Chapter Text
Inej Ghafa always needed a reason. Unlike most of the barrel bosses in Ketterdam, the young Suli girl avoided conflict until it was absolutely necessary. Throughout the city's streets, there were whispers that the Dregs were weakening under Inej's command.
They couldn't be more wrong. While Inej preached mercy, Kaz was ruthless, and Kaz was the one who could appear without leaving a trace.
Kaz was the one who would do anything to achieve his ends. Especially tonight. Kaz stood among the group of Dregs, listening to them, but not saying a word. Nina and Big Bolliger, this parley's seconds, rid themselves of all weapons at Inej's nod. The short, sturdy cane at her side, however, stayed.
"It's almost midnight," Inej whispered, muttering the names of her protective saints under her breath. Then, "Kaz,"
"I'm here," He breathed at the sound of his name. Several of the dregs around him jumped, but Inej only gave him a soft smile.
"You know what to do."
"Of course."
Nina, Inej's right hand girl and talented sharpshooter, gave everyone in the group an encouraging nod. "No mourners," She quoted the standard 'good luck' phrase of the barrel, and they responded.
"No funerals." They sang back.
The rival gang had clearly been expecting Kaz to try and get a closer vantage point, for as he circled the courtyard, all the ways up were blocked. Even in just two years of joining the Dregs, Kaz had become known as Dirtyhands. He could scale any wall if it suited him, and he would snap any neck if they deserved it. The rumors were slightly exaggerated, but having that reputation could usually be leveraged. Of course, within the Dregs, Kaz had another name, one he’d penned for himself: The Wraith.
Kaz found an overlooked pathway, as he always did, and nestled into the roof where it would be easier to see the parley. It wasn't long before the rival gang, the Black Tips, arrived with an ominous procession. In the empty courtyard, Inej stood, flanked by Nina and Bolliger, the rest of their crew left behind at the gates. The Black Tips Lieutenant, a man named Geels, joined them, and Inej greeted him politely. The seconds checked each other for weapons. Nina didn't look quite herself without all her pistols by her side, Kaz had to admit. Each side's seconds were cleared, and Big Bolliger ran his hands along Geels' coat, proclaiming him unarmed.
As the conversation continued, Kaz started scanning the tiled roof for any guards. There were always two posted here, and he had a sneaking suspicion that Geels had them in his pocket.
This parley wasn't atypical, only a spat over the Fifth Harbor. It had been abandoned by the city until the Dregs fixed it up and started using it for themselves, and now the Black Tips thought they could take it over. It was so profitable that it was bound to lead to conflict.
"Fifth harbor belongs to the dregs." Inej said firmly. Geels spluttered, his anger starting to show.
"Ghafa, kids like you who think you're entitled to the world are what's ruining Ketterdam. The Harbor is public property, and nothing will change that."
"I am entitled to nothing more than what I work for," Inej said calmly, although those who knew her well would be able to detect the strained anxiety in her voice. Nina rested a comforting hand in her friend's shoulder. Geels growled.
"You think spouting platitudes will change my mind? What if I told you that I have two city issued rifles aimed at you and your girl right now?"
From the roof, Kaz sucked in a breath. His hunch about the guards had been right. Inej mentioned that she had connections with one of them, the younger one, so as fast as possible, Kaz found the older guard and wrapped him in a chokehold, grateful for his gloves and long sleeves.
"Make a sound," he whispered in his gravelly voice, "And this knife goes in your throat." The guard whimpered and nodded, not straining against Kaz's grip. Kaz had to trust that Inej had planned for this.
Back in the courtyard, Geels triumphantly cried to the gables. "Shoot her!" The man in Kaz's arms struggled and tried to speak, but he went dead still when he felt pressure from Kaz's dagger.
A shot did come, but it didn't find its home in Inej's chest. Nowhere near it, in fact. The bruiser Big Bolliger was hit in the leg, crumpling down instantly and crying out in pain. The less informed of their members murmured with suspense, and Geels went pale, but Inej and Nina stayed unruffled. All the signs were there, and the shining pistol in Geels' grip was enough to confirm what Kaz had been theorizing--Bolliger was a traitor. He couldn't have missed that when checking for weapons. Inej now had proof that he was a turncoat, but she still had a gun to her head.
How will you escape this time, Inej?
It was impossible to see from Kaz's point of view, but Inej took a step forward, a small smile on her face.
"I don't think you'll shoot me, Mr. Geels."
That just made him angrier. "Think I don't have the guts, missy? Just because the rest of the barrel goes easy on you doesn't mean I will. I'll put a--"
"Elise Van Waal. Nineteen, Burstraat."
The Black Tip lieutenant froze. Inej didn't say anything more, but she didn't have to. A siren rang in the background, undoubtedly filling Geels' mind with a number of horrors that could be happening at Burstraat as they spoke.
"Yo-You're bluffing." He said, the waver in his voice clear. Inej shrugged.
"Choose to believe what you like. But if you choose wrong, it will be too late for your girl. Love is a rare thing, Mr. Geels. Cherish it."
Just a few moments later, the Black Tips left, tails between their legs.
"Remember what belongs to the Dregs," Inej called after them. "If you forget, all it will do is bring you suffering." There was a note of sadness in her voice. Big Bolliger was still moaning on the ground. He clutched at Nina's skirt hem as she left, but she only shot him a look of disgust.
"Don't touch me." She said darkly.
"Nina... Please..."
"You had your chance, Bol. Don't betray those who give you a home."
"No..."
"Find somewhere else." Nina said before leaving with Inej, Bolliger writhing in the dust. Kaz released his captive guard and jumped down to join them. As sudden as this seemed, Kaz Rietvelt had no time for whimpering traitors.