Free Thief (Brotherhood of the Throne Book 1) by Jane Glatt

uncle we’ve invited ourselves to dine with him?”
    Kane laughed. “Tell him it was my idea - he’s used to it.” With that, he left the office.
     
    It was late afternoon when Kane finally found his way back to the Crooked Dog. The weak daylight that entered through the grimy windows allowed him a good view of the dirt and various stains that covered both the interior and the patrons. Kane wore Arlott’s customary brown cloak and hat. The clothes were worn, but, thank the gods, they were also clean. He’d have a hard time explaining how the Captain of the Kingsguard ended up with fleas.
    “Is Eryl Fentin in?” Kane asked the tavern keeper. The man nodded and gestured towards the room Kane had visited last night. Kane knocked on the door using the same pattern as before and was quickly let in.
    “Master Arlott,” Eryl said. “I’m surprised to see you again so soon. This visit may not be wise.”
    “This will be my last visit to you for some time.” Kane said. He was relatively certain his disguise would hold but the church would know Eryl had paid Brenna’s bond and might be watching him. He couldn’t afford to be recognized by the church. “I need to renegotiate our agreement of last night. I need to personally ensure safety of our mutual friend.”
    “Your patron is being unusually considerate.” Eryl leaned forward on the table. “Her bond has been paid and she’s safe.”
    “For now,” Kane said. “But I need to know her exact location.”
    Eryl’s eyes narrowed and his lips tightened as he slouched lower in his chair. “No, I can’t do that. I’ll not snitch on Brenna unless you give me a good reason.” 
    “I need to find out if she’s being watched. And if she’s in danger I want to make sure she understands how much and from whom.” He held out a small purse. “The owners of a certain item my patron hoped to obtain are unhappy - they feel the One-God did not receive justice.” He met Eryl’s gaze and held it until the other man finally gave a single quick nod.
    “The church is a ruthless enemy.” Eryl said. “If I’ve put Brenna in their sights she’ll slit my throat. And since she’s the finest healer in the Quarter I’d not likely have anyone to mend me, would I? And that’s all I’m going to say on the subject of Brenna.”
    Kane tossed the purse to Eryl, who caught it and quickly hid it in his clothing. With one last tip of his hat, Kane turned and left. In a place like the Thieves Quarter he should have no trouble finding a healer named Brenna. Kane smiled as he exited the tavern. This was much safer than asking for a thief - anyone could have need of a healer.
     
    Kane watched the seamstress shop from a wine seller’s across the street. Slightly better than the Crooked Dog the wine seller had a few benches and tables set up outside. From one, he had a clear view of the seamstress shop.
    He checked the sun’s height in the sky. It was late afternoon and there hadn’t been any unusual activity around the seamstress shop. The only watcher was the Brother with the fruit cart on the corner, which was a relief. He had to assume that the church did not know where Brenna lived. Satisfied that all was quiet Kane left a copper for the serving girl and stood. If he left now he could get to his uncle’s on time
     
                                                                         
    Brenna eased back from the window and settled the heavy curtain in place. He’d finally left. She wasn’t certain that the man in the brown cloak and hat had been waiting for her, but she’d had an uneasy feeling. There was something familiar about him - the way he moved or the angle of his head. Both healing and thieving required that she notice small details that others would overlook. She couldn’t quite place him but she’d trusted her instincts and stayed inside while he sat out there.
    She’d wait another half hour,