“Then what do youwant?”
Kane caught his tongue between his teeth, considering her through a half-lidded gaze. “I won’t be able to do this alone. And I think you and your clever little magic would be very helpful indeed.” He held up a hand, stopping her protest before she could voice it. “I’ve seen your work. It’s better than anything else available through the dark market at present. You may not realize it, but you’ve built yourself quite the reputation. Everyone wants your inventions, and yet you’re notorious for not delivering on commissions.”
That sent an unpleasant jolt through her. Sweat began to bead at the back of her neck. “I—I’ve a reputation?”
“Don’t tell me you didn’t know.”
Zaria blew out a breath, trying to process this. Here she’d thought herself of little import to the kingpin. “And now you’re asking me to help yousteal from the Exhibition?”
“I suppose you could put it that way.”
“That’s mad.”
“Is it?”
“I’m not a thief! I’m… an inventor.” Perhaps it wasn’t exactly the right word, but it fit better than most.
Kane gave an impatient flick of his hand. “You wouldn’t have to do the actual stealing. But you can makemagic, and I’ve seen what your creations are capable of.”
“Alchemology is about manipulating function, as I expect you well know. It’s about changing an existing mechanical process, an existing chemical reaction. It’s not as simple as you make it sound. The limitations are endless.”
“Right. But the limitations depend on the alchemologist, and you have fewer than most if my information is correct.”
“Why don’t you ask…” Zaria fought to recall the name of the alchemologist who lived just outside Devil’s Acre. “Étienne?”
“He specializes in security devices, which is essentially the opposite of what I’m going for. Besides, he’s, like, ninety years old.”
The man was nowhere near that, but Zaria didn’t think it prudent to argue. She frowned. “So you want me to… what? Create items to help you do the job?”
“In a sense.” Kane’s voice turned impatient, and it caught her off guard. She kept very still, watching as a muscle ticked in his jaw. He had a wild, frantic energy about him she hadn’t noticed at first. “I would prefer if you worked with me as I assess the situation, and we can go from there. To start, are you familiar with those explodingdevices that fill the room with thick smoke? The kind that’s impossible to see through?”
“Aleuite explosives,” Zaria snapped, then gave her head a baffled shake. “You’re asking me to help you commit a crime by working forfree?”
“Of course not,” Kane scoffed. “Nobody does anything for free. Not here.”
“Then what are you offering?”
His eyes glittered as he shook his head. “I don’t make offers. I let people tell me their price.”
“You’re insufferable.”
“I’m not sure that’s relevant.”
Zaria thrust a finger at the door, vaguely indicating the direction of the pawnshop. “Ward is threatening to kick us out of the building. His men—yourcolleagues—make our lives a living hell. Why would you possibly think I’d want to work for you?”
“Withme,” Kane corrected her. “Hate Ward all you like. Lord knows it’s warranted. But don’t let the company I keep prevent you from getting what you want.”
She paused, uncertain. What could Kane possibly have that she wanted? She didn’t know him, and anyone who worked for the kingpin could hardly be trustworthy. But she saw the fine fabric of his jacket, considered the slick sheen of his boots. Somehow, by whatever unsavory means, he had money. His connection to Ward also afforded about as much protection as one could hope for in Devil’s Acre. What if this was the opportunity Zaria had been waiting for?
“Come now,” Kane said, arching a brow. The expression was cocky on him. “Don’t tell me you’re unsure. You’re a dark market vendor. And yet you live”—he waved a dismissive hand—“here. Do I take it your business venture isn’t exactly going well?”
She felt her face heat. “What’s it to you?”
“My point is, if it’s money you want, I’m good for it.”
“I’m sure you are. You have the hard-earned quid of everyone who lives in this part of the slum, don’t you?”
“I have little to do with the collection of dues.”
