Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A gentle breeze stroked his hair as he leaned on the ship’s railing and took in the view. It’s been years since he last saw the city. It has changed since then. The harbor was cleaner and brighter, less sinister than he remembered it to be. People were rushing about, carrying various packages, talking, arguing, and laughing. The last rays of the setting sun colored the city in red, orange, and gold. It felt strange – in his memories, it had never been sunny in Ketterdam.

Taking a deep breath, he picked up his luggage. He nodded to the captain in thanks and disembarked the ship. As soon as he stepped on the city’s ground, a shiver went down his spine.

Shit. Jordie exhaled slowly. What now?

*****

“Jesper.” Inej’s tone was calm, but the warning was still audible.

Jesper scowled at her and put down the hat he’d been looking at. Reluctantly, he stepped away from the tailor’s stall. “You’re no fun. Nina wouldn’t mind a little shopping.”

Inej didn’t reply. She’d learned a long time ago that ignoring Jesper was usually more effective than trying to talk some sense into him. She simply kept on walking, not bothering to check whether he followed her.

“Fine,” Jesper panted, catching up with her. “I’ll go get that hat later.”

“Don’t. It’s an eyesore,” Inej replied.

“Now you’re just being mean.”

Inej smirked.

The streets were already crowded, full of people running errands and trying to bargain with vendors. In moments like this, it was easy to forget how dangerous this city could be. Especially since things have been so calm in the Barrel lately. Nonetheless, Inej had a feeling it was only the calm before the storm.

She left Jesper on the street, two blocks away from the destination, and took to the roofs unnoticed by anyone. She took a few minutes to inspect the area and found nothing out of order. It was an easy, routine job, and she didn’t really think all the precautions were necessary, but she simply enjoyed the spidering.

She spotted her friend down on the street, lingering at yet another stall, waiting for her return. Merely a few seconds later, she was back at Jesper’s side.

“Looks safe. Let’s go in,” she said.

Jesper flinched slightly at the sound of her voice. The corners of her lips curled up when she noticed that he was pretending not to be startled.

The inn was bustling as usual. Inej went inside, scanning everyone. Most faces were unfamiliar. Some looked a bit suspicious, but no one caught her attention in particular. No danger. She turned her head and nodded slightly to the sharpshooter standing behind her. He nodded back, his eyes already on the portly bartender, who was busy polishing glasses. If the man noticed them, he didn’t show it. Slowly, they approached the counter.

“Good day,” said the bartender, not taking his eyes off the glass he was holding. “The usual, I presume?” His gaze flickered to Inej, then to Jesper. He seemed composed, but Inej could sense how tense he was. Being caught up in business with Dirtyhands tended to do that to people.

“Yes, please,” the sharpshooter replied, leaning casually on the counter and grinning.

The bartender set the glass away and proceeded to fill two other glasses with kvas. He then handed the drinks to Inej and Jesper. “It’s on the house,” he said, and he went to the inn’s backroom. He appeared a few minutes later holding a medium-sized wooden box and put it on the counter next to Inej’s untouched glass.

Jesper finished his drink and grinned. “Thank you, good sir.” He pulled a sack of coins from his coat and handed it casually to the bartender.

“You gonna drink that?” He asked, nodding towards Inej’s kvas.

“Isn’t it too early for drinking?”

“Is it ever?”

She gave him a judgmental look and walked away towards the entrance, glancing back at the sharpshooter. Jesper took two quick gulps of the drink, grabbed the box, and was about to rush after her, but stopped as if something caught his attention.

*****

Jordie finished his breakfast knowing it was a mistake. The food was tasty, but it made him nauseous. Nevertheless, he smiled softly at the woman who came to take away his empty plate.

What had he been thinking? He shouldn’t have come. It was clear now that he didn’t really have a plan. Didn’t even know where to start.

On the other hand, he was already here. Giving up now without even trying simply wasn’t an option.

He sighed, stood up from the table, and walked over to the counter.

“Excuse me, sir.” He said to the bartender. “I’m looking for a man. I don’t know his name, but he goes by Dirtyhands from what I’ve heard." He paused as he noticed the bartender stiffen. Yet, the man didn’t say anything. “Have you heard of him?” Jordie added after a while.

The bartender glanced nervously at a guy standing a few feet away with a wooden box in his hands. He then assessed Jordie and said, “That man is dangerous. Whatever your business is, boy, better drop it.”

Jordie shivered. All he heard about Dirtyhands was that the man was some kind of shady character. But the bartender seemed to be truly afraid of him. Jordie didn’t like that. His heart quickened, but he didn't let go. “Please. I came all the way from Os Kervo to talk to him. If you could just point me in the right direction or..."

The bartender was clearly about to protest when the man with the box suddenly appeared right next to Jordie. “Dirtyhands, huh?” He said, his eyes curious. “What do you want with him?”

“I, uh… It’s a private matter,” Jordie said, then added, "Sir.”

“And who the hell are you?”

Jordie would be more startled at these words if it weren’t for the amusement he heard in the man’s voice. His instinct told him not to trust this person, to turn around and walk away. But it seemed like he knew something that could be useful to Jordie. Maybe this was his chance. He had to take it before his inner coward decided otherwise.

“Jens Smit,” Jordie said quickly, surprised by his own boldness. He was about to give his real name, but opted for lying at the very last second, as it occurred to him that it might not be smart to reveal his identity before he fully knew what he was getting into. “Do I assume correctly that you might be able to help me get in touch with Dirtyhands?”

“Well, it depends,” the man grinned. “Why are you looking for him?”

“Like I said, with all due respect, it’s a private matter. I have a business offer, but I will only discuss the details with the man himself.” Jordie hoped his face didn’t show how nervous he really was. He fought the urge to gulp. Look tough, he reminded himself.

The man sighed theatrically. “It’s like you don’t even want my help. In that case…” He turned around and slowly moved towards the inn’s exit.

Jordie weighed his options. He could just let the man go. There had to be someone else who could help him meet with Dirtyhands. But he would have to find them first. And, quite possibly, pay for the information. Fine.

“Wait. What if I paid you?” Jordie asked.

The man stopped and smoothly turned around, a wide grin spreading on his face.

“Well, in that case…”

Jordie pulled a sack of coins from the pocket of his coat and reluctantly handed it to the man, who snatched it in a blink of an eye.

“Smit, was it?” He asked. Jordie nodded.

“Jens Smit. So, will you take me to him now?”

“Hold your horses, Jens, mate. Mister Brekker is a very busy man. You can’t just barge into his office whenever you want.”

Jordie scowled at the man. He was about to protest and demand his money back when the man spoke again.

“But I will make sure he hears about you. He might grant you a meeting if you’re lucky. I can’t promise anything, though.”

“So what am I supposed to do? Wait for you to come back with a reply?” Jordie asked angrily.

“Precisely,” said the man, grinning annoyingly again.

As usual, Jordie’s anger was short-lived. He simply sighed and shrugged with resignation. What else could he do? “Fine. I’ll be waiting here, at the inn.”

The man nodded and walked away, holding his box, with Jordie’s money already tucked in somewhere in his coat.

“You didn’t tell me your name,” Jordie called after him.

“You don’t need it,” the man replied without looking back.

*****

Jesper wasn’t surprised when he didn’t find Inej inside or outside of the inn. She was definitely somewhere around, but he wouldn’t spot her before she wanted him to, so he simply started walking back to the Slat.

The streets were even more congested now. Colorfully clothed merchers extolled their wares, trying to persuade passersby to buy from them. Every single one claimed that their products were the most popular, the cheapest, and of the best quality.

Normally, Jesper would stop here and there to look at the stocks, try on some clothes, maybe even buy something. Sometimes he would steal some random trinket just for sport. But now his mind was occupied. The strange encounter at the inn intrigued him. When he’d heard the man mention Kaz, he’d gotten curious. When he’d taken a closer look, he’d decided to investigate. Those who were usually looking for Dirtyhands, were a different sort of people. Dangerous, vengeful, utterly suspicious no-goods. But that Jens guy? He was none of those things. What could he possibly want with Kaz?

“Do you know that man?” Inej appeared at his side out of nowhere. He really should be used to it by now, and yet he flinched again. When did she catch up with him?

“Nope,” he responded. “He said his name was Jens Smit. Doesn’t ring a bell.”

“Then why did you approach him?”

“I overheard that he was looking for Kaz, but he seemed so... ordinary. Got me interested.”

“And the money?”

“Well… I might’ve said I could help him meet up with Kaz.”

Inej abruptly turned her head to him, her brows furrowed. "Why?" She hissed.

“Relax. I didn’t promise him anything. It’s just… I wouldn’t normally do that, but things have been kind of... boring lately?" He said and squinted, waiting for Inej’s reproach.

“Boring?” Inej said flatly, raising her eyebrows.

“What? It’s true. Nothing’s been happening for a while now. No heists, no schemes, no drama. I can tell that everyone is bored. Me, Kaz, even you, ‘Nej,” he winked at her, smirking.

“Not Wylan, though?”

“He doesn’t get to be.” Jesper lifted the box he was carrying and shook it gently. “He gets his toys.”

“So you’ll just start bringing in random people from the streets because you want entertainment?”

Jesper shrugged, lifting the corners of his mouth.

Inej sighed, shook her head, and looked at her feet. “Okay, what exactly is your plan?”

“We’ll tell Kaz about that guy. Who knows? Maybe he has heard of him or something. The rest is up to him. And if he’s not interested, I’ll still have my consolation prize.” Jesper patted his side. He could feel the sack of coins hidden securely in his inner pocket.

“I still don’t like it. We don’t know who that was.”

“Come on, did he look to you like he could cause anyone any harm?”

Inej walked silently for a long while. “No,” she finally said.

Jesper grinned. “Let’s go talk to Kaz then.”

*****

“Smit, you said? That’s a common name,” Kaz muttered, putting his pen down on the desk. He frowned and looked at Jesper.

“Is he someone you know?” Inej interrupted. She stayed next to the office’s door, slowly rotating one of her knives in her fingers. She was quite surprised at how composed Kaz was. She expected him to get angry at them for Jesper’s actions, but he seemed only slightly annoyed. He really is bored, she thought.

“Jens Smit… Doesn’t ring a bell,” Kaz replied, shaking his head.

“That’s what I said!” Jesper exclaimed, looking proud of himself for some reason. Kaz ignored him. He rose from his chair and grabbed his cane. The sun reflected on its crow-shaped handle, forcing Inej to squint as he reached for his hat.

“I do not appreciate you encouraging random strangers to seek me out, Jesper. But I have to admit that this situation is rather odd. And I do not like not knowing things.” Kaz moved past Jesper and limped toward the door. “Bring him in tomorrow at four bells. It’s not like I have anything better to do, anyway,” he added sarcastically before leaving his office.

Despite the sarcasm, Inej felt he actually meant it.

*****

When Kaz appeared at Inej’s door later that day to ask her to gather intel on the mysterious man, she was already preparing to leave the Slat. She would do it anyway. She hadn’t had a purpose for a while now and was itching to do something useful. Saints, she thought, maybe Jesper was right after all.

She spent the whole evening and half of the night surveying Smit, but didn’t notice anything overly suspicious about him. When it was clear he wasn’t about to do more than sleep, she returned to her room and laid down herself.

She awoke before dawn and took to the roofs again. Jens was still asleep when she reached her vantage point and looked through his window. All the things in the room were arranged in the same way she had last seen them. It appeared the man had not left the bed throughout the night.

She had been waiting for about an hour when Jens finally woke up. He refreshed himself in front of a blurry mirror using water from an old basin. Inej observed him as he dressed up. She didn’t spot any weapons on him.

When he finally left the room, she made her way to the inn’s roof and then silently slipped into the room through a window. She quickly went through the man’s stuff. Clothes, books, some basic toiletries, more clothes. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Except for a leather bag Inej found tucked under the bed. She gasped when she opened it and realized it was full of money. Ravkan currency. The man could be some kind of mercher, but it was still odd. Why would anyone travel alone with so much cash?

Inej made sure she left all things the same way she'd found them and left the room through the window. She got down to the streets and entered the inn through the main door, blending in with the crowd and keeping to the shadows. She found Smit in the common area, occupying the same table she saw him at the day before.

Inej observed the man for two more hours, making sure she was inconspicuous. The man ate breakfast, drank two mugs of coffee, and had some polite conversations with other customers and the staff. At some point, he pulled a pocketbook from his coat and started reading. He was killing time. Waiting. For Jesper.

Inej left the inn unnoticed and made her way back to the Slat.

*****

Jesper and Kaz listened to Inej’s report over coffee. Jesper grinned widely when she mentioned the money. Kaz remained collected, but his eyes shone a bit.

Wylan was there as well, but his attention was fully focused on the box they acquired the day before. It contained various powders and vials with colorful liquids. Some of them were near impossible to obtain in Kerch, some were outright illegal.

The inn’s bartender didn’t look like one, but he was a smuggler. Part-time at least. Owning the inn located so close to the harbor had enabled him to make acquaintances with many merchers and sailors. Some of the acquaintances turned into business deals. The Crows started cooperating with him a few months ago. The man never failed them. He always delivered what he promised.

Fortunately, not many people knew about the under-the-counter deals. The inn operated as an intermediate trading post even before the owner went into the shady business. For a small fee, people could leave and pick up packages at the bar, and the owner made sure each of them was handed over to the right recipient. It allowed him to conceal the special deals and operate in broad daylight. As long as he stayed off the radar, Kaz was eager to collaborate with him every now and then. And Wylan could count on restocking his rarest substances whenever he needed them.

“So he’s either trying to make us think he’s oblivious or he actually is,” Kaz said. Inej nodded. She still wasn’t sure what to make of Jens.

“So what’s the verdict? We’re doing this?” Jesper asked, looking at Kaz.

“Yeah. Go get him, Jesper.”

Chapter Text

This time, Jesper walked alone all the way to the inn. Inej kept to the roofs, watching out for him. He thought she and Kaz were overthinking this whole thing. If he were to be honest, he rather expected that there wouldn’t be anything particularly unusual about the man, even if Jesper wished for some drama. Nevertheless, he had something to do now, which meant he would at least stay away from cards. And with Wylan focused on his new acquisitions, he would take any chance he could get to keep himself busy.

Jesper entered the inn and immediately spotted the man. Jens was still sitting at the same table. His eyes widened when he saw Jesper. He stood up quickly, grabbed the book that was lying on the table, and trod toward him.

Jens extended his hand in greeting. “Good day, Mister..." He hesitated, his face abashed. Right, Jesper had not introduced himself last time.

“It’s Jesper,” he said, smiling, and shook the man’s hand.

“Did you speak to Dirtyhands on my behalf?” Jens asked, hope shining in his eyes.

“I did.”

“What did he say?”

“He decided to grant your wish to see him. He doesn’t have much time, so you better hurry.”

Smit smiled widely, thanked Jesper, and rushed to get his stuff. He was back a few minutes later, carrying a leather bag. He settled his bill at the counter and then hurried to Jesper, who was just finishing a glass of kavs at one of the tables.

*****

Jordie struggled to keep up with the man leading him. Jesper wasn’t that much taller than him, yet his legs seemed to be twice as long as Jordie’s.

As soon as they left the inn, Jordie started second-guessing his actions. He didn’t expect the man to come back so soon. Actually, he didn’t really expect him to come back at all. Could it be a scam? Was the man leading him into a trap? The uncertainty made him a bit queasy. He swallowed the lump in his throat and squeezed the handle of his bag tighter.

After Jesper had left him the day before, Jordie wasn’t sure what to do. He decided to hang around the inn in case the man actually returned. There wasn’t much to do there besides drinking, and Jordie was never keen on doing that. Fortunately for him, the common area was full of locals, most of them quite chatty. So Jordie spent the rest of the day talking to people, trying to learn something more about the person he was looking for. After all, everything he had at this point was a name, and not even a real one.

Some of the things he had been told about the man made his hair stand on end. He had been aware that Dirtyhands was no ordinary citizen, but he didn’t expect him to be a straight-out crime boss. He could still hear people’s whispers in his head.

He’s the leader of the most dangerous gang in Ketterdam.

He’s like a theft mastermind.

Rumor has it, he infiltrated the Ice Court and came out unscratched.

He killed dozens of people with his cane.

He always wears gloves because he has talons for fingers.

Some say he’s no human.

He’s the Bastard of the Barrel.

He’s a monster.

He’s a demon.

Jordie gulped, remembering all the stories he had heard the day before. Some of them were too ridiculous to be true, of course. Talons? Demon? Ice Court infiltration? Come on. Still, all people agreed on one thing – Dirtyhands was dangerous, and Jordie had no doubt about that by now.

He noticed his hands were shaking and felt drops of sweat on his forehead. Everything about him screamed for him to run while he still could. Yet he kept on walking.

That’s the only thing I can still do for him, he thought. For Kazzie.

*****

Jordie followed Jesper through a maze of narrow streets and alleys. At some point, he started wondering if the man was making him walk in circles to confuse him. Either way, it was working – Jordie had no idea how to get back to the inn.

Finally, they came to stop in front of an old, crooked building. Jesper opened the door and said, “After you.”

Jordie was taken aback. It wasn’t what he had expected. Could it really be the place?

Jordie hesitated. He considered running away but quickly realized it wouldn’t do him any good. It was too late to back away, so he entered the house, his heart pounding.

The inside was surprisingly well kept. It was an open space filled with tables and chairs. There was a bar area near one of the walls. The wooden posts supporting the ceiling were adorned with dried flowers and herbs. The room could even be considered cozy if it weren’t so… empty. Jordie wasn’t sure he’d prefer to find the place packed with gang members, but the lack of people bothered him.

Only one of the many chairs was occupied - by a boy with disheveled hair. He had a small wooden chest on the table in front of him, which he closed with a thud as soon as Jordie and Jesper walked in. The boy’s big eyes shone with curiosity when he looked at Jordie.

“Hello,” Jordie said.

Before the boy had a chance to reply, Jesper led Jordie to the staircase across the room. “Come on,” he said, prompting him to go upstairs.

Jesper guided Jordie to a door on the second floor. “Here. The boss is waiting for you.”

“You’re not coming with me?”

“I thought you said it was a private matter.”

“Well, yeah…”

“Off you go then,” Jesper said, casually leaning against the wall.

Jordie took a deep breath and opened the door.

*****

Unnoticed, Inej had followed Jesper and Jens all the way from the inn. She came down from the rooftops only after they entered the Slat. She sneaked into the common area as soon as the men disappeared on the stairs, and she went after them.

She could see Jens entering Kaz’s office. Jesper, who was leaning against the wall, acting uninterested, rushed to the door as soon as it closed after the man and put his ear to it.

“Eavesdropping?! How rude of you!” Inej whispered theatrically.

This time, Jesper clearly expected her to appear since he didn’t even flinch. “There’s room for two.”

“Yeah, no. I’m a bit tired. I’d rather go talk to Wylan. Let us know if anything happens.”

“Shh,” Jesper hissed, covering his other ear with his hand.

Inej rolled her eyes and went back downstairs.

Ever since the rest of the Dregs moved out of the Slat to a new building located closer to the Crow Club, the place has been weirdly quiet. The gang had grown in numbers in recent years and needed more space, so Kaz decided to reorganize their accommodation, making the Slat his private place of business and residence for the Crows. The gang members still came from time to time, and sometimes official gatherings were held here, but most of the time it was only Kaz and his Crows. Inej liked the peace, but sometimes it unnerved her, especially at times like that when she was on edge.

It was only when she seated herself next to Wylan that she realized how exhausted she was. She hadn’t slept too long that night, and all that running around the rooftops was taking its toll on her. She crossed her arms on top of the table and put her head down, looking up at Wylan.

“What are you working on?” She asked him. The boy started describing all the vials and what he intended to do with them. Inej liked to listen to him. He was always so passionate about his work that it didn’t bother her that she had no idea what he was talking about.

She closed her eyes for a while and focused on Wylan’s voice, which seemed to be getting more distant with every word.

*****

Jordie walked in and closed the door behind him. The room was spacious and clean. Heavy window curtains were parted, letting in golden rays of sunlight that shone on fine bookshelves and drawers. In the darkest part of the room stood a wide, wooden desk. Piles of documents, books, and stationery were arranged on it in an orderly fashion. It looked like a proper office. Jordie never would’ve guessed that by looking at the building from the outside.

In front of the desk was a plain stool. Behind it, in a much more comfortable-looking chair, sat a young man with dark hair. Too young, Jordie thought.

“Good day,” he said. “I’m sorry. I think there’s been some kind of mistake. I was told I could meet here with Mister, um…” He quickly searched his memory for the name Jesper had given him the day before. “Brekker?”

“You’re looking at him.” The man’s voice was as rough as his features.

Jordie gaped at him. He didn’t look friendly, but there was no way this was the man all of Ketterdam seemed to fear.

Before Jordie could reply, the man said, “I’ve heard you’ve been looking for me, Mister Smit. So, “ he leaned back in his chair and looked Jordie in the eyes. “What business?”

“Right.” Jordie approached the desk awkwardly and sat on the stool. “I came to offer you a deal, Mister Brekker. There is a property I’ve heard you own. I’d like to buy it.”

“What property do you mean?”

“A farm. In Lij.”

Brekker went rigid, his features sharp. “It’s not for sale. Goodbye.”

“I’ve got money – a reasonable amount of cash on me right now,” he said, patting his leather bag. “I’m also open for bargaining.”

“I said it’s not for sale.” A spark of anger shone in Brekker’s dark eyes.

“You don’t understand. That farm... It means a lot to me. My family used to own it. You see, my actual name is Rietveld. I’m sorry I lied to your–”

“Get out.” Dirtyhands’s voice was quiet and sharp as an arrow.

“Please, Mister Brekker. I’ll-”

“Shut up,” Brekker snarled. “I don’t appreciate being lied to. All the Rietvelds are dead. Get. Out.”

“Not all of them,” Jordie protested. “I’m the only one left. I’m not trying to scam you, Mister Brekker. My name is Jordan Rietveld. My fam –”

Dirtyhands rose from his chair so suddenly he made Jordie fall from the stool. A golden handle of a cane gleamed in light, pointed at Jordie. It was shaped like a crow’s head with a razor-sharp beak. “Who the fuck sent you?!” Brekker shouted.

The door flew open the very next moment, and Jesper appeared in the room with a revolver in his hand.

What the hell is happening? Jordie wanted to scream. What did I do?

“Boss?” Jesper asked cautiously, clearly not sure whether he should point his gun at Jordie or not. Dirtyhands didn’t seem to notice him. His mouth twitched as he stared at Jordie with fire in his eyes, demanding an answer.

“N-no one sent me. I don’t understand–”

Brekker moved swiftly toward Jordie and tossed the stool to the side. It collided with one of the drawers, producing a loud thud. Jordie, who was still lying on the floor, flinched and shut his eyes.

“Who sent you?”

“No one! I swear!”

The cane’s handle was pressed to Jordie’s throat. Brekker applied more pressure below Jordie’s chin, forcing him into a kneeling position. “You have ten seconds to start talking, or else you’ll be getting out through a window.”

Jordie panicked. He had no idea what caused the man to freak out all of a sudden. Was he going to kill him?

“I’m not lying,” he started. “I swear. I only came here to buy back the farm. It was a mistake. I’m sorry.” Jordie was already crying at this point. He was spilling the words at an enormous speed, trying to make it impossible for Dirtyhands to interrupt him. He wasn’t sure he’d get another chance if that happened. “I really did grow up there. I sold it after my father died. I never should have done that, never should have moved out, but back then I didn’t know any better. I was a stupid kid, and it cost my brother his life. He never wanted to leave the farm.” Shameful tears burned Jordie’s eyes. He knew he was babbling, but he continued anyway. “He was constantly asking me to go back to Lij after we moved to Ketterdam. And, Saints, he was right. He was only nine when the plague took him. All because I was too stupid, too stubborn. I made all the worst choices. I failed him." Jordie choked on his tears and took a shuddered breath. “I’ve been saving money my whole life to be able to get the farm back someday. It’s the only way I can think of to honor my brother’s memory.”

Jordie closed his eyes and waited. He could hear Brekker breathing heavily above him. He expected the man to charge at him, verbally or physically. But nothing of the sort happened.

Jordie allowed himself to take a glimpse at Brekker and was surprised to find tears in his eyes. He was still frowning, but there was no rage in his face anymore. In the corner of his eye, Jordie could see Jesper glaring at his boss’s face. “Kaz?” He said.

Jordie blinked. “What?” He looked questioningly at Jesper. Was it possible that he had known about his brother? Was he someone from Jordie’s past?

But the man didn’t take his eyes off the boss, his expression concerned. Oh. He was addressing Brekker.

Confused, Jordie shifted his gaze back to Dirtyhands and found him staring back at him, his eyes wide. He looked like he just saw Jordie for the first time. One single tear traced its way down his sharp cheek. “Jordie?” He croaked.

The whole world tilted. Jordie had to brace himself against the floor with his arm to remain upright. He was glad he was already on his knees, for if he were standing, he no doubt would’ve collapsed entirely. No. No, it couldn’t be…

“K-Kaz?” Jordie mumbled, his whisper barely audible.

The Bastard of the Barrel was gripping his ominous cane so hard that his gloved hands were shaking. He didn’t say anything, just kept staring at Jordie. Then he lowered his gaze to the floor and leaned against his desk. His expression became much softer. He looked even younger now, and Jordie realized with a start that his features were actually familiar. “Saints. It’s really you, isn’t it?”

Brekker kept his eyes on the floor. Slowly, he lowered his cane and put it against the desk. Jordie couldn’t stop staring at his face. These were no doubt his brother’s features. He could see that now. The whole room became painfully quiet for a while. It was Jordie who broke the silence.

“I don’t understand. You died. How-“ Jordie couldn’t finish. His throat felt too tight all of a sudden. His brother was alive. He had survived. And Jordie had abandoned him. A nine-year-old boy – sick, scarred, penniless, and utterly alone in a corrupted city.

Jordie felt sick. He didn’t know what was worse – thinking he was responsible for Kaz’s death or knowing he had actually forsaken him. When he looked back at Brekker, he found the man staring back at him. His vision was blank.

“You were the one who died, Jordie,” he said quietly.

“No, I… If I had known-” Jordie’s voice cracked again. “Saints, I’m sorry. I am so sorry, Kaz.”

Kaz pushed himself off the desk. “I need a drink,” he mumbled, staggering out of the room.

Chapter Text

“Inej.”

Inej came to her senses with a start. She realized she had fallen asleep sitting at the table. Wylan’s hand was on her arm, shaking her slightly.

“Sorry,” she mumbled. “How long was I sleeping?”

“Only a few minutes. Something’s happening.”

Wylan was looking nervously at the staircase. Inej was fully awake now. She stood up and followed Wylan’s gaze. “What is it?”

“I heard shouting from the office. I think Jesper went inside. It went quiet after that.”

Inej’s hand went to her knives. “Did you hear what they were saying?”

“No, I couldn’t distinguish any words, but it didn’t sound like a casual business conversation.”

“I’ll check it. Stay here.”

Inej didn’t even reach the staircase when she heard the office door burst open. A moment later, Kaz appeared at the top of the stairs and rushed down the steps. He was leaning heavily on the banister, and Inej realized he didn’t have his cane. Before she could ask what was happening, Kaz bolted past her, stumbled, and came to a stop, bumping into a wall. He managed to remain upright and leaned against the wall, breathing heavily. He looked like he had just seen a ghost.

“Saints, Kaz! What happened?” Inej was terrified. She had never seen Kaz so… vulnerable.

Before he could reply, Jens Smit came down the stairs. Inej grabbed one of her daggers and assumed her fighting stance, shielding Kaz.

“Stop right there,” she hissed. The man obeyed and put his hands up.

“I’m unarmed!” He squeaked. His eyes were red and a bit glassy.

“Where’s Jesper?” Wylan asked. There was a genuine fear in his voice. Merely a second later, Inej saw the sharpshooter show up at the staircase. He was holding Kaz’s cane. He looked unharmed. Wylan breathed a sigh of relief.

“Inej,” Kaz said calmly. “It’s fine. Lower your knife.”

Inej looked at Kaz, waiting for some kind of explanation. He didn’t offer one, so she moved her gaze to Jesper. He simply shrugged. Inej slowly lowered her weapon but didn’t sheathe it.

Kaz limped to the counter and pulled a bottle of whiskey from underneath it. He reached for a glass tumbler and hesitated. “You want one?” He asked, looking at Jens.

“Uh. I don’t really drink,” the man said, slowly approaching the counter, glancing over at Inej and her knives. “But considering the circumstances..."

Kaz put two glasses on the countertop and poured the liquor into both. He emptied his glass with one gulp and put it down, not too gently. Jens sat on a bar stool and awkwardly took a small sip of the drink. Kaz slowly lifted his gaze at the man sitting across from him. And then the weirdest thing happened.

Kaz smiled.

Jens released a breath of something between relief and laughter.

Kaz grinned.

What the hell was happening?

“Saints, Kaz. I can’t believe it’s actually you,” Jens breathed, shaking his head. “Can I… Can I hug you?”

Kaz stopped smiling and took a step back. “No.”

“Oh.” Pain shone in Smit’s eyes.

Kaz poured himself another glass and drank it.

“How is it possible that you’re here?” Jens asked.

“I should be asking you that.”

“I mean… You were dead. I remember waking up in that damn alley and seeing your body. You were too cold, too still. And then I was on the Reaper’s Barge, and you were there, too. And I couldn’t take it. I wanted to die there and then. The next thing I know, I’m on some mercher’s ship. Apparently, I was fished out of the sea by the crew not far from Ketterdam. They told me I had been lucky – they had a healer on board who saved me. They dropped me off in Ravka and…” He trailed off, looking at the countertop. “Kaz, I know it doesn’t justify anything, but I really thought you were dead. Had I known you survived, I would’ve come looking for you.”

“No, stop. It’s…” Kaz held up a hand. He clearly wanted to add something, but decided otherwise and just shook his head.

Tears sparkled in Jens’s eyes. For a moment, nobody spoke. It was Jesper who broke the silence.

“So… Care to explain what’s going on, boss?”

*****

There were too many questions in Jesper’s head.

From the moment he burst into Kaz’s office, he felt absolutely lost. He had rarely seen Kaz truly enraged. He couldn't hear what exactly they had been talking about through the door. How did that man manage to infuriate him so much?

Jesper actually felt bad for Jens when he saw him on the floor shivering and crying, babbling something about a farm, obviously terrified. But he knew better than to try to stop Kaz. He had to have his reasons.

Then he saw tears in Kaz’s eyes.

“Kaz?” He asked, but was utterly ignored by the man. Smit, on the other hand, reacted like he had gotten slapped. The rest of the conversation was too much for Jesper to comprehend. Jens spoke like he knew Kaz personally, but he had to be mistaken. How else could he think that Kaz was dead? Brekker’s name was quite known by now, after all.

And then Jesper heard Kaz calling the man Jordie, and everything shattered in his head. He was speechless as he watched Kaz limp out of the room. He didn’t even try to stop Jens, or Jordie, or whoever he was from following his boss.

He was trying to process what he had witnessed when he noticed Kaz’s cane leaning against the desk, which finally made him snap out of his thoughts. Jesper grabbed the cane and rushed after the men.

Now he was standing in the common room, clutching the cane, and trying to put together all the information he had. He still didn’t have all the pieces, and his curiosity finally won.

“So… Care to explain what’s going on, boss?”

Kaz sighed and straightened himself. “This is Jordie. Jordie, these are my Crows – Inej, Jesper, and Wylan.”

“Hi,” Jordie said, waving awkwardly at them. “What do you mean Crows?”

“Members of my gang. The ones closest to me. The best.”

Jesper blinked. Kaz almost sounded friendly.

“Gang,” Jordie echoed.

“Come on, Jordie. You must have realized what this whole thing is by now.”

It was Jordie’s turn to blink, and Jesper couldn’t help but interrupt again – if he had an opportunity to learn something about Kaz, he wouldn’t waste it. “How do you know each other?”

“Kaz is my brother.”

Both Jesper and Wylan gasped audibly. Inej looked only a little less surprised.

Kaz Brekker, the Bastard of the Barrel, Dirtyhands, the most influential gang leader in the whole Ketterdam, had a brother. Jesper couldn’t tell why it shocked him so much. He knew Kaz was human. He knew he had to have had a family. And yet, the fact appeared unfathomable.

“Saints,” Inej breathed. She looked at Kaz with wide-open eyes, like she was looking for confirmation. Kaz nodded.

“That’s… unexpected,” said Wylan.

“Well, I certainly can’t wait to see Matthias’s reaction,” Jesper grinned. Then he turned to Jordie again. "So, what’s your story?”

“Jesper,” Kaz warned.

“Oh, come on, boss. I should get to know our guest a bit, shouldn’t I?”

“Jesper.” Kaz’s voice was sharper this time.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind,” Jordie said.

“I do,” Kaz responded.

“You know you can trust us, Kaz,” Inej said. “Why do you still insist on pushing us away?”

Kaz stared at her for a second and then lowered his eyes. He seemed to be contemplating something for a while. Finally, he shook his head and moved to Jesper, reaching for his cane. Everyone watched in silence as he walked to one of the round tables and sat down, crossing his arms.

“All right. Let’s do it then.”

*****

Jordie sat down directly across from his brother.

Saints. His brother. Actually here, alive and well, after all these years. Grown up.

Jordie glanced at the rest of the people gathered around the table. The Suli girl on his left. The Zemeni man and boyish Kerch on his right. Inej, Jesper, and Wylan. Kaz’s friends. Or something like that.

They all seemed to be waiting for someone else to speak. Jesper looked like he really wanted to say something but was holding back.

Jordie cleared his throat. “Should I start?”

“I’m certainly not going to,” Kaz said, staring blankly into space. He was obviously still processing everything, and probably, just like Jordie, he still couldn’t believe it was happening.

“Okay… How much did Kaz tell you about me?”

Jesper laughed like he heard a good joke.

“Nothing,” said Wylan. “Kaz doesn’t talk about himself. I didn’t even know he had any family until now.”

Jordie felt a stab of guilt. What had happened to his sunshine of a brother? The man he was looking at now was aloof, cold, and calculating. Jordie knew already that he had a dark, vicious side. Not to mention his black clothes, the ominous cane, and those leather gloves he had on this whole time. Maybe it should scare him, but all Jordie felt was guilt and sorrow.

“We grew up on a farm in Lij. Sickness took our mother not long after Kaz was born. Our father died nine years later in a plough accident. After that, I decided to sell the farm and move to Ketterdam.” Jordie spoke slowly, looking at the Crows one by one. He could see in their faces that they really didn’t know much about Kaz’s past. “I was thirteen, and it seemed like a good idea at the time. Kaz didn’t want to go, but I didn’t listen. I felt confident that the money we got for the farm would give us a better life in the city. What could go wrong, right?” Jordie chuckled bitterly.

He could see concern in the faces of his listeners. They were gang members. They could guess where the story was going.

“Not long after we arrived in Ketterdam, I got in touch with a man called Hertzoon, who offered me a job, and I was stupid enough to take it. He seemed to be a decent man. He took me and Kaz in, introduced us to his family, and taught me how to invest money. Long story short, I got scammed. I trusted him with our funds, and he robbed us. I never saw him again. With no money left, we ended up on the streets at the worst possible time. The plague had just hit Ketterdam. I got sick first. Kaz wouldn’t leave my side, and he went down with it too. I don’t remember much of it. I was feverish for days, but I recall waking up a few times. The last time I saw Kaz, we were on the Reaper’s Barge. The bodymen must have assumed we were both already dead. Looking at Kaz, I thought that too. I don’t know how I ended up in the water, but I did. I guess you heard the rest – I was saved by a Grisha healer and brought to Ravka. I didn’t have much of a choice there. It was either adapting or giving up. So I started running errands for locals to make ends meet. I found a job in Ivets. It turned out I actually have a flair for commerce, and after some time, I started making good money. I moved to Os Kervo, looking for better opportunities. But I didn’t want to stay there forever. I dreamed of going back to Kerch and buying the farm back. So, once I saved up more than enough money, I went to Lij. I asked around and found out that the farm’s current owner lives in Ketterdam, so I decided to try my luck and come here. I never expected to find my brother.”

Jordie looked at Kaz, desperately searching for any kind of reaction. He didn’t care if it was forgiveness or hatred he would get. But Kaz offered neither. He just kept staring into empty space.

“Saints, that’s awful,” Wylan whispered.

“I shouldn’t have pushed. I’m sorry,” Jesper added.

Inej was just staring at Kaz with a worried expression.

Jordie was starting to think that Kaz had not listened to anything he had said when he spoke. “It was Pekka Rollins. Hertzoon was a fake persona he created for the job. It was Rollins who robbed us.”

“That… explains a lot,” Jesper muttered.

“I made him pay,” Kaz continued, finally meeting Jordie’s gaze. “He suffered for what he'd done.”

“What do you mean?”

“We made sure he wouldn’t hurt anyone like that again,” Inej interrupted. “He’s not dead, if that’s what you thought.”

“That’s good, I guess,” Jordie said hesitantly. “You still hadn’t told me how you survived, Kaz.”

“Same way you did, apparently. When I woke up on the barge, I was convinced you’d died. I pushed you off into the water and used your floating body to get to the shore, but I couldn’t get you out. The sea took you away. If I had known you weren’t dead…” Kaz clenched his fist so hard that his arm started shaking. “I could have killed you.”

“You saved me.”

“By some sheer accident.”

“Kaz,” Jordie said firmly, looking into his brother’s haunted eyes. “You managed to keep us both from dying that day. I… I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I should’ve been the one to take care of us. I failed you so badly.”

“You were thirteen, Jordie. Don’t blame yourself.”

“You were nine! And I wasn’t there. I left you all alone. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must’ve been like for you.”

“You said it yourself. It was either adapting or giving up. I adapted.”

Jordie’s eyes watered again. He loathed himself more than ever. Why was Kaz so calm about it all? Jordie would prefer him to yell, to beat him up, to do something. “Do you hate me?” He asked finally.

“How could I ever hate you, Jordie?” Kaz’s expression was soft. “I missed you,” he said quietly.

“I missed you too,” Jordie whispered as tears fell from his eyes.

“You can have the farm if you want. You don’t owe me anything. The property deed is actually signed with your name.” A little smile appeared on Kaz’s face. “Or you can stay here,” he added quietly.

Jordie’s eyes glimmered. “I would like that very much. To stay, I mean. If you’ll have me.”

“It’s settled then,” Jesper clapped his hands. “Wylan and I can help you collect your stuff. From the inn,” he added, seeing confusion in Jordie’s face. “We wouldn’t let our boss’s brother stay at some shoddy inn, would we?”

Chapter Text

Kaz stood at the door and watched as Jordie and Wylan left the Slat, with Jesper following right behind them. He stopped the sharpshooter with his cane.

“Look after him,” he ordered quietly, so only Jesper would hear.

The man nodded. “Of course.”

Kaz wanted to go himself, but he figured it would actually be safer for Jordie if he kept his distance. At least for now.

His head spun a little as he went back inside. It all felt surreal. His whole life had turned upside down in a matter of minutes. Jordie wasn’t dead. His Crows learned a lot more about him than he was comfortable with.

It’s not that he didn’t trust them. After everything they went to, they became the closest thing to family he could have. But he still didn’t want them to get attached. Not to him.

“So that’s what you meant when you told me Pekka Rollins killed your brother,” Inej said.

“Yes.”

“I understand.”

Kaz didn’t expect that. He thought Inej would be mad. What he told her wasn’t a lie in his head, but it wasn’t the truth either.

“How are you holding up?” Inej asked.

“I don’t know,” he said truthfully.

“You can trust us, you know. We won’t tell anyone. And we won’t think you weak. If anything, your story only showed us how strong you are. It reminded Jesper and Wylan that you’re human too.”

That’s what I’m afraid of, Kaz thought. “Not you, though?”

“I don’t need reminders.”

Kaz snorted. “You talk about trust.” He stepped closer to her with a smirk. “But if I remember correctly, you were once the one with the biggest trust issues of all the Dregs.”

“Yes. That’s exactly why you should believe me,” she responded with a grin.

“Either way, it is done. No going back now.” Kaz slumped in a chair and closed his eyes. He needed to think.

They sat in silence for a moment. He could feel Inej’s gaze on him. Her voice was quiet when she spoke.

“Talk to me, Kaz. I can see there’s more on your mind. What’s wrong?”

What isn’t?

When he didn’t respond, Inej spoke again. “Aren’t you happy? Your brother is alive! He’s-“

“A liability.” He hated himself for saying that. It wasn’t what he really thought. But it was something Dirtyhands would say.

“How can you say that?!” Anger sparkled in Inej’s eyes. “He is your family!”

Kaz cringed at that. He knew how much family meant to Inej. He knew the day she was reunited with her parents was the happiest day of her life. Of course she would react that way.

“The fact that you both survived is a miracle! You should be thankful to Saints for returning him to you,” she almost screamed.

Kaz, too, raised his voice. “Do you have any idea what will happen if people learn about him?”

“So it’s about your reputation?” There was distaste in her face.

“Of course it’s about my reputation! I’m the fucking Bastard of the Barrel, Inej. I have more enemies than I can count, and he’s utterly helpless! I never had to worry about the Crows. You can all take care of yourselves. But he’s completely vulnerable. And I can’t lose him again.”

Inej’s face became soft again as she understood.

“My whole life, I wished he would come back, but I never considered what the consequences would be. It’s ironic, isn’t it?” Kaz let out a bitter laugh. “Yesterday he was dead, and I was confident. Today he is alive, and I am terrified.”

“Kaz. We won’t let anyone touch him,” Inej said firmly.

“And what about me? I could have hurt him today, Inej. Kill him even. I thought that someone had learned about my past and was trying to use it against me. Trying to use him against me. I’m not the brother he deserves.” He paused. “Maybe I should have thrown him out before he recognized me. It would be safer for him.”

Tears threatened to escape his eyes again. Shame his enemies couldn’t see the big bad Dirtyhands now. He was being pathetic.

“You’re worried about him. I get it. You need to process it all. Just don’t be so hard on yourself.” She stood up. “I’ll leave you to it.”

Kaz nodded. His gaze followed her to the staircase. She stopped and turned her head. “Are you happy he’s alive?”

“Of course I am.”

“Then that’s all that matters. We’ll figure it out,” she said, and silently went upstairs.

She was right. Kaz knew he wasn’t being himself. He wouldn’t share his doubts so openly under different circumstances. He would probably regret it the next day, but for now, he was just glad he could get it off his chest.

He stood up after a while and went upstairs to an empty bedroom right next to his own that he sometimes used as storage. Fortunately, it wasn’t too cluttered right now.

Kaz started clearing up the space and moving all of his things to his room. He found a canvas sticking from between a modest wardrobe and a creaking chest of drawers. DeKappel. He smiled. He had forgotten about it.

Once all the unnecessary stuff had been removed, he assessed the furniture. The bed was old and shabby, but it had to do. Kaz shook out the bed’s mattress and got rid of the dust. He found fresh bedding and made sure the insides of the chest of drawers and wardrobe were empty and free of soot.

When Kaz left, Jordie’s room was clean and tidy, the bed was made up, and a picturesque landscape painting adorned one of the walls.

*****

It was getting dark outside when Jordie, Jesper, and Wylan returned to the Slat. Kaz was waiting for them in the common area, looking weary. “Any problems?” He asked Jesper.

“None.”

“Good. You’re dismissed.”

Jesper snorted and mumbled something to himself. Kaz motioned for Wylan to hand over the bag he was carrying and moved his attention to Jordie.

“Is that all you’ve got?” He asked.

“That and the bag full of money I left in your office,” Jordie said with a smirk, collecting another pouch from Jesper.

“Right. Follow me.”

Jordie went after his brother to the very top of the house. The creaking of the stairs and the tapping of Kaz’s cane were the only sounds that accompanied him during the climb.

Kaz led him to a neat room with a small bed and simple furnishings. As he put his stuff down on a patterned rug, Jordie noticed his money bag was placed on a chest of drawers. An expensive-looking painting was hanging above it, contrasting with the rest of the room.

“You can stay here for now. I’ll look for better furniture tomorrow.”

“No, it’s perfect. Thank you.”

“My room is right next door. If you need anything, let me know,” Kaz said, and moved to the hallway.

“Kaz.”

His brother stopped and turned slowly. Jordie went up to him and embraced him fiercely. Kaz gasped in surprise.

“I missed you so much,” Jordie whispered.

Kaz didn’t hug him back, but neither did he push him away. Jordie felt Kaz trembling and heard him panting. He assumed he was crying, but suddenly his brother went limp in his arms and started collapsing. Jordie was so shocked that he barely managed to prevent his head from hitting the floor.

“Kaz?” He asked panickedly.

Kaz’s face was pale. There was sweat on his forehead. He was breathing heavily, and his eyes were unfocused.

“Kaz! What do I do?”

There was no response. Kaz gasped for air, like he was choking.

“Help!” Jordie screamed, hoping someone would hear him downstairs. He started unbuttoning the top of Kaz’s shirt to help him breathe. It didn’t seem to do any good.

“Help!” He yelled again. He cupped Kaz’s face in his hands and patted it slightly. “Hey, hey, look at me.” He said. “Kaz?”

Not only did Kaz not look at him, but his eyes actually rolled back in his head, and he went completely still.

Jordie panicked. His arms shot up to Kaz’s neck in search of a pulse. It was there - fast and frantic, but there.

“Get away from him!”

Jordie’s eyes shot up to see Jesper and Wylan standing at the door. He didn’t hear them enter. Wylan kneeled next to Kaz, but Jesper didn’t move. His eyes were fixed on Jordie, and his hand hovered above his revolver holster. “What did you do?” He snarled.

Jordie raised his hands and took a step back. “Nothing. I swear!” He looked at Wylan, who was checking on his brother. “Is he breathing?”

“Yes. I think he’s just unconscious. What ha- Jesper!” He called once he saw the sharpshooter’s angry expression.

The Zemeni blinked a few times and relaxed. “Sorry. I panicked. Is Kaz okay?” He asked Wylan.

“I think so.”

Suddenly, Inej showed up out of nowhere, startling Jordie. “Saints,” she breathed. “What happened here?”

“I- I was hugging him, and he suddenly collapsed. I don’t know why. He-”

“You touched him?” Inej asked, as if the idea were unthinkable.

“And he let you?” Jesper added, raising his eyebrows.

“He didn’t object,” Jordie said without conviction. “Why do you all sound like it’s so weird?”

“Kaz doesn’t like to be touched,” Wylan said.

Jordie blinked. “What? Are you telling me he fainted because I touched him?”

“Yes,” Inej said. “He hates physical contact, especially skin-to-skin. We’re… working on it.”

Jordie felt sick. He recalled how Kaz had refused to hug him just a few hours before. How his smile had disappeared all of a sudden in that moment. Was that also the reason why he wore those gloves all the time? “Does that happen a lot?” He asked.

“Normally,” Jesper said, “Kaz would go livid the moment you got too close and beat you up before you laid a finger on him. You’re a special case, I guess… Well, we should get him to bed.” He looked questioningly at Inej, who nodded, and then proceeded to lift Kaz’s unconscious form off the rug.

“He wouldn’t like that,” Inej said, looking at Jordie. “But we can’t leave him on the floor.”

“Is he going to be okay?” Jordie asked when Jesper and Wylan left with Kaz.

“Yes,” Inej responded. “It wasn’t your fault, Jordie,” she added, seeing his guilt-ridden expression. “You didn’t know.”

She smiled softly and left quietly.

Jordie let out a breath and sat down on the bed. So much had happened that day, and he had no idea what to think anymore. All his life, he felt guilty for his brother’s death. Now that it turned out Kaz was alive, he felt even worse.

Jordie had left Kaz alone and destitute. He couldn’t even imagine what the boy must have done to survive. It was obvious Kaz wasn’t the sweet, joyous child he remembered. He had changed into what others called a monster. But Jordie didn’t see him that way either. Yes, it may not have been the life he wanted for his little brother. But he understood that Kaz had no other choice. And Jordie wouldn’t leave him again, no matter what.

A knock on the door snapped him out of his reverie.

“Can I come in?” It was Jesper.

“Sure,” Jordie said, standing up.

The Zemeni man slipped into the room. “I just wanted to apologize. For lashing out at you.”

“Oh.”

“When I saw him on the floor, your hands on his neck… I wasn’t thinking clearly. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay. You had every right to react that way.”

“So no hard feelings, then?”

"None." Jordie smiled.

“Thanks. I’ll better get going,” Jesper said and disappeared behind the door.

Jordie couldn’t help but smile. The man obviously cared about Kaz. He had acted the way Jordie probably would in his place. He had acted like a brother. It was good to know that, despite everything, Kaz had people he could count on.

His brother had not been completely alone.

Chapter Text

“Inej.”

Inej woke up with a start. It was dark outside, probably around midnight.

She had been dozing off in an armchair in Kaz’s room. She had decided to stay with him until he woke up to make sure everything was okay.

He was now sitting in his bed, his hair tousled, dark eyes glimmering in the pale moonlight.

“What happened?" He asked in a rough voice.

“You don’t remember?”

“I’m… not sure.”

“Jordie said he had hugged you. You didn’t take it very well.”

“It wasn’t a dream, then,” he mumbled to himself. Inej wondered whether he meant the hug part or the whole Jordie thing. Probably both.

“I thought you were getting better at dealing with touch,” she said carefully.

“I am. He surprised me. And I still wasn’t thinking clearly.”

No wonder he hadn’t been. It was hard for Inej to imagine accidentally bumping into a loved one you thought dead for over a decade. Such a revelation had to leave a mark even on someone like Kaz. Her reunion with her parents certainly did, and it had not been half as shocking as this must have been for Kaz.

“I’m fine now. You can go, Wraith,” he said, looking away.

Inej clenched her jaw. She didn’t move.

Occasionally, Kaz would still behave like he was her boss, not her lover. She knew it was a force of habit, and today she had gotten to understand him a bit more. Nevertheless, she hated when he treated her like that. She would not be dismissed this way.

Kaz looked back at her, and his eyes softened. “I can see you’re tired. Please go rest, Inej.”

At that, she nodded and silently made her way out of the room.

“Thank you for staying with me,” Kaz said as she reached the door.

She gave him a little smile. “Always.”

*****

Jordie couldn’t fall asleep at first. When he finally did, his dreams were restless. He woke up tired and confused, not sure where he was for a second. He soon realized the reality of his situation wasn’t less surreal than those dreams.

He got out of bed, dressed up, and went out to the hallway. He stopped in front of Kaz’s room and knocked gently on the door. “Kaz?”

Silence. He knocked again, but there was no response.

Jordie had no idea what to do, so he decided to go downstairs, hoping someone was already up.

He made it almost all the way down when he heard voices coming from the common area. He was surprised to find Kaz, already on his feet, dressed impeccably, talking to a girl and a man Jordie didn’t recognize. Like nothing had happened.

Kaz regarded him with a quick glance but, other than that, ignored him. The people he was talking to glimpsed curiously at Jordie but didn’t acknowledge him either.

“Make sure the Gulls keep to their territory,” Kaz said. “Remind them who they’re dealing with.” The strangers nodded. “I’ll run by the club and take a look at the books later. You can go now.”

The pair left without another word.

“Who was that?” Jordie asked when the door closed behind them.

“Anika and Rotty,” Kaz replied. “Members of the Dregs.”

“The Dregs?”

“My gang.”

“Ah. Listen, Kaz,” Jordie said. “About yesterday…”

“We don’t have to talk about that.”

“I just wanted to apologize. I shouldn’t have done it. I’m sorry. Are you-”

“Fine, yes,” Kaz interrupted. “There is nothing to talk about. Just drop it.”

“Okay.”

“You hungry?”

Jordie nodded.

Kaz showed him where the pastry was and where they kept the crockery. They proceeded with breakfast preparations, brewed some coffee, and were soon sitting at a table, eating together in silence.

Kaz finished his meal first and looked at Jordie. “I need to know what your plans are.”

“What exactly do you mean?”

“Are you going to go back to Ravka? Do you still want to move to Lij?”

“Ravka never felt like home. I have a few Ravkan friends, but nothing is really keeping me there. I have already put my house up for sale. As for Lij, I wanted it because of you. And now that I know you’re here… I think I’d prefer to stay in Ketterdam.”

“I was afraid you’d say that.” Kaz’s tone was grim.

“You don’t want me to stay?”

“It’s not that. This city is dangerous for you. If you stay here, people will soon find out you’re associated with me, and it will put a target on your back. My enemies may want to come after you.”

Jordie had had little time to really consider his new situation before. He knew that Kaz was making sense. It would be naïve to think Ketterdam was a safe place, especially knowing what had happened the first time he came here. Getting mixed up with a gang definitely wouldn’t help. But Jordie wasn’t ready to give up yet.

“But you're in the same boat, arent't you?” He countered. “What about your friends? The rest of your gang? They all seem to manage.”

“Please.” Kaz snorted. “Inej is the best spy the city has to offer, and her skill with knives is unmatched. Jesper is a sharpshooter who never misses a target. Wylan is a demolition expert. And I am a gang leader, Jordie. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t know how to take care of myself. We all know how to fight and how to kill.” Something dangerous flashed in his eyes. “And you’re not even able to defend yourself.”

“Then teach me!” Jordie pleaded.

“Is this really what you want for yourself?” Kaz snorted.

Jordie’s voice faltered. “I don’t want to leave you again.”

“And I don’t want something bad to happen to you.”

They looked at each other. For a while, nobody spoke. Finally, Jordie broke the silence.

“I’m not leaving,” he said firmly. “I’ll look for a place to stay. Can I at least keep the room here until I find something?”

“No,” Kaz retorted. “I mean, if you won’t leave the city, then you’re not moving out either. You’re staying with me. It’s the safest option for now.”

“All right.”

Kaz nodded once and stood up. Jordie watched as he limped away to pour himself more coffee.

“What happened to your leg?”

“A mistake.”

“Are you always this mysterious?” Jordie frowned.

“First lesson: don’t let people know too much about yourself. Information is a currency in Ketterdam,” Kaz said and sighed after a while. “I broke it during a heist seven years ago. Bank robbery. I fell off a roof while escaping and landed badly. It never healed right.”

“Wait. You robbed a bank when you were what? Fifteen?”

“Fourteen. Still, I should’ve known better.”

“Saints.”

“I told you. I’m not a gang leader for nothing.” Kaz sat back at the table. “Jordie, you need to understand that I’m not the brother you used to know. I’m not a good person. I’ve done horrible things. I hurt and killed people, and I often enjoyed it. This is my life now, and I’m not planning on stopping,” he said, looking defiantly at Jordie.

“If you're trying to alienate me, let me tell you that it’s not working. I don’t care about that, Kaz. You did what you had to,” Jordie stated.

Kaz raised his eyebrows. “You’re honestly fine with it? Just like that?”

“Well, I’m not loving it. But you are my brother. I will always be on your side.”

“In any case, you have been warned,” Kaz said flatly, standing up. “I’ve got work to do. Make yourself at home, but don’t go outside alone for now.”

Jordie wanted to stop him. There was so much he still wanted to talk about. But he decided otherwise. He had no right to demand more than his brother had already given him.

*****

Inej woke up later than usual, which wasn’t surprising considering how poorly she had slept the previous night. She refreshed herself, got dressed, and headed straight to Kaz’s office. She knew better than to look for him in his room, even after the previous day’s incident. Or rather, especially because of it.

The Slat was quiet, so Jesper was probably out.

She found Kaz at his desk, doing his usual paperwork. He lifted his head when she entered.

“You look well rested,” he greeted her.

“Not thanks to you,” she said teasingly, earning a smirk from him. “Everything good?”

“Peachy.”

Inej rolled her eyes. “Would it kill you to take a break?”

“Not me. But some Razorgulls were spotted picking off our pigeons in the Barrel yesterday, so who knows?"

Inej frowned. “You think they’re planning something?”

“I don’t know yet. Rotty is supposed to take care of them, but we have to stay sharp.”

“Do you need my help?”

“Yes, but not with the Gulls. I-” Kaz paused as mumbled voices came from downstairs. “Jesper’s back.” He stood up and went to the door. “Jesper, Wylan. A moment,” he said loudly. The voices went quiet.

A few seconds later, both men appeared in the office. Jesper was wearing a green checkered suit with a silky cream shirt underneath. Wylan opted for something more plain: a neat white shirt and rust-colored pants with suspenders. They both looked absolutely adorable. Inej guessed they had gone to Wylan’s for a change of clothes.

“Hey, boss!" Jesper smiled.

“Are you okay?” Wylan asked.

“I’m fine,” Kaz grumbled. “I need your help. Can you two,” he pointed at Inej and Jesper, “show Jordie some combat basics? Hand-to-hand, blades, guns.”

“Sure thing, boss,” Jesper said. Inej nodded.

“And Wylan.” Kaz turned to the merchling. “Will you prepare some pocket smoke bombs for him to carry just in case?”

“I will,” Wylan said with a polite smile.

“Thank you. I’ll compensate you, of course.”

“Come on, Kaz. You don’t have to pay us anything,” Inej laughed. “We will gladly help.”

“Yeah,” Jesper agreed. “Why don't you and Jordie tell us some of your childhood stories instead?”

“I’d rather pay in kruge,” Kaz responded, giving him a flat stare. “I need to go to the Crow Club today. Take care of Jordie in the meantime. You can go now.”

Kaz returned to his desk and started sorting his paperwork. Jesper and Wylan left, but Inej stayed with him.

“Kaz. You once called Jesper Jordie,” she said.

“He always reminded me of him.”

Jesper’s head popped out from behind the door. “I’m not gonna pretend I didn’t hear that. You’re like a brother to me, too, Kaz.”

“Get out, Jesper.”

“Yes, sir.” He saluted and disappeared down the hallway.

Inej couldn’t help but laugh.

“Do you mind?” Kaz said, but there was no irritation on his face. He gathered his stuff and headed for the door. He stopped next to Inej and hesitantly reached out his gloved palm to her. She offered him her hand and squeezed gently. Kaz squeezed back, then left without another word.

*****

Soon after Kaz had left the Slat, Wylan asked Jordie to join him and Inej at a table. He had figured they should start his “education” with knowledge of the Dregs and other gangs. It wasn’t like they had anything better to do, and the sooner Jordie started learning, the better.

They had briefly explained the basics of Ketterdam’s criminal underworld when Jesper came from upstairs, carrying a map. With its help, they showed Jordie the territories of each gang and the location of the Slat, the club, and some other buildings owned by the Dregs. They told him everything worth knowing about their gang and its people, weaving in some of its history, like how Kaz took over and how he made it the organization it was now. It wasn’t surprising that Jordie couldn’t quite believe their stories.

“Kaz really did all that?”

“Not only by himself, of course,” Jesper said, feigning indignation.

They explained what their specialties were and what they usually did. All of them shared a bit of their backstories with Jordie, who listened attentively, his eyes big and focused.

Inej told him how she got kidnapped by slavers in her childhood, how she ended up at the Menagerie, how she regained her freedom, and how she got reunited with her parents.

Jesper shared his story of getting into university, developing a gambling addiction, joining the Dregs, and finally settling his debts.

Wylan talked about his childhood trauma, his relationship with his father, his revenge on the man, and the fortune he now owned.

“So you are all members of the Dregs, but the three of you are also like Kaz’s inner circle, right? The Crows.”

“There’s six of us, actually,” Wylan said. “Including Kaz. Nina and Matthias are out of town for now, but they should be back soon.”

“Seriously, I can't wait to see Matthias’s face when he hears that Kaz has a brother,” Jesper said, laughing. Wylan couldn’t help but smile at the thought. Neither could Inej.

“You seem to be good friends,” Jordie said, visibly confused but smiling.

“Yeah, but there’s more to it. We went through a lot of shit together,” Jesper added.

“Like what?”

“The Ice Court heist, for example. The whole thing with Wylan’s father. Experiences like that really bring you together.”

“Wait. Ice Court? Is that true?”

“It is,” Inej confirmed. “I still have no idea how we managed to pull it off.”

“Your brother is really good at scheming,” Jesper said to Jordie. The latter looked speechless.

Wylan smiled. He liked Jordie. He reminded him of himself a few years ago. He had gotten entangled in a completely new world but seemed eager to learn and adapt. And Wylan wanted to help him.

They talked a bit more and answered Jordie’s questions. After some time, Inej decided they should take a break and eat something before proceeding with combat practice. They ate, talking and laughing, like Jordie had always been a part of the group.

After they finished, Wylan and Inej started cleaning up the table. Jesper stayed in his seat and leaned toward Jordie.

“So… How much experience do you have with guns?”

“None,” Jordie replied. “I’ve never even held one.”

“Oh, boy,” Jesper sighed. “We have a long way to go then.”

Chapter Text

Kaz was walking the streets alone. People who recognized him tended to keep their distance. Sometimes they would even turn around and hurry in another direction. He would lie if he said he didn't like that.

Today, however, he paid no attention to the terrified looks and whispers. His mind had finally cleared, and he was processing everything that had happened the day before.

Kaz was sure of two things. First, his brother was alive and well, and he had to keep him that way. Second, now his Crows knew more about him than he ever wanted them to, and there was no going back. Now he had to deal with both of those things.

On one hand, he already regretted letting Jesper and Wylan learn about his past, not to mention the embarrassing fainting episode. He hated showing vulnerability in front of anyone, even Inej. And it was obvious that Nina and Matthias would learn about it all too after they got back. He didn’t want his Crows to treat him like he couldn’t manage on his own. He didn’t want them to get attached.

On the other hand, haven’t they crossed that line already? They had known each other for years, and still they didn’t abandon him, even though he gave them all the reasons. Even though they didn’t need him anymore. Actually, they had gotten way closer to him than he ever expected. Maybe it was time he accepted that and stopped being such a jerk. Yet, it was hard to break that habit.

The situation with Jordie was even more complex. He still didn’t like the idea of him staying in Ketterdam. Which was ironic, considering Kaz was the one who suggested it in the first place. Idiot. Stupid, sentimental idiot.

It was starting to get dark outside when Kaz got back to the Slat. He found Jordie, Inej, and Jesper standing in a semicircle behind Wylan, chanting his name as the boy aimed a knife at a hoop painted on a piece of paper that had been pinned to a wall. They all shrieked with delight when the weapon hit the outer ring of the target.

Blushing, Wylan was trying to get out of Jesper’s hug when he noticed Kaz. His smile was instantly replaced with shame. “Kaz! We were just showing Jordie how to throw blades. We figured we could all use some practice.”

Jesper’s expression made it clear he was expecting a reprimand. Inej simply waited for his reaction. Jordie looked around, trying to read the room.

Normally, he would have chastised them or made a cutting remark, just by custom. But seeing Jordie melted all of his usual negativity. Maybe his head hadn’t fully cleared after all.

“Care if I join?” Kaz asked.

Wylan and Jesper glanced at each other in disbelief, mouths open. It looked so comical that Kaz almost smiled. Almost. He had to maintain his reputation.

He pulled out a small blade he always kept hidden in his coat, aimed, and threw it. Bull’s-eye.

“Not bad, boss,” Jesper said, raising his eyebrows.

“I learned from the best,” Kaz replied, looking at Inej.

“And yet you still have to work on your posture,” she said back. “If the target was moving, you would never hit it.”

Kaz smirked. “Looks like I need a few more lessons, then."

Inej shook her head, sniggering.

Kaz took off his coat and went to the counter to pour himself a glass of water.

“How are things at the club?” Jesper asked.

“As usual. Although Anika noticed some inaccuracies in the books. It turned out we’re short of several bottles of whiskey and a crate of black powder.”

“Could it be a mistake?” Wylan inquired.

“I doubt it is, at least regarding the whiskey. I have a pretty good idea of what might have happened to it. Seems like the level of discipline among the Dregs has dropped recently. And the powder… It is possible we have miscalculated the crates. It’s also possible that the boys used it up for practice and forgot to note that. But, in case there was more to it, Anika will make sure the club’s stockpile is monitored more closely from now on. Keep that in mind.”

His Crows nodded. Unknowingly, Jordie nodded as well, and Kaz barely held back laughter. Only one day, and his brother was already behaving like a Crow.

“And the Razorgulls situation?” Inej asked.

“Rotty and Specht made a few… diplomatic trips today and clarified some things with our neighbors. No one died, so we can assume the operation was successful. For real, though, we’ll have to stay vigilant. The Gulls may want to strike again.”

“Sounds like the situation is quite tense,” said Jordie.

Jesper laughed. “This? Oh, Jordan, you sweet summer child.”

“Actually, I don’t think things were ever this calm in the Barrel,” Wylan explained.

“Oh.”

“I told you, Jordie,” Kaz said. “This may not be a life for you. You can still leave.”

“I know, but I don’t want to. I’ve made up my mind.”

Kaz frowned. “Then you better put your mind to your training,” he said sharply, and went upstairs without looking back. Way to go, he thought. Very emotionally stable.

“Don’t worry,” he heard Wylan saying. “Kaz might seem harsh, but it's just a pretense. In his own way, he showed me more kindness than most people.”

Kaz sighed.

Great. The last thing he needed was the Crows encouraging Jordie to stay. But, if Kaz were to be honest, he didn’t want him to leave either. His plan had been to try and hurt Jordie, to urge him to give up. But all it took was one look at him, and Kaz knew he couldn’t do it. It was too hard for him to act so repulsively toward his brother. This battle was already lost.

*****

Jordie knocked hesitantly on Kaz’s office door.

“Come in.”

He entered and saw his brother flipping through some papers at his desk. Coming closer, Jordie noticed that they contained order details. He guessed Kaz was confirming the discrepancies he found in the books.

“Are you avoiding me?” Jordie asked.

“Yes. You’ll have to get used to it if you really want to stay.”

“Why?”

“Because no one can know that we are related. We will introduce you as a casual new member to the Dregs. You curried my favor with information. Other than that, we have no connection. Understood?”

Jordie frowned. “Uh… cold, but okay.”

“Am I guessing correctly that discouraging you from picking this path won’t change much?”

“Yeah, so you can stop trying already.”

Kaz sighed. “Twelve years, and you still cling to this city. I couldn’t change your mind when we were kids, and I can’t do it now.”

Jordie felt a stab of guilt. “It’s not about the city anymore. You know that.”

Kaz was silent for a while. “Anyway,” he said. “How was your training today?”

“It was great. I learned a lot about the Dregs and the Crows. Jesper showed me how to handle a pistol. Without bullets for now, but he said we would get to that. Then Inej taught me how to throw knives, and we had a little competition. I must admit it was fun.”

“You’re not supposed to have fun, Jordie. I really need you to focus on the training. You may not understand that yet, but when things get ugly, and they will, you’ll have to be prepared.”

“Okay, I will.” Sheesh. It was only his first day. But he couldn’t really blame his brother for caring, so he didn’t voice his reservations.

Kaz nodded and focused on his papers again. Jordie snorted.

“So you won’t talk to me anymore?”

“That was the plan, yes.” Kaz rested his elbows on the desk and looked back at Jordie. “But you won’t allow that either, will you?”

Jordie smiled. Kaz did too.

“Is that your coping mechanism? Being mean to others?”

“Maybe. But you haven’t seen me being mean just yet.”

Jordie thought of the first conversation they had in the office. Smirking, he said, “Oh, I believe I have.”

Kaz must have recalled it too, because his smile was instantly replaced with a shameful expression. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be. It was understandable.”

Kaz looked away. There was the awkward silence again.

“So… Are you and Inej, like, a thing?” Jordie asked.

“Yeah,” Kaz breathed, smiling again.

“She seems lovely.”

“She’s breathtaking.”

For a second, the expression on Kaz’s face was almost dreamy. Jordie couldn’t help but grin at that. There he was. His little brother.

“How long have you been together?”

“About three years.”

Jordie raised his eyebrows. From what he had seen so far, he would have guessed the relationship was a rather recent development.

“Oh, don’t look at me like that,” Kaz huffed. “She had spent many months at sea during that time. And, in case you haven’t noticed, I am not exactly a cuddly person. Besides, I would never force anything on her. She… had it rough in the past. But it’s not my story to tell.”

“You mean the Menagerie?”

“She already told you that?” Kaz looked actually surprised, at which Jordie simply shrugged. His brother chuckled. “Unbelievable… Well, you were always a people person. Anyway, yes, we’re taking things slow. Maybe slower than most, but- Wait.” Kaz narrowed his eyes. “What am I doing, explaining myself to you? You’re single. You don’t get to judge me.”

“Wha- How did you know I was single?”

“Really?” Kaz said with a pitying look. “You would have told me by now if you weren’t. And you wouldn’t be so quick with the decision to stay.”

Alright. Jordie had to agree it was quite obvious. Still, rude.

“Fine. I am. But not because of the lack of charm,” he miffed theatrically. “I dated a few girls. But I didn’t really look for a steady relationship in Ravka. Not many Ravkan women would be eager to leave their cozy cities in favor of a Kerch farm.”

“Makes sense,” Kaz admitted. He was about to say something more but stopped himself and furrowed. “Jesper, I can see your shadow under the door,” he said loudly.

“Who is Jesper?” The sharpshooter’s muffled voice came from behind the hallway.

Jordie turned to look at the door and saw the shadow disappear quickly. He chuckled at that. Kaz let out a breath.

“How was it, anyway? Living in Ravka.”

“Hard at first,” Jordie puffed. “I had no money. I didn't know the language. My first instinct was to return to Kerch as soon as possible, but no one would take me back for free. I roamed around the harbor for a few days, begging for scraps. I hoped the crew that saved me would return and agree to take me with them, but it didn’t happen. Some people took pity on me and let me help them move their cargo or deliver some messages. Many didn’t know Kerch at all, so communication was hard at times, but I managed. One day, a man approached me and gave me some food of his own accord. His name was Luka. He was a tavernkeeper from Ivets. He had been passing by when he saw me wandering about and felt sorry for me. He knew a bit of Kerch, so I told him what had happened to me, and he offered me work in his tavern in exchange for food and a roof to sleep under.”

Jordie paused. He looked at Kaz, who listened attentively. Has his brother ever experienced such kindness? Or had Jordie used up all of their luck? He could guess the answer, and he didn’t like it.

“Go on,” Kaz said.

“I went to Ivets with Luka. He treated me well, and I worked as best as I could. After some time, he started paying me additionally. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. I worked at the tavern for over a year and became fluent in Ravkan during that time. I’ve met many merchers and learned a lot about the trading business from them. Some appeared in Ivets regularly. Tatiana was one of them. She traded in fabrics. Her business had started growing, and she needed an assistant to help her with it. Since we already knew each other, she offered the position to me.”

“I’m guessing the tavernkeeper wasn’t too pleased.”

“He encouraged me to take it, actually. Said it was a great opportunity for me.” Kaz stared at him. Jordie sniggered. “Ivets is not Ketterdam, Kaz. Ravkans’ mentality is a bit different, I guess.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. Greed and envy know no borders. You were just lucky to come across a good enough person. I’m glad you did, though. Please, continue.”

At that, Jordie’s heart broke some more, but he continued as asked. “I joined Tatiana. We traveled a lot through smaller towns and villages between Ivets and Os Kervo. I mostly took care of the merchandise, but sometimes Tatiana would ask me to be a translator if we stumbled upon a Kerch mercher. Three years later, Tatiana had a small trading company, and I was her right hand. We settled in Os Kervo, and I bought my first apartment. After another two years, I started working for a man named Kirill, who was a broker. We helped other merchers establish contacts and trading routes.”

Kaz smiled. “So you became a proper businessman. Just like you always wanted.”

“Yeah,” Jordie said hesitantly. “Not too bad for a stray orphan, right?”

“Why leave it all behind, then?”

“You know why, Kaz. It may not sound like it, but I never came to terms with what had happened in Ketterdam. It haunted me. Getting the farm back was my plan all along, and I just stuck to it.”

“Won’t you miss that life?”

“Maybe the people. But the work was overwhelming. I was good at it, but it brought me no joy in the end. Now I know that coming back was the best decision I could make,” Jordie smiled, looking into Kaz’s eyes.

“Don’t be so hasty in your judgment.”

“Well, I admit that life in Ketterdam is different from what I got used to. I became aware of it as soon as I came. But I will adjust. That’s what I’m good at, after all.”

“I sure hope so,” Kaz muttered. “It’s getting late. You should rest. I wasn’t kidding about the training.”

Jordie held up his hand. “Not so fast, Kaz. I told you my story. I want to hear yours.”

Kaz stared at him. It was probably the look he gave his subordinates to make them shut up and obey him. But they were alone, and Jordie was still older. The stare had no power here. So he crossed his arms and waited.

“Ugh,” Kaz sighed. “What do you want to know? How I took over the Dregs? How I gained the respect you so insolently ignore?”

“I think I know most of that already. Your friends told me some stories today.”

Kaz buried his face in his hands. “Of course they did.”

“I’m more interested in what happened to you before that.” Please tell me you weren’t alone, Jordie thought. Please tell me you had help. He knew he was deluding himself.

“There isn’t much to tell, really.” Kaz said in a flat tone, not looking at Jordie. “I told you already that Ketterdam knows two currencies: kruge and information. Since I had neither, I chose the only option that was left. Violence. I learned to pick off weaker opponents. I fought my way out of the streets.”

“Why did you change your name?”

“From the moment I crawled out of the harbor, all I wanted was revenge on Hertzoon and his accomplices. But to make it happen, I had to let Kaz Rietveld die and become something else. I didn’t want Hertzoon to know I was coming for him. And I needed to leave my past life behind me. I took on any job I was offered. That’s why people started calling me Dirtyhands. It used to be a feral boy’s nickname, but I worked hard for it to become a lot more. I made money off card games and learned how to steal. Got arrested a couple of times. That was fun,” Kaz smirked, but Jordie didn’t feel like laughing. “After I learned Hertzoon’s true identity, I decided to join the Dregs. By then, I had gained enough notoriety to be welcomed into their ranks. I built up my position, waiting for the right moment to strike Rollins.” Kaz shifted in his chair. “That’s it. You know the rest, apparently.”

“What about your… touch aversion?” Jordie asked cautiously.

Kaz clenched his jaw and looked out the window. He was silent for quite a while. Jordie had already lost hope of getting an answer when Kaz spoke up.

“Let’s just say that touching the dead bodies on the barge wasn’t my favorite experience. But I’m dealing with it. Yesterday’s incident was just an exception.”

Jordie didn’t know what to say. He had been traumatized too, but Kaz… He had been nine, for Saints’ sake. How was Jordie supposed to ever forgive himself for condemning his brother to such hardship?

Kaz finally looked at Jordie and scowled. “Don’t give me that look,” he said. “Don’t you dare take pity on me like I’m some weakling. I am proud of what I accomplished.”

“I just… wish things had turned out differently.”

“And I wish we were born rich and lived in a mansion. But some things cannot be changed. Stop dwelling on the past, Jordie. And stop blaming yourself for things you had no control over.”

Maybe Kaz was right. If he really didn’t hold a grudge against Jordie, then perhaps Jordie shouldn’t blame himself either. But it was easier said than done.

They were so different, he realized. Kaz was a rationalist. Jordie - more of an idealist. Kaz seemed to be focused on the here and now. He wanted to run away from the past. Jordie wanted to run back to it.

“I still have work to do,” Kaz said. “Go rest, Jordie.”

This time, Jordie didn’t object. He went to his room and sat down on the bed. He knew he wouldn’t be able to fall asleep anytime soon.

Chapter Text

Jesper yawned.

He couldn’t complain about being bored anymore. With Jordie’s arrival, things finally started happening, and it didn’t mean shootouts or explosions for once. So it was a nice change, and he was glad of that.

But why did Brekker have to insist on meeting so early in the morning?

Kaz had always been an early Crow, even though he usually stayed up late, working, scheming, planning. How he found time for sleeping was a mystery to Jesper. Especially in those last days. And yet, he showed no signs of fatigue. Maybe he was a demon after all.

Jesper yawned again and straightened himself in his chair. Jordie sat next to him, looking even more weary. Inej and Wylan were discussing something over coffee at another table.

Kaz appeared in front of Jesper and slammed some papers on the table. Inej and Wylan stopped talking and came closer to take a look.

“What’s that?” Jesper asked as they all bowed over the documents.

“Jordie’s new identity,” Kaz said. “In summary, he used to be a broker who got himself tangled in a fishy business and had to escape Ravka. He’s worried for his safety, so he came to me to offer information in exchange for the protection of the gang. I let him stay at the Slat for my own convenience. Make yourselves familiar with the story. Especially you, Jordie.”

“Jordan Smit?” The man asked, looking at the notes.

“You obviously can’t use your real name,” Kaz explained. “It would be ideal to change the first one as well, but the risk of someone making a slip would also be greater, so let’s stick with Jordan.”

“Okay.”

“Jesper, you were tasked with watching Jordan in this scenario. I want you to take him to the club tomorrow. Show him around, introduce him to the others. Make it look casual.”

“Sure thing, boss.”

“As for today, focus on self-defense lessons,” Kaz said to his brother. “Inej will show you some moves. Jesper, Wylan. You will come with me. I need your help carrying some stuff.”

*****

“Shit! I’m sorry. Are you okay?"

Inej laughed. “I’m fine. That was very good."

She picked herself off the floor, allowing Jordie to help her.

“Go again.”

Jordie looked at her hesitantly. She gave him an encouraging smile.

Once he assumed the proper stance, she threw herself at him. He blocked her and sent her to the floor again. His movements were slow and a bit sloppy, but he was making good progress.

“Are you-”

“Yes, I’m okay. I know what I am doing,” she said. “Let’s take a break.”

They sat down and drank water. Jordie looked exhausted already. He would have to work on his condition.

“Is everything alright?” She asked, noticing his subdued expression.

“Yeah. I’m just… thinking.”

“About what?”

“Kaz.”

Inej sighed. “What did he do?”

“No, nothing. It’s just… I don’t know how I can ever make it up to him for everything that has happened.”

“He doesn’t blame you,” she said softly.

“He told me that too. But somehow it doesn’t really help.” Jordie looked at the ceiling, clearly trying to stop tears from escaping his eyes. “He told me what happened to him after the plague. I can’t-” His voice broke.

Inej put her hand on Jordie’s shoulder.

“Kaz doesn’t talk about his past. Even I don’t know much about his childhood. But the fact that he opened up to you means that he trusts you deeply. He might not be showing it, but he is really happy you’re here.”

“Well, he made it quite clear he would prefer me to leave. Maybe I shouldn’t insist on staying.”

Inej rolled her eyes. “Ugh, typical Kaz. He’s being protective, you know. And he always finds a way to make you feel resentful about it. If it makes you feel any better, he once called me an investment. I think it was his idea of being romantic.”

Jordie looked at her, bewildered. She laughed.

“If it makes you feel any better,” Jordie said, looking her in the eyes, “he told me yesterday that you’re breathtaking.”

“Did he now? That podge…” She chuckled.

Loving Kaz was not easy. Actually, he made it as hard as possible. But in the end, he couldn’t hide the fact that he was caring. And he would do anything for the people he cared about.

Ever since she met Kaz, Inej has wished he were more open with her. Meanwhile, it took Jordie two days to crack him. But she wasn’t jealous of that. The reunion with her parents was a crucial step in her healing process, so she understood their situation. She was simply glad Kaz finally had someone to talk to. And if he ever decided to share it all with her too, she would be pleased to listen.

“I know it’s not my place,” Jodie said, “but I wanted to thank you for being there for him. I realize he didn’t make it easy for any of you, but you all stayed. I’m so very grateful for that.”

She smiled at him. He and Kaz were so different and yet so similar. They obviously cared so much about each other, but it was funny how distinct their ways of showing it were. They are going to become annoying, aren’t they?

“Shall we continue?” She asked.

But before they had a chance to stand up, the doors to the Slat burst open, and Kaz stumbled backward inside. He was holding… a cabinet?

“Damn it, Jesper. Level it up,” he snarked.

“Seriously, Kaz, let me do it,” Wylan called from outside.

Jordie was on his feet in an instant. He grabbed the cabinet and helped put it down.

Kaz hissed, and his hand went to his bad knee. “Okay,” he breathed. “Now the bed.”

“What’s going on?” Jordie asked.

“I promised you better furniture, didn’t I?” Kaz replied, heading back outside. Inej and Jordie followed.

“I told you there was no need for that!”

“Shut up and grab the other side.”

“Better do as he says,” Inej said, passing Jordie. She went over to Wylan and helped him lift a bedside table.

All it took them were two hours, a lot of cursing, and Wylan nearly tumbling down the stairs to rearrange Jordie’s room. The small space looked luxurious now. More so than Kaz’s own room, which wasn’t surprising to Inej. Grand gestures and grumpy attitude were his love language. She would know. She had gotten a ship.

After dinner, Wylan and Jesper stayed at the Slat with Jordie, discussing explosives and fake identities, while Inej and Kaz went for a stroll. Kaz probably needed to walk off his bad leg after all the heavy lifting he had done, but he would not admit it, of course.

The sun was setting, casting a red light over the dodgy alleys they walked. Not exactly a romantic sight, but still, there was a certain beauty to it. Or maybe Inej had already been corrupted by this Saints-forsaken city.

After several minutes, they reached a canal. Kaz stopped and fixed his gaze on the trickling water that reflected the darkening sky. His expression was unreadable. Was he thinking about the day he and Jordie were separated? Was he trying to reconcile with his past? He didn’t speak, so neither did Inej.

She moved closer to him, and he silently put his arm around her shoulders. She gently leaned her head against him. They stood there for a while, both lost in their own thoughts.

*****

That night, Jordie slept like a log. He had been so exhausted that he passed out as soon as his head touched the pillow. No bad dreams disturbed him this time.

He ate breakfast with Inej, while Kaz asked him questions about Jordan Smit. Jordie had to stop himself from rolling his eyes after a while. So meticulous.

When his brother decided his answers were satisfactory, Inej offered them both coffee.

“No, thank you,” Jordie said. “Jesper was supposed to come get me at ten bells, so he should be here any minute now.”

Jesper and Wylan both went to the latter’s mansion the previous evening. Jordie had learned that they technically lived there but still spent most days and some nights at the Slat. Wylan told him he actually preferred this crooked place to his luxurious estate, but he wanted to keep his mother company, so he had to visit it frequently. Oh, and he also had a trading empire to run from there. Honestly, the Crows might have been the most unusual group Jordie had ever seen.

Inej came over and gave him a steaming mug anyway. “You have time. Jes is always late.”

She wasn't wrong. The sharpshooter appeared at the door half an hour later, earning a judgmental look from Kaz. Wasting no more time, Jordie and Jesper went straight to the Crow Club.

It turned out to be a grandiose building located not far from the Slat. Despite the relatively early hour for gambling, the place was bustling. A wooden sign decorated with an image of a crow hung above the entrance, drawing the eye from afar. If Jordie didn’t know any better, he would never assume it was operated by a gang. That was the point, after all.

They were almost at the door when they heard a low voice.

“Jesper Fahey, as I live and breathe!"

Jordie turned to see a big, bearded man with a wide smile on his face.

“Specht!” Jesper greeted the man. “Good to see you. How is it going?”

“Same old, same old. I haven’t seen you here for a week. Started thinking you were dead in some ditch. What have you been up to?”

Jesper laughed. “Ah, you know. Kaz and his little side projects. Speaking of which,” he put his hands on Jordie’s shoulder, “meet Jordan, our newest member.”

“Oh, another one,” Specht said, shaking Jordie’s hand. “How am I supposed to remember all their names?”

“Specht always says that,” Jesper told Jordie as he led him toward the entrance. “And somehow he is the one who always knows everything about everyone. He’s one of Kaz’s lieutenants. He oversees the crew.”

As they went inside, Jordie took in the huge, swish hall full of card tables. Most of them were occupied. Across from the door was a grand circular bar with shelves full of multicolored liquor bottles that reflected the light from big chandeliers. On either side of the interior, leather couches were positioned against the walls, creating lounging areas. Above the entire room was a mezzanine floor, from which, Jordie noticed, some people were eyeing the tables.

“There are private game rooms upstairs,” Jesper explained, indicating the mezzanine. “The club’s office is in the attic. Below us is a basement where we keep the supplies.”

“Are all the workers members of the Dregs?” Jordie asked his companion.

“Yeah. Some of the guests too.”

That surprised him. The bodyguards were obvious, but the rest of the personnel didn’t look like gang members. And the guests? There was no way of telling which ones were fakes.

They went over to the bar, where Jesper ordered two beers and introduced Jordie to the bartenders. Jordie took a small sip from his glass just out of politeness. As they sat at the bar stools, Jesper explained how the club worked, pointing at people and naming them.

Pim, Raf, Sanne, Roeder, Lotte, Varian, Daan, Milo, Red Felix, Inge, Dirix, Coen.

He still wasn’t finished, but Jordie’s head was already spinning. That wasn’t even half of the crew, from what the sharpshooter said.

After a while, Jesper stood up and approached some of the Dregs that weren’t on duty. He chatted with them, casually presenting Jordie. Some tried persuading Jesper to go play cards with them, but the Zemeni refused, despite the longing Jordie saw in his eyes.

Most people didn’t take much interest in him, but he was still asked a few questions, so he answered them vaguely, sticking to the script. Jesper would help him every now and then by randomly changing the subject and drawing attention to himself.

A blonde, brown-eyed man came up to him at some point when the sharpshooter was absorbed in conversation with Pim and Roeder. His name was Coen, if Jordie remembered correctly. 

“This is your first day here, isn’t it?”

Jordie nodded.

“How do you know Mister Fahey?”

“I don’t really know him too well,” Jordie replied. “He’s just supposed to show me around.”

“Why did you join us?”

“There are some people after me. The gang offers protection,” he said, hoping it was convincing enough.

Coen was about to say something more, but Jesper interrupted him. “Okay, let’s go, Jordan,” he said, leading Jordie upstairs. “You’re doing great, mate,” he added, when they were out of earshot. “You look nervous as hell, but most novices do.”

They entered the club’s office without knocking, interrupting a conversation between two people. Jordie already knew who they were. Anika and Rotty. The girl was standing in the middle of the room, her arms crossed. The man was lounging on a sofa. They looked irritated by the intrusion, but as soon as they recognized Jesper, they both relaxed.

“Jes!” Anika exclaimed. She lifted her head up theatrically. “What business?”

“You should stop spending so much time in the office, or you’ll turn into another Kaz,” Jesper said.

“Well, someone has to do the paperwork. I don’t see anyone else eager to help,” she said, glancing at Rotty.

“Don’t look at me,” the man replied, sitting up straight. “I operate in the field.”

“Clearly.”

“Anyway, who is our guest?” Rotty said, trying to take a better look at Jordie, who stood awkwardly behind Jesper.

“A new recruit,” Jesper said. “Jordan, this is Anika and Rotty. They are both lieutenants, so you better not sauce them.”

“Haven’t we seen you at the Slat two days ago?” Anika said, frowning.

Jordie nodded. “That’s right.”

“Jordan is staying there with us for now. He and Kaz made some kind of deal.” The sharpshooter waved his hand dismissively. “He’s new in town, and I’m supposed to be his nanny.”

“Huh.”

“Rotty,” Jesper said, turning to the man. “I have some matters to discuss with you.”

The man stood up. “Sure thing.”

“Wait here, Jordan,” said Jesper, leaving the room with Rotty.

Jordie knew Kaz had asked Jesper to check on the Razorgulls situation, but a novice like him wouldn't be involved in such a conversation, so he obediently stayed, pretending to be oblivious.

“You don’t look like Dreg material,” Anika said, leaning against a dark wooden desk.

“I admit I don’t really have experience living a life of crime,” Jordie joked, but the girl didn’t return his smile.

“How come you get such special treatment then?”

“What do you mean?”

“Not everybody gets to be taken around by the boss’s right hand.”

“It’s part of my deal with Mister Brekker. Gang’s membership and protection for information.”

“And what kind of information would that be? Must be valuable.”

Jordie hesitated. “I don’t think I’m supposed to tell anyone except the boss,” he said finally.

She nodded. “Good answer. But I’ll be watching you.”

A moment later, Jesper returned, saving Jordie once more. Soon, they were on their way out of the club.

“I’m definitely not fit to be a spy,” Jordie murmured when they were finally outside.

“Meh, that’s Nina’s job, anyway,” Jesper replied. “Don’t worry about it.”

“I feel like an impostor. Is this whole charade really necessary? Wouldn’t it be easier to just tell everyone I’m Kaz’s friend or something?”

“It would, but Kaz has his reasons. He wants people to think you’re not important to him because he’s afraid someone would want to use you to get to him.”

“Yeah, I know, but-”

“It happened before, you see. With Inej,” Jesper said quietly. “So forgive him for being overprotective.”

“Oh. I didn’t know that.”

“It will be fine, Jordie. We’ll continue the training and make a Crow out of you in no time. Once Kaz sees you can stand up for yourself, he will calm down. Hopefully,” he added with a smirk.

“Mister Fahey!”

They both turned around. A dark-haired man ran up to them, panting.

Jesper frowned. “Daan? Did something happen?”

“No, sir. I just… We’re holding a little card tournament at the club tomorrow night. I thought I’d let you know in case you wanted to join.” Jesper’s eyes shone at that. Daan looked at Jordie. “Jordan, was it? You should come too.”

“Not a bad idea,” Jesper said. “Ah, what the hell, we’ll come. Thanks for the tip, Daan.”

The man smiled and went back to the club.

Jordie looked at Jesper questioningly.

“What? Come on, it’ll be a good opportunity for you to bond with the Dregs.”

Jordie doubted that was the main reason why Jesper wanted to go, but he didn’t argue. The sharpshooter had a point. Maybe it would be easier for Jordie to mingle with the gang under more friendly circumstances.

He nodded.

“Okay, let’s get going. Your lovely brother will ground us both if I don’t teach you how to shoot today.”

*****

The next day, both Inej and Jesper were practicing fighting with Jordie. Wylan was sitting in the corner of the room with goggles on, absorbed in working with some powders. Kaz was there too, and at some point, Jordie realized he was trying especially hard to impress his brother. Hadn’t it used to be the other way around in the past?

At dusk, Jordie and Jesper set out to the Crow Club. Neither Kaz nor Wylan were thrilled with Jesper’s idea for socializing over card games, but since he promised not to make bets, they agreed to it.

This time they entered through the back door that led directly to the backrooms of the club. That part of the building was not as fancy as the rest of it, but it was still kind of cozy. The place was full of gang members, many of whom Jordie hadn’t seen the day before. Several plain wooden tables have been set up in the cramped space. Some games have already started.

Jesper quickly introduced Jordie to those who hadn’t met him yet and then eagerly sat at one of the tables with Roeder, Keeg, and some other guy whose name Jordie didn’t catch due to the bustle.

The last time Jordie played Three Man Bramble was over a decade ago. So he wasn’t surprised that he got absolutely crushed three times in a row. But he still had quite a good time.

Jesper had been right after all. The event really posed a good opportunity for socializing with the Dregs. The fact that they were getting progressively more drunk with every game, while Jordie stayed sober, made it even easier.

After yet another spectacular failure, Jordie stood up. He had to stretch his legs.

“I’ll go get you guys some more beer,” he said, earning cheers from the table.

He went over to a barrel and bent over the tap with a large jug in his hand when he heard a voice above him.

“Jordan, I need you to come with me.”

Jordie looked up and saw Daan. “What is it?”

“There is inventory to be done, and I could use a hand.”

Jordie hesitated. From Daan’s perspective, he was an ordinary fledgling, and he had to play that part. A man who had just joined the crew needed to earn his place, so Jordie felt like he shouldn’t refuse. It would be weird to go and ask Jesper for permission, so he simply went on with Daan’s request. He didn’t mind taking a break from the cards anyway.

Daan led him to the club’s basement. The place was packed with various crates, barrels, and boxes. Everything was organized neatly.

“What are we doing exactly?” Jordie asked.

“We need to count the supplies and record the numbers. We gotta do it every night as of late. Anika’s orders. It’s a job for two, but my partner didn’t show up. He probably lies plastered under some table.”

Jordie chuckled. "So, where do we start?”

They spent almost three hours scanning the stores and double-checking everything. Daan was a bit too conscientious, in Jordie’s opinion, but he didn’t oppose him. He remembered Kaz mentioning missing stuff, and he figured that was the reason Daan was taking so much time with every crate.

“Thanks, Jordan,” the man said when they finished. “You have no idea how much you’ve helped me.”

Jordie smiled. “No problem.”

They went back upstairs. The party was still very much on, but about half the people managed to pass out drunk. Some slept under the tables on which games were still being played. Some slept on them. Somehow, Jordie didn’t regret missing it all.

He yawned. The fatigue he had been feeling for a while threatened to overwhelm him. He only hoped Jesper was still fit to walk back to the Slat. But where was he? Jordie didn’t see him at any of the tables.

“Saints. Here you are!”

Jordie turned around and met Jesper’s gaze. The sharpshooter’s eyes were wide, and there was sweat on his forehead. He didn’t seem drunk or tired.

“I’ve been looking for you for like an hour!”

Jordie cringed. “I was helping out with inventory in the basement. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t think it would take so long.”

Jesper let out a shaky breath. “Okay. Okay. I think it’s time to head out. The party is dying anyway.”

As soon as they went outside, Jesper looked around, making sure no one was watching them. “You almost gave me a heart attack, Jordan! I thought something had happened to you. Kaz would have killed me. He still might if he learns I let you spend that time working.”

“I’m really sorry, Jesper.”

“No, no. I’m the one who should be sorry. It was my fault. I got carried away with the game while I should have been watching you.” Jesper sighed again. “Please don’t tell Kaz.”

Jordie laughed. “Not a word.”

As they walked, Jesper wrapped his arm around Jordie’s shoulders and squeezed him once, as if to make sure he was really there. “Thanks. Well, at the very least I sobered up quickly.” He chuckled nervously.

Once again, Jordie had been struck by the impression that there was something brotherly about Jesper. They knew each other for only a few days, but the sharpshooter seemed to care deeply not only about Kaz but about Jordie as well.

But why did Jordie feel like he was the youngest of the trio?

Chapter Text

When they approached the Slat, Jesper noticed lights going off in Kaz’s window. He must have been waiting for his brother to return safely. A shiver went down Jesper’s spine as he recalled the moment he had realized that Jordie had disappeared.

His thoughts wandered back to the embarrassing events from a few years ago. It had been his carelessness that resulted in Inej getting stabbed, and put the whole Ice Court heist at risk. He felt like he had betrayed Kaz back then. He had promised himself that he would never let that happen again.

And yet, his stupid gambling addiction got the better of him once again. If something bad had happened to Jordie… Jesper didn’t even want to think about it. All he wanted now was to go to sleep.

He entered his room as quietly as he could and laid himself down next to his boyfriend, trying not to wake him. In his sleep, Wylan put his hand on Jesper’s chest. Seconds later, Jesper was already dreaming.

*****

Loud banging woke him in the morning. Of course, Kaz wouldn’t let him sleep in.

“Imup,” he murmured, and sat up in the bed with a sigh. All he heard in response were footsteps receding from the door, accompanied by the tapping of a cane.

“Did you have fun?” Wylan asked. He was already dressed, standing in front of the mirror, and fixing up his collar.

“You can say that,” Jesper replied, rubbing his eyes. “What about you?”

Wylan leaned against the wall. “Well, Inej and Kaz seemed to want to spend some time alone, so I came here and pretended I didn’t exist.”

“Does that mean you have no juicy gossip for me? Such an opportunity wasted. Outrageous!” Jesper exclaimed. It was probably a good thing he hadn’t been there. He would third wheel the shit out of the pair. Fortunately, Wylan had more tact.

Reluctantly, Jesper rolled out of bed, kissed Wylan, and went to the bathroom. No amount of cold water seemed to be able to rouse him, but he did his best to get himself in order.

When they got downstairs several minutes later, Kaz, Inej, and Jordie were preparing breakfast. Kaz had dark circles under his eyes, but other than that, he looked perfect. How the hell was he doing that? At least Jordie looked like a wreck too.

As soon as they sat up at the table, Kaz started asking about the previous night. His questions were serious, like he expected to get a mission report instead of party stories, but Jesper noticed how his eyes glimmered every time his brother smiled during his recount.

Fortunately, Jordie left out the part about helping Daan, just like he had promised. Saints bless him. Jesper hadn’t gotten enough sleep to deal with Kaz’s wrath today.

He poured himself a cup of especially strong coffee. Here’s to an uneventful day, he thought to himself, taking a big sip.

Suddenly, the front door opened with a bang.

“Boss!” Anika bolted inside, panting. “The harbor warehouse has been attacked.”

Of course.

Kaz immediately rose from his chair and positioned himself like he was trying to cover Jordie, either from Anika’s sight or the danger she spoke of. “When?”

“Last night. We think Razorgulls were behind it.”

“Gather your things,” Kaz said to his Crows.

Merely a few minutes later, they were all on their way to the harbor. Inej was somewhere on the roofs. The rest of them, including Jordie, whom Kaz wouldn't risk leaving alone, marched through the streets, listening to Anika’s report.

“I don't know many specifics. I came to get you as soon as we heard. Coen showed up pretty banged up at the club this morning. He had been on guard duty at the warehouse with Raf tonight. They were attacked by a group of Razorgulls in the middle of the night. Raf is dead.”

Jesper felt his stomach drop. Raf had joined them about a year ago. He was only seventeen. “Shit,” he said, shaking his head. “He was a good lad.”

“He was,” Anika admitted sadly.

“It was a quiet job,” said Kaz. “We’d have learned about it sooner if that weren't the case.”

“A robbery?” Wylan suggested.

“That's what I'm guessing. Do we know if anything was stolen?”

“Not yet,” Anika answered. “Rotty and Specht rallied the boys already. They will meet us there. Coen is probably with them.”

“Good,” Kaz muttered.

Well, at least Jesper finally felt awake.

*****

The harbor was crowded with the Dregs. At least a dozen people were roaming around the cobbled forecourt of the warehouse, walking in and out of the building, checking it out.

It was an inconspicuous, detached brick and wood construction with small windows, not too different from others in the area, except that it stood further away from the street than the neighboring buildings. It made it less visible to passersby, and Jordie guessed it was the reason the Dregs chose it for their facility. Its double doors faced the street that seemed suspiciously empty, probably due to the gang’s presence. On one side of the building was a wide alley that led straight to the wharf, so Jordie could take a good look at the bay even from where he was standing. The whole place smelled of salt and fish.

“Boss!” A stocky, bearded man Jordie remembered from the club called from a distance. “It's good you're here!”

“Specht,” Kaz acknowledged the man. “What do you know?”

“The warehouse is a mess.” Specht said as he ran to meet them. “It's hard to say if anything is missing. Pim and Roeder went to fetch the books from the club. The others have already started inventory. We’ll know more soon.”

“Very good. Where is Coen?”

“Inside with Rotty. He is in rough shape, that poor kid.”

Kaz nodded and treaded towards the building without another word, Inej in tow. Without thinking much, Jordie followed them, leaving Jesper and Wylan behind with Specht.

Rotty emerged from the warehouse before they reached it. As he greeted them, Coen appeared behind him.

The boy was a bit unsteady on his feet. His face was bruised and swollen. Traces of dried blood still covered his temple, and his lower lip was split. He cradled his left arm like it was broken.

Kaz turned to him. “What happened here?”

“I was on duty with Raf, sir,” Coen said. “I was circling the building every few minutes. Raf was guarding the entrance. I made several rounds and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Then, once I finished another roundup, I saw Raf on the ground. I rushed to his side, but two Razorgulls jumped at me. I have no idea where they came from. I tried to fight back, but someone grabbed me from behind, and they knocked me out. They must have assumed I was dead and left me after that. I regained consciousness for a while at some point. The doors were wide open, and I saw them inside, demolishing the warehouse. There were at least five of them. I think they were looking for something, but I passed out before they finished. When I woke up at dawn, they were long gone. I checked on Raf, but it was too late for him. Waiting here didn't seem like a good idea, so I went straight to the Crow Club.”

Jordie felt uneasy. The whole situation seemed so surreal.

Kaz frowned. He seemed to be considering Coen’s words. Inej was the one who spoke first. “Did you see their faces?”

“It was dark, and I couldn't take a good look at them. I'm sorry.”

Coen looked like he was barely standing. Jordie felt bad for him, but he understood that they needed to interrogate him - the sooner the better.

“How come you didn't hear them attacking Raf?” Kaz asked.

“Honestly, sir, I don't know. They must have sneaked up on him somehow.”

“I never knew the Razorgulls were capable of subtlety,” Kaz said. “Are you sure it was them?”

“Yes. I think I recognized one of them from the streets. He had been stealing our pigeons.”

“You said you couldn’t see their faces,” Inej said.

“Well, yes.” Coen sighed. “I'm not entirely sure it was him, but his eyes looked familiar. I saw him up close, because he was the one who beat me.” He shook his head, looking at the floor. “I'm sorry. I know I'm babbling. I don't feel very well, and my head is spinning.”

Kaz nodded. “Go tend to your wounds. Rotty, look after him, will you?”

“Sure thing,” the bigger man agreed.

“Thank you, sir,” Coen mumbled and slowly walked away, supported by Rotty.

Kaz scoped out the outside of the building, then went inside.

Jordie tried to get rid of the lump in his throat. He felt out of place here. Until now, all the gang shenanigans seemed so far off. For the first time, he realized firsthand how dangerous this life could be. He knew it was naïve of him, but a kid has been murdered, for Saints’ sake.

He must have let his uncertainty show, because Inej put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed reassuringly. “See that ship over there?” She asked, pointing to a beautiful craft moored nearby.

“Yeah,” he mumbled.

“Her name is Wraith. Kaz gifted her to me a few years ago,” she said, leading him closer to the waterfront.

“Really?” Jordie raised his eyebrows.

“Mhm. I have gone on many adventures since then. My goal was to hunt down all slavers of the True Sea.”

“Wait. I've heard stories about a ghost ship sailing the sea waters, whose crew dealt with the wrongdoers. It was you ?”

Inej laughed. “The ghost ship part is a bit of an exaggeration, but yes, I guess it was me.”

“You don't do it anymore?”

“I stopped once I dealt with them all.” She smiled wickedly. “It won't stay that way for eternity, but the Wraith is ready to set sail again. If anyone dares to enter the slave business again, me and my crew will come for them,” she said with determination. Then she looked Jordie in the eyes, and her expression softened. “I know this is a lot. We will handle it. Stay here for a while. Try to wind down, okay?”

Jordie nodded. “Thank you, Inej.”

She winked at him and made her way to the warehouse's entrance.

*****

Wylan caught up with Inej just before she went inside the warehouse. They both sighed as they entered. The place looked awful. All the shelves had been tripped over, and most of the crates were in pieces, their various contents lying on the floor.

“Saints, what a mess...” Wylan muttered.

“Give us a minute,” Kaz said to the Dregs, who were in the middle of clearing the place. They left obediently.

“Jordie?” Kaz asked Inej when they were out of earshot.

“He looked overwhelmed, so I told him to stay outside,” Inej replied.

“Good.”

“Something doesn't seem right here,” Inej started. Wylan looked at her questioningly.

“My thoughts exactly.” Kaz said. “They attack without making any noise at all, but then leave the bodies out in the open, not even bothering to close the door as they plunder the place, even though they can be easily spotted from the street. They don't make sure the guards are dead, nor do they watch them. Coen's story doesn't add up.”

Inej nodded.

Wylan frowned, trying to piece together the bits of information he had. “Do you think Coen's lying?”

“I do,” Kaz admitted. “I just need to figure out what his game is.”

“Maybe he's just scared to admit he was slacking off on duty,” Wylan suggested.

“No, there's more to it,” Kaz said with confidence. He started looking around the place. He poked the broken crates with his cane while Inej crouched next to an overturned shelf.

Wylan stayed in the middle of the cluttered space and took in the view. Maybe the Gulls had wanted to steal something specific, and they had broken the rest to make it harder for the Dregs to discover what it was. But it must have taken a lot of time during which they could have been caught. And it wouldn't keep the Dregs from finding out for too long. It didn't seem worth taking that risk. Besides, there had been nothing of particular value in here. Was it possible the Gulls had only wanted to demolish the place? Why would they?

Something caught Wylan’s attention. It was neither a view nor a sound. It was a scent. Faint one, but once he noticed it, it was undeniable. He knew it well - he was a demolition expert, after all. And he knew they had not kept that stuff in here.

He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by Jesper’s scream.

*****

Coen was, in fact, in rough shape.

Wylan had just gone to catch up with Kaz at the warehouse, and Jesper was still talking to Specht when he saw Coen leaning on Rotty as they made their way from the building.

“Sit down, kid.” Rotty instructed. “I'll get you some water. Don't go anywhere.”

Coen nodded and watched Rotty disappear in the crowd. Then he noticed Jesper, and his eyes seemed to clear a bit. “Mister Fahey!” He exclaimed, standing up.

Jesper waved apologetically to Specht and went over to the man. “Easy there, sit down.” Looking at Coen’s injuries made him a bit lightheaded.

“No, sir, I have to tell you something.” Coen looked around like he was making sure no one was listening. “There is a traitor among us.”

Jesper did not expect that. “What?”

“The new guy. I recognized his voice. He was one of the people who attacked the warehouse. He must be a Razorgulls’ agent. I didn't say anything to Mister Brekker. I let the man believe he hadn't been discovered, but we should act quickly. He's right there.” Coen pointed at a lonely figure sitting on the waterfront. “I suggest you take him by surprise while he’s alone. He won’t suspect you.”

It was Jordie. The person Coen was talking about was Kaz's brother. Jesper frowned. It made no sense. Why would Coen say that? He must have gotten hit in the head.

Jesper smiled pitifully. “Coen, you're mistaken. Jordan is no traitor. Besides, he was with me at the club tonight.”

“All night? Are you sure he didn't leave?"

Jesper froze. He did disappear for some time.

It was at this moment that he understood what was happening. He pulled one of his guns in a smooth motion and pressed it against Coen's head.

“Kaz!” He screamed. “Get out of there!”

*****

“Kaz! Get out of there!”

Kaz’s head snapped up. What the hell?

“Wylan! Inej!” Jesper called from outside.

“We need to go,” Wylan said urgingly, already rushing for the door. Kaz didn't object. Wylan clearly knew something he did not.

“What is it?” He asked, running outside. Inej was right by his side.

He noticed Jesper waving at them hastily from a distance. Rotty was at his side, his gun pointed at Coen. Specht was shouting something at the Dregs, gathering them in one place.

“I smelled black powder,” Wylan panted. “I think they planted explosives inside.”

Kaz stopped abruptly and spun. At the same moment, he dimly registered Jesper calling his brother’s name. Where was Jordie?

He spotted him at the waterfront, on the other side of the building. He walked in their direction with a confused expression on his face. He was getting closer to the warehouse.

“No!” Kaz screamed. “Get away from the building!”

Suddenly, the warehouse exploded, sending Kaz backward. He fell to the ground, hitting his head hard.

His vision blurred, and dark spots appeared in front of his eyes. His ears were ringing. For a second, he was too stunned to move. With effort, he lifted his head and focused his eyes to see the warehouse in flames. No sign of Jordie. No. No, no, no.

“JORDIE!” Adrenaline kicked in. He scrambled to his feet and ran towards the fire, screaming for his brother, but someone grabbed his arm from behind, keeping him in place.

“Let go of m-” He was interrupted by another explosion and found himself on the ground again, right next to Inej, who was still holding his upper arm. Jesper and Specht came out of nowhere and, despite Kaz’s protest, started pulling them out of the blast range.

Kaz got himself up with Jesper's help. He staggered on his feet and leaned heavily on his cane to keep from falling. His eyes searched desperately for Jordie. He knew he should make sure Inej and the others were okay, but all he could think of at the moment was his brother.

He started moving in the direction he last saw Jordie, but Jesper blocked his path. “Kaz, stop.”

“No! Jordie was there. I need to-”

“I know,” Jesper interrupted. His expression was full of pain and compassion. “But you’re barely standing. You won't help him if you get yourself killed. I’ll go.”

“No!” Wylan's voice came from behind them. “It’s too risky. There may be further detonations. I- I’m sorry, but we need to wait.”

Kaz felt tears in his eyes. It couldn't be happening. It couldn't. He just got his brother back. Jordie couldn't be dead. Not like this. It was all Kaz's fault.

“Kaz, you're bleeding,” Inej said quietly.

His gloved hand automatically went to his throbbing temple and found it sticky with blood. But it was just a small wound from the fall. It didn't matter. “I'm fine.”

His vision blurred again, and he faltered.

“Maybe you should sit down.”

He didn't find enough strength to object as Inej led him to where the rest of the Dregs stood silently, watching the scene. His head was spinning, and his legs felt wobbly. Somehow he managed to reach a barrel without falling over and sat on it. Anika came over to them and offered him a handkerchief. Kaz used it to wipe off the blood. His Crows were saying something, but he didn't pay any attention to them. His gaze was fixed on the fire.

*****

Moments passed, and the flames died down a bit. The dust had settled, and now Kaz could see the harbor more clearly.

Jesper and Rotty had bound Coen and were probably talking strategy now. The rest of the Dregs shot murderous glances at the traitor. Wylan stood nearby, studying the warehouse. Inej crouched silently next to the barrel Kaz was sitting on, holding one of her knives and observing Coen with hatred. But Kaz didn't care about any of that. His head had stopped spinning, the pain had eased, and now he felt absolutely numb.

“Jes,” Wylan called, and Jesper trotted to him. “All explosives must have gone off by now. It should be safe enough to approach.”

Jesper nodded. “All right, people, let’s get to work,” he said loudly.

The Dregs began to mobilize, presumably to work on extinguishing the fire. Anika shouted some instructions over the bustle.

In the meantime, Jesper summoned Specht. “We can begin the search,” he said.

Wylan sat down next to Kaz. “Maybe he got away,” he said.

Kaz felt a spark of resentment toward the merchling. He stood up without a reply and limped closer to the warehouse, away from the crowd. No one stopped him this time.

He came to a halt and swept the waterfront with his eyes. He squeezed his hand on the cane’s handle as hard as he could. Anger finally filled him, and he welcomed it. He would unleash hell on Coen and hunt down all the people responsible for this.

He was about to turn around when he saw a movement in the corner of his eye. A lonely figure appeared on the waterfront.

Kaz squinted. His heart stumbled in his chest as he recognized his brother. He was walking slowly in Kaz's direction.

All the anger evaporated, and Kaz broke into a run. Jordie quickened his pace, too. His clothes were soaked, his hair wet. Kaz saw no traces of blood on his white shirt, no sign of wounds on his face or forearms. He seemed unharmed.

“Jordie,” he breathed, chucking his cane aside. He made the last few steps without it and threw himself at his brother, squeezing him tightly. Jordie gasped in shock. Then he gently embraced Kaz as well.

Kaz could hear the Dregs’ surprised mutters, but it didn't matter to him.

He was hugging his brother, and the waters did not rise.

Chapter Text

Jordie flinched every time the needle pierced Kaz’s skin. His brother was sitting motionlessly, letting Inej take care of his wound. He didn’t seem to be bothered by it at all. Only the occasional twitch of his eyebrow gave away the pain he had to be feeling. At least the girl clearly knew what she was doing. Jordie preferred not to think about where or why she had learned it.

It was late afternoon, and Kaz had just returned to the Slat with Jesper. After the events in the harbor, the two of them had gone to the Crow Club to interrogate Coen, leaving Jordie with Inej and Wylan.

Jordie couldn’t comprehend what had happened. All he had learned was that Coen was somehow responsible for it, but nothing more. He was really looking forward to getting some answers, but Kaz’s injuries, which the stubborn podge had refused to take care of earlier, were a priority. It was Jordie who had finally made him sit down and get himself checked.

Kaz met Jordie’s stare. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yes, Kaz, I’m fine,” Jordie replied. “Are you?”

“I am now.”

Jordie’s attention snapped to Jesper as the man let out a small gagging sound. He was looking uneasily around the room, trying to avoid glancing at Kaz’s head. “So, Jordie,” he said, nervously tapping his foot on the floor, “how did you even manage to survive that?”

Jordie shook his head. “Honestly, I don’t know.” His memories were a bit of a blur, but he told them everything he could recall.

He had been sitting on the waterfront when he heard the commotion in the street. Not being able to make out what they had all been screaming about, he had set out to join them. He hadn’t even had the time to register the explosion that had tossed him into the sea. He dimly remembered swimming back to the closest quay he could find and getting out of the water. He might have passed out for a while after that. Once the shock had passed, Jordie gathered himself together and made his way back to the burning building. He had been so relieved when he saw Kaz running to meet him.

“You might be the luckiest person I’ve ever met,” Jesper said, shaking his head in disbelief, after Jordie finished his story. “Just don’t do that again, please. You scared the shit out of us.”

Jordie didn’t know how to replay, so he just gave the sharpshooter an apologetic smile.

“Done,” Inej announced, stepping away from Kaz, who shifted in his chair.

“Thank you, Inej,” he said.

Wylan rushed to help the girl clean up the messy table. Kaz lifted himself off the chair to give them a hand, but Jordie stopped him.

“Let yourself rest for a bit, Kaz.”

“I’m not a kid, Jordan,” Kaz grumbled.

“Then be a big boy and sit your ass down,” Jordie said, forcing him back onto the chair and earning a giggle snort from Jesper. He picked up the rest of the bloodied gauzes and threw them in the trash.

A few moments later, they were all gathered around the clean table, sipping tea.

“Okay,” Inej said, putting down her mug. Her gaze moved between Kaz and Jesper. “What do we know?”

“It turned out we had Black Tips’ agents in our ranks,” said Kaz. Inej and Wylan raised their eyebrows.

“Coen started singing as soon as we got back to the club,” Jesper added. “We didn’t even have to press him too hard. I mean, Kaz had such a look on his face that I was ready to bind myself next to Coen and start confessing too,” he added humorously.

“I don’t think I follow,” Wylan said.

“Coen revealed that he and Daan were both rats. They were supposed to infiltrate our gang and eliminate Kaz so that it looked like the Gulls were behind it.”

“They were trying to start a war between the Dregs and the Razorgulls,” Inej concluded.

Kaz nodded. “Exactly. The Black Tips would be the true beneficiaries of the conflict. The Razorgulls transgressing our territory was not a coincidence. Coen admitted that the Black Tips orchestrated it by provoking some of their fledglings. Blowing up the warehouse was supposed to be their grand finale."

Kaz and Jesper explained that it was actually Coen who had killed Raf. Then, with the help of some other Black Tips, he planted explosives in the warehouse and covered it up by making a mess. He had let his accomplices rough him up a bit, so his story would be more believable.

Before dawn, he had met up with Daan in the harbor to catch up and discuss the last part of their plan. Then he had gone to fetch the Dregs, knowing that their leader would have soon turned up at the crime scene as well.

In the meantime, Daan had taken his place in a hideout that overlooked the warehouse. He had been supposed to wait there for the right moment and detonate the bombs at Coen’s signal.

“The plan wasn’t too bad,” Kaz admitted. “It almost worked after all. Fortunately for us, the traitors were idiots.”

Jesper smirked. “And bad actors. Especially Coen.”

Wylan looked at Jesper, frowning. “So what gave him away?”

“He told me that Jordie was a traitor.”

Jordie’s eyes went wide. He looked questioningly at Jesper. The sharpshooter recounted his whole conversation with Coen as well as the previously omitted events of the night at the club.

“He clearly knew that Jordie had disappeared that night. I realized that he was desperately trying to make me go to Jordie, which would also mean getting closer to the warehouse. I was not yet sure what exactly he had done, but I knew I had to get you all out of there.” He turned to Jordie. “Putting the blame on you was their biggest mistake. If it were somebody else, I might have fallen for it.”

“You were supposed to be their alibi, Jordie,” Kaz said. “You were a perfect candidate. A novice who appeared out of nowhere. Nobody knew you. Nobody would vouch for you. At least that’s what they thought.”

Jordie felt like he got slapped. All the dots connected in his head.

He recalled Coen asking him questions during his first visit to the club. He hadn’t given it much thought back then, but now he realized the man must have been testing the waters.

Then it was Daan who had not only invited him to the party in the first place but also made sure Jordie would be unaccounted for for some time during that night. You have no idea how much you’ve helped me, the man had said.

Kaz’s jaw clenched. “It’s all my fault,” he said bitterly. “I thought I was protecting you, but all I did was put a target on your back. The exact thing I wanted to avoid.”

“Come on,” Jordie said. “How were you supposed to know?”

“It’s my job to know. There were two traitors right under my nose, and I didn't notice. I should have realized it sooner.”

“It’s a good thing they got careless in the end,” Jesper said. “Back in the harbor, Coen should have given Daan the signal as soon as he got a chance to do so, but he got greedy. He saw a perfect opportunity to lure me into the trap as well. Had I fallen for his ploy, he would have been the one who managed to eliminate all of us at once. Then, he would shift the blame to Jordie. Thankfully, Daan must have realized too late that Coen had been discovered, giving you enough time to escape.”

Wylan fixed his eyes on his mug, frowning. “That missing box of gunpowder. Do you think they took it?”

“We know they did,” Kaz said. “Apparently they thought it would be funny to kill the Bastard of the Barrel with his own weapon. I should-”

“If you say,” Jesper interrupted, “that by some miracle you should have figured it all out immediately, I swear I’m going to hit you with your cane.”

Kaz shot him a murderous glance but didn’t say anything.

“What did you do with them?” Inej asked.

“Daan disappeared before we learned he was involved. He’s probably returned to his real masters with his tail between his legs. And Coen…” Kaz looked at Jordie, then averted his eyes. “He won’t be a problem anymore.”

Oh. Dead then.

The rest of the Crows gazed at Jordie, waiting for his reaction. He was surprised to find that he didn’t care. That man had tried to murder his little brother. If Kaz hadn’t killed him, Jordie might just have done it himself.

“Good,” he said.

Kaz looked back at him with a shocked expression. Jordie smiled at him. You are my brother. I will always be on your side. Kaz smiled too.

“Jordan,” Jesper said, laying his hand on his chest. “You menace.”

“You’ll fit with us just right,” Wylan added.

*****

Kaz stood in front of his brother’s door, leaning on his cane, hesitating. Jesper and Wylan had just set out for their mansion, Inej was taking a bath downstairs, and he didn’t know what to do with himself. Left alone with his thoughts, he felt restless. He needed to see Jordie. He had no idea what he wanted to say, but he needed to see his brother.

Finally, he knocked. “May I?”

The door immediately swung open. “Of course,” Jordie said, stepping away so Kaz could enter.

They both sat down on Jordie’s bed. Kaz opened his mouth, but his throat suddenly felt too tight to speak.

“Are you alright?” Jordie asked.

“Yes,” Kaz replied out of habit. “Uh… No.”

Immediately, he felt burning in his eyes, as if admitting the truth had unlocked something in him. He covered his face with his gloved hands and let out a shuddering breath. Before he had a chance to stop himself, he spoke.

“I’m broken, Jordie."

He instantly felt angry with himself. What was it about his brother that always made him say more than he wanted to? Jordie's mere presence was all it took for Kaz Rietveld to resurface and take over. And Kaz Brekker felt powerless to stop him.

“You’re not broken.”

“I am. Always have been. Everyone who gets close to me suffers. Our parents. My Crows. And you,” his voice broke. “You could’ve died today.”

“I didn’t. I’m still here, and so are your Crows. And our-”

“Why?” Kaz said sharply, looking at his brother. “Why are you here? I gave you no reason to stay.”

Jordie met his eyes, confused. “Do you really think so? Kaz, you’re reason enough.”

Kaz snorted, shaking his head. What had he ever done to deserve that?

“It breaks my heart that you don’t see it,” Jordie continued. “Today was a lot, I know. But we’re all fine. That’s all that matters, right?”

Kaz rubbed his temple in slow, circular motions, careful not to disrupt the stitches. Inej would be mad if he did. Calm down, he told himself. He was behaving like a hysterical child. Again.

“Besides,” Jordie said cheerfully, “you don’t charge me for the food or for this absolutely lovely room. Isn't that a DeKappel, by the way?” He indicated the painting. “I’d say it’s a pretty good deal for me, Mister Brekker.”

Kaz let out a small laugh. His brother snickered, patting his shoulder. Kaz stiffened involuntarily, and Jordie abruptly retracted his hand.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I forgot myself.”

“No, it’s okay,” Kaz responded. “I’m fine.”

Jordie hesitantly put his hand back on Kaz’s shoulder and squeezed slightly. They sat like that for a second or two. Kaz pursed his lips and looked at the floor.

“When I woke up on that barge,” he said after a while, “I found myself surrounded by corpses. I guess I don’t need to describe it to you. You were there after all.” He sighed. “What I’m trying to say is... I already told you that feeling those bodies wasn’t my favorite experience. I realized soon enough that I could no longer tell the difference between the living and the dead when it came to touch. Hence, the gloves.” He lifted his hands. “But even with them on, every lingering touch made me feel like I was drowning.”

There, he said it. He turned his gaze away from Jordie, clenching his jaw, waiting for some exasperatingly compassionate comment.

His brother swallowed hard, but all he said was, “You hugged me today.”

“I did. And for the first time in a very long while, I didn’t detest it,” Kaz admitted.

“What about Inej?” Jordie asked. “You two don’t touch each other?”

“We do, but I told you we were taking things slow. She is helping me deal with it, and I've improved a lot since we got together, but it’s not that simple. I love her, and I want to be close to her, but it's still a struggle. I don’t know if I’ll ever fully get over it, but maybe this day, as fucked up as it was, will be a step forward.”

Almost losing Jordie again truly might have been the push Kaz needed, even if he absolutely hated the idea. Maybe, just maybe, both of them could use it to finally start healing their past wounds. It still remained to be seen.

“Anyway,” Kaz said, standing up. He stretched his bad leg, rubbing his aching knee. Weariness was finally catching up with him. “Since I made a sentimental fool of myself in front of the Dregs and effectively ruined everything we were working on, you can stop pretending to be a nobody around them.”

“What did you tell them?”

“Nothing. They came to their conclusion on their own. Although I’m pretty sure Rotty thought I was concussed at first."

“You were concussed, Kaz.”

“Details.”

Jordie shook his head, chuckling. “So do they know we’re brothers?”

“No, I don’t think so. They know that you're important to me, and that’s all they need. It’s still better not to mention that we’re related.”

“Okay.”

"Good." Kaz nodded. “I should go. You need to get some rest. You look awful.”

Jordie huffed. “You’re one to talk.”

Kaz sneered. “See you in the morning, Jordie.”

“See you in the morning, Kaz.”

Kaz left the room with a smile on his face.

*****

Jordie woke up feeling light, fresh, and strangely optimistic. Damn, if that’s what almost getting blown up to pieces did to a person, then maybe he should do it more often.

As usual, Kaz was already up. When Jordie came downstairs, he and Inej were chatting over tea. The girl grinned widely at him. Kaz’s smile was more restrained, but there was something different about his eyes. He seemed… at peace. At least more so than before.

Eating and drinking coffee together felt like a routine by now. As soon as the three of them finished preparing breakfast, Wylan and Jesper arrived, the first with characteristically disheveled hair, the second with questionable headwear. They claimed to have already eaten, but it didn’t stop the sharpshooter from constantly snatching bits of food from the table and annoying Kaz by getting crumbs all over the place.

“What are we going to do about the Black Tips?” Jesper asked, stuffing his mouth with cheese.

“We will put them in their place, don’t worry,” Kaz said, looking at him judgingly. “And take off that hat. It’s ridiculous.”

“It’s fashionable, you podge!”

“It’s an eyesore,” Inej said teasingly. “I told you not to buy it.”

“I like that hat,” Wylan stated, not very convincing.

“You’re all the worst. I’m not talking to you anymore. From now on, Jordie is my best friend.” Jesper put his long arm around Jordie’s shoulder and looked him dead in the eyes. “You do like the hat, right?”

“Umm…”

The door to the Slat opened unexpectedly, and Jordie turned his head to see a beautiful girl with brown hair standing at the entrance. She carried a traveling bag in one hand and a half-eaten waffle in the other. Her eyes landed on Jordie, and she raised her eyebrows slightly.

“Hello. Who’s our guest?”