.
The rattkin gestured at the cold-pit, where they kept the cream and several baskets of eggs. “Colder. Keeps longer.”
“Where did you get it, though?”
“Must be from the gnomish gasworks?” said Tandri.
Thimble nodded enthusiastically.
“I don’t know what that is?”
“It’s a big building on the river, steam- and water-powered. I’m not clear on the mechanics, but somehow they can produce ice.”
“Huh.” Viv glanced over at the coffee machine. “Guess I’m not surprised. How much did this cost you, Thimble?”
He shrugged.
“Well, from now on, we’ll pay for it. You hear?”
He nodded agreeably and began transferring the chunks of now-melting ice into the cold-pit.
She glanced across the room. “Actually… this gives me an idea.”
* * *
Viv slidinto the booth across from Hemington, who looked up distractedly from his research. She pushed a mug over to him.
He blanched and then quickly mustered a smile. “Why, thank you. But as I’ve said, I don’t really like–”
“Yes, I know. Hot drinks.” She nudged it closer.
He pulled it the rest of the way, and his eyebrows shot up as he examined the contents. “Cold?” A few small chunks of ice bobbed in the coffee, and sweat pearled on the mug. He took a tentative sip, licked his lips, and gave the drink a considering look. “You know, that’s not bad.”
“Great,” said Viv, lacing her fingers together and leaning forward on the table. “I have a little favor to ask of you.”
His gaze immediately became suspicious. He made to slide the drink back, but then had another quick sip. “A favor?”
“Actually, it might helpyou. You’ve already set up your ward here, right?”
“I have. But I assure you, it’s–”
She waved a hand at him. “I’m sure it’s fine. Haven’t noticed. What I want to know is, can you setanotherone?”
“Another?”
