Raven grinned. She was glad Willow was on her side.
Sage reclined in the chair across from Raven, placing her winnings on the table. She began to count the coin before sliding it into her pouch.
“Well done,” Raven said. “As always.”
Sage shrugged. “They get greedy.”
“Everyone does.” Her gaze continued over the crowded room to the back table, the one farthest from the door, in the corner. Her father and another huddled, talking in secrecy. It appeared her father was negotiating a job. He was an excellent tracker and excelled at the sword. His reputation was known far and wide. Men came looking to hire him.
“Uh-oh,” Sage murmured, drawing Raven’s gaze.
A small man with stringy black hair, about Raven’s height, had just entered the inn. His front teeth stuck out over his lower lip, and his dark eyes shifted quickly around the inn. Sage had nicknamed him Vermin because he looked like a rat. His name was Vernon, but she thought it funny to call him Vermin.
His two taller companions flanked him on either side.
About two years ago, the Hawkes had been hired to escort a tax collector. Verm had tried to steal the coin and hadn’t succeeded. Now, they were constantly at odds. There was no love lost between the Hawkes and Verm.
Willow must have spotted him because she made her way to their table stopping behind Raven.
The movement caught Verm’s attention, and he said something to his thugs before heading toward them. The man with beefy arms stood before the door, the other with a double chin began toward the innkeeper.
Verm stopped before their table. “I thought I ate something rancid that made my stomach sour. Now I know it was just you.” His gaze locked on Raven, but the insult was meant for all of them.
“Oh, Verm. Don’t flatter us,” Raven said. “Anything that makes you uncomfortable is a joy to us.”
Verm scrunched his nose and then scanned the inn. “Are you here all alone?”
“There are three of us,” Sage answered. “How could we be all alone?”
Verm looked at her. “You can count. I admire that in a woman.”
“Is there something you want, or did you come here to ruin my appetite?” Raven wondered, reclining in her chair.
“You know, many men think a woman with a sword is the devil’s work.”
Raven nodded. “Thanks for sharing that with us.”
“You know, women think a man who stinks is repulsive,” Willow declared softly.
A grin stretched across Raven’s face. Willow usually didn’t cast insults. It wasn’t an insult as much as fact. And that was what Raven liked about it.
Verm’s gaze swept Willow slowly. “I can teach you what women like.”
“I doubt you’d know,” Raven said.
Verm leaned against the empty chair across from Raven.
Raven crossed her arms. Verm was annoying and distrustful. It was no wonder her family didn’t like him.
He wiggled his nose. “You still owe me for that job you took from me. The way I see it, any of you could work it off on your back.”
“I find that remark insulting.”
Verm straightened.
Their father approached.
Raven beamed with satisfaction.
