INEFFABLE | kaz brekker

chapter three

A little while later, the Crows were back at the Slat. Elham and Inej were gathered around Kaz's desk, Kaz furiously going over papers, constantly checking his pocket watch for the time. Inej was growing more and more uneasy by the minute.

"What was that, hmm? You want to tell me?"

Kaz didn't even look up from his work. "Be more specific."

"It was one thing when we had at least a week to find a way across the Fold, but sunrise? We have to say no."

"No." Kaz and Elham said simultaneously. Kaz and Inej both turned to look at Elham. She shrugged, picking at the skin by her nails. "I'm not letting Pekka Rollins or any other man like him get this kruge when we have a shot at it."

Inej exasperatedly sighed, knowing this conversation was a losing battle. "We can't go!"

"Can't we?"

Elham opened her mouth to speak, but the words died on her tongue. Inej had pulled up her sleeve, revealing her Menagerie tattoo. Elham's heart sank into her chest. She hated that Inej was indentured to Tante Heleen, and she hated thinking about what Inej had to go through before Kaz took her into the Crows. Thinking about it made her sick to her stomach. While it's true that Barrel men were not good men, and Heleen wasn't a man, her fate would remain the same. The Valkyrie would get to her one day.

Inej looked at the pair with pleading eyes. "I can't go."

"You will. I have a plan." Kaz looked as determined as ever. Inej sighed, and Elham gripped her hand, trying to be of some comfort.

"No, you don't."

"Inej!"

Inej persisted. "I've worked for you long enough to know when you're still figuring things out. You don't know how to pull off this job."

Kaz's face was menacing, and Elham straightened up, ready to break the tension. "I still have six hours, and right now, you aren't helping."

"Maybe you find a way across, but that doesn't solve this problem!" Inej shoved her wrist into his face, and Elham reached for her hand, trying to calm her. Kaz only grew more frustrated.

"If I can't crack this, no one's going."

"And if you do?"

"Then maybe you stay here!"

"Kaz, stop, that's too far and you know it." Elham pulled Inej closer to her, slowly stepping between her and Kaz. She could see Inej's eyes beginning to cloud. Inej leaned her head around Elham's shoulder, directing her voice to Kaz.

"Maybe I won't be here when you get back." She let go of Elham's hand, easing her way out of her grip, and quickly leaving the room. Elham sighed, before turning back to Kaz.

"Inej? Inej!" Kaz tried following her to the archway of the door, but she was already gone out the window. He turned and walked back to his desk, where Elham was standing with her arms crossed, waiting for Kaz to speak. He didn't.

"Do you want to explain to me what the fuck that was? Why would you say that to her, and what plan do you have to get her out of her indenture? Or do you just not tell me anything anymore? You know I trust you, I want this heist to work too, and I'm here to help in any way I can, but you know that crossed the line. That was above your usual level of prick."

He scoffed, almost grinning. "Always the sarcasm. You're welcome to join her if I'm too much trouble for you. I really don't have time for this."

Elham's face fell. Kaz almost winced. "You're such a bastard! You're lucky I want this just as bad as you, and I'm willing to deal with your bullshit. You're just gonna have to deal with me. Now, what's the plan?"