"Especially Amalgamated?" I had a small percentage but never considered it an investment. I hadn't put money in, just me.
"Especially. But I put some of your cash into other things. You will continue to have an income stream if Amalgamated comes apart."
I wasn't paying attention. I mostly saw a ratgirl when I was with her. I didn't look for signs that she might be making sure I'd be all right if Tinnie, Amalgamated, and I had a falling out. I would get it later, though.
"I see." We had begun talking about stuff that didn't require us to confess how much we missed each other.
Dean came back. He brought his own tea and cookies. He took an empty chair. "Are you back, Mr. Garrett?"
8
I wandered around the house, cataloging changes and remembering some whens. The changes consisted of paint, new wall finishes, and new furniture.
I lugged a big mug of beer. There was a supply.
I had thought there would be. Singe was a fan.
"You haven't been bringing guests in?"
"No one but my brother, some workmen, and the Dead Man's students. Humility only comes on business since I stopped his beer privileges."
Her brother, real name Pound Humility but known on the street as John Stretch, was chieftain of the biggest ratman gang in the city. He was of a different litter so they shared only the same mother, but their relationship was surprisingly tight.
Singe said, "He just could not help being a rat. He took advantage."
"Don't piss him off. He's a handy guy to know."
"Garrett."
"I'm sorry. I can't help fussing."
"And yet you resent it so much when people do it to you."
I shrugged. Being consistent is a sign of a narrow mind.
That was the moment we first stepped into the chill of the Dead Man's room.