'It is very difficult to make ones way in this city without being wicked at one time or another, when the cities way is so wicked to begin with.'
Or in which: Kaz Brekker didn't need a reason - but his little sister was the closest thing to it.
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Not many people could say they knew why Kaz Brekker involved his younger sister in the business of the Barrel; he always had his reasons whether he needed them or not but he was a boy who kept his cards close to his chest like the secrets up his sleeve.
She looked too young to be suspicious, too small and quick to be truly noticed, with light fingers and sharp, coal-black eyes that liked to observe anything and everything. And most of the time people spilled secrets so easily in the company of a kid just on the assumption that they wouldn't understand what they were talking about, or recall it in such detail at all.
Kaz had done deals - before the Wraith, before his sharpshooter - and she had been there lingering in the shadows waiting for it all to turn to violence, listening intently or waiting patiently at his side. It was valuable that people underestimated the girl, because when things went bad, she was quick as a whip and small enough to go unnoticed until it was too late. Not to mention she was an excellent pick-pocket who delighted in attaining things that didn't belong to her like it was a drug.
Everything she worse was dark shades of reds, blues and black; usually dresses. She kept her nearly black hair neatly tied back with a ribbon most of the time, or in two bunches. Her face had delicate features but sharp, coal-black eyes and a cat like smile. Every right sleeve of every item of clothing she owned was torn or frayed from where she had a bad habit of chewing and biting the fabric - a childish habit she hadn't quite grown out of despite the fact she refused to be viewed as one, but on darker days it was what she resorted to.
On many occasions her presence among the gang came into question, and on the night some of the Dregs went out to the Exchange to meet with some of the Black Tips to discuss territories, it had been by many. It would be volatile, one way or another, and it was no place for a girl.
Geels had locked eyes on the small girl watching out from Kaz Brekkers shadow with a laugh, and he had made a point of not bothering having her searched for weapons.
"Didn't realise it was bring your kid to work day, Brekker."
Violet watched the trio opposite them, scanning their stances and noting any bulk where a weapon might be concealed without care for their insults. Her back was straight and her right hand, concealed by the end of Kaz's coat as she stood slightly behind him, played with a small knife hidden up her sleeve.
No weapons on common ground was a typical rule for meetings like these, but no one expected anything of a girl with ribbons in her hair, certainly not for her to be carrying anything sharp.
The young are often underestimated. Underestimation can be a great weapon, if used right.
Not to mention they were in the Barrel. She'd be a fool to not carry something sharp on a day to day.
He acknowledged the leaders mockery with an indifferent stare. "She's more of a business partner, actually. Has more sense in her little finger than all three of you combined."
