“You help us, and we’ll help you.”
Theo shot Esaias a piercing glare. What could she offer them?
Esaias released his hold around her neck, leaving her standing between them and two solid brick walls. She would have to take one of them down to escape.
The woman crossed her arms and flashed a scowl. “I don’t need your help.”
“Our help will be keeping you out of prison. How does that sound?” Esaias gloated, swirling his dagger in the air as he pointed it at her.
The thief gritted her teeth, her eyes turning to small slits. “Fine.”
“Smart,” Esaias said. “What can you tell us about these disappearances?”
Her rebellious demeanor faltered, but she quickly regained her control. “I haven’t a clue what you mean.”
Well, if that isn’t obvious.
“Why did you steal from him?” Esaias asked. “And why stop him on the docks?”
“You’re not from here, are you?” she asked, exchanging glances with both of them.
“No,” Esaias admitted, but a smirk crossed his features.
Theo shook his head.
“What’s your name, gorgeous?”
She rolled her eyes. “Isabel.”
“Esaias.” He extended a hand, but Isabel didn’t take it. She glared at the gesture. Flattery wasn’t going to get him anywhere. “Well, Isabel, I’m sure you’ve heard ramblings about what’s going on in Duncaster. Everyone else has.”
Steady, Esaias.Theo internalized his caution, but they couldn’t incite panic by divulging what they knew about the incident on the docks.
“I don’t care to take part in gossip.”
Theo’s hand rubbed at the stubble along his chin, watching the break in Isabel’s solid expression. Her left eye twitched, her fingers dug into the crook of her elbow.
Esaias cocked his head, narrowing his gaze. “You know.” His fingers coiled tighter around the hilt of his dagger. “What’s happening to the tenants going missing?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Isabel sputtered.
Esaias took a step closer. “Oh, I think you do. Tell us, or we can’t help you.”
Isabel’s eyes wandered, glimpsing the darkness surrounding them and their daggers trained on her. “What’s in it for me?” She eyed the pouch now strapped tightly to Theo’s belt.
Theo could barely contain his shock.She robbed me and now wants a cut of my silver?He opened his mouth to protest, but Esaias beat him to it.
“Not going to happen.”
“Then I can’t help you.” She crossed her arms and turned her nose upat him. “Besides, I’d never helpfastidanobles.”
“Careful what you say,” Theo warned, stepping closer.
“The big man does speak.” She grinned. “Do I look or sound like I hail from Deavopan or Bazrath?”
Theo knew she was right. Her fair skin wouldn’t fare well in the tropical climates, but it didn’t mean her allegiances hadn’t transferred elsewhere.
“How do you know we’re—”
