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"By the way Sir, I know you will need to coordinate everything across the city - but you may want to wait until the last possible moment tomorrow to announce the smoking plan. Rats could be--" He suddenly looks around the floor of the room as if checking for rodents or rodent-holes. "They could be listening anywhere sir, and the more the word spreads, the more likely they know. We'd want them to be in the sewers amassing for a murder in the evening when we start.
“You think they’re spying on us,” said Marius – he couldn’t prevent a flat note of disbelief creeping into his voice. “Well, we’ll have to tell the people eventually. But I’ll see what can be done.”
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"Oh, and Sir - the Manor Street murder was frighteningly close to, ah, Samtzunge House, Sir. I recall you have some affection for the Lady Samtzunge. You may want to send one or two of your best by to protect her, Sir."
Marius seemed momentarily surprised that Raffy knew – recovering his balance admirably, he shook his head, his tone of voice discouraging any further speculation by the Sparrowhawk on his employer’s ‘affections’.
“The last murder last night was beyond Manor Street – if they move on again as they have before, she’ll be safe in their wake.” He looked down, shuffling some papers without much purpose. “We can’t be seen to be showing anyone special favour, or every noble in the city will be clamouring for a body of armed guards.”
He shook his head, doing his best to dismiss the subject.
“I’ll start making the arrangements for tomorrow immediately. In the meantime, if you’re right – if this is going to work – that means that someone is controlling the rats. There’s no way such behaviour could be natural. We mustn’t lose sight of who we’re after – the murderer, not his disgusting little pets.”
He watched Raffy’s face, making sure he understood. Nodding, he gestured to the door. “Good work. You’re dismissed.”
Heading to the Crow, Raffy met Pieter at the door, the initiate returning from the direction of the Neumarket. He had a fresh dressing over the wound on his face, and his hands were grimy with dust.