Jesper Fahey Imagines

Guns Blazing, Tides Rising (Part One)

Jesper is almost one block away from the Crow Club when he senses that he isn't alone.

Technically, he hasn't been alone in a long time. There is no place to get away in Ketterdam, no alley left uninhabited or room without a listener. It's certainly nothing like Novyi Zem, where you could find miles of farmland with nobody to talk to and nothing to do. No, the Barrel has never been somewhere to stay away from people.

This, however, is a different kind of presence. Jesper only notices it now, and he has no idea how long the Wraith has been following him. Sometimes he thinks she does it on purpose, walking behind him, footsteps silent as ever, just to see how long it takes him to figure out that she's there. Jesper halts in his tracks, raising his voice to the hooded figure no doubt a pace or two behind him. "I know you're there, Inej, and if I turn around just now you had better not do that thing where you wait two inches behind me just to make me jump."

There is silence, as expected. Jesper turns in a slow semicircle, ready for the inevitable, yet he still stiffens just slightly to see Inej standing behind him. Jesper has been in the Barrel for a long time, and gotten used to the skulking and sneaking of the various goons. He fancies himself at least somewhat capable at figuring out when people are following him, but for some reason, he cannot do the same with Inej. Not at all.

She raises an eyebrow at him. "You did the thing." Jesper finishes lamely. Something almost like a smile tugs at Inej's lips. "That's not exactly my fault. I've been waiting for you to notice me for a while. I've practically been stomping my heels against the cobblestones." Jesper groans. "You have not. You've been as silent as ever, and you know that." Inej ignores this, jerking her chin behind her, back in the direction of the Slat. "Your Crow Club endeavor will have to wait. Kaz needs you."

Kaz Brekker needs him. "What a surprise. I'm very useful, as it turns out. Couldn't this wait a little longer, though? I've heard they've got a new dealer over at Makker's Wheel." Inej just turns around, starting to walk back towards the Slat. No matter how hard Jesper tries, he cannot hear a single footstep echo against the stones. "This is more important." Jesper raises an eyebrow. "More important than earning the Dregs money by supporting a local establishment? He doesn't need to worry, you know, I've got money."

Jesper grimaces at the look of incredulity starting to color Inej's eyes. "Alright, it's not a lot of money. But it is at least enough to buy a round or two. Besides," Jesper continues, eager to shift the conversation away from his less than prosperous gambling habits, "Why did Kaz send you? He could have just delivered a note." Inej lifts a shoulder, even the slightest of shrugs a graceful movement. "I told you, this is important."

Jesper is intrigued by this. "Whenever you say 'important' more than once, it's always good. Is it another heist? Extortion? Maybe a good clash of rival gangs?" Inej rolls her eyes. "I'm not supposed to tell you anything. That was the whole point of me going." Jesper sighs dramatically. "You could tell me a little bit. I wouldn't even mention it to Kaz."

Inej instead lets her eyes trail upwards, towards the ramshackle glory of the Slat which is visible down the block. "You'll get your information soon enough." Her voice grows quiet, quieter than usual. It's practically impossible to hear over the clack of footsteps on stone as pigeons and gang members alike rush to finish their business before it grows too late and the thieves come running. "I will say one thing, though. While we're still away from prying ears."

Jesper leans closer, fascinated. "What is it?" Inej looks up at him, and Jesper realizes that she looks almost regretful. "Don't be too upset." Jesper waits for more, some explanation to this excruciatingly vague statement, but nothing happens. "Don't be upset? What, is Kaz going to cane me to death?" Inej tilts her head to the side. "There's a plan, and it will involve some things that you won't be too fond of. That's all I can say for now."