He opened to glare at him."Yes?"
"I left Eli alone."
"Okay."Thano didn't know what else to say.They'd always left Eli alone before.
"Joshua left too, the sheriff gave him a warning, and everyone is scared."
Scared?"Scared of what?"
"Not sure, but the town is quiet.Everyone is moving around as if they're expecting an attack, hiding, being silent to not draw attention to themselves.It's strange.Can I have a table at the market?"
Thano blinked."What?"How did they go from attacks to markets?
"Eli said he wasn't sure, and I should ask you.I would trade things, not sell things."
Taking a breath, Thano looked at him."You want to bring things to the market and trade with the humans?"
"Yes.I'm gonna trade with Eli today."
"Is Eli allowed to trade?"Thano didn't think businesses were allowed to trade things.
"He'll buy it from the shop and then trade it with me."
He guessed no one could say what Eli could and couldn't do with the money he had."What are you trading?"
"A shiny."
"A shiny what?"
"It had a handle and several shiny metal strings forming a ball at the end."
Ball?Thano went through all the kitchen utensils he could think of."Are you giving it to Eli or is Eli giving it to you?"
"Eli giving it to me, of course.If I had it already, I wouldn't give it to Eli."
Of course not.
"So can I trade on the market next week?"
"I'm not sure."He was silent for a bit."I can ask the board."It would give him a reason to go into town.
"Great!I need to get a thing for Eli now."Then he shifted.Thano remained in the doorway until he'd flown off.Crows.
He shut the door behind him and shadow walked toward Last Hope.
* * * *
About an hour later, Thano stepped out of City Hall, ready to tear some throats out.Fucking humans.He crossed the street with determined steps, making a woman whimper as she moved out of his way.He flashed fangs in reply.
"Stop."A man puffed his chest like Romeo's rooster and stepped into his path.Thano looked him directly in the eyes.There was a flicker of fear, but mostly distaste.
"Yes?"Thano spoke with his fangs on full display.
"No others in town."
"What?"
"New law as of today.Supes aren't allowed to be in town."
