By the time [b]Marcus[/b] rejoined them, Brass Lantern’s smoked windows and tailored guards were close enough to remind everyone that this side of the district wore its danger with cleaner cuffs.

At [b]Marcus[/b]’s question, Piero adjusted his bright tie and glanced toward the entrance. [color=00a651]“Public knowledge? No. Public suspicion? Very much so. In a district like this, odds move faster than gossip and gossip moves faster than plague. People know something happened. They do not know what, and Dom would like to keep it that way a little longer.”[/color]

[b]Hwicce[/b]’s question drew a low mechanical click from [b]Gears[/b] as she folded her metal arms. [color=f26522]“If they’re innocent, they’ll lie because rich businesses always lie first. If they’re guilty, they’ll lie better.”[/color] Her grin sharpened. [color=f26522]“So yes, we can go through the front door. We just shouldn’t expect the truth to be waiting there with a smile.”[/color]

[b]Piero[/b] nodded once. [color=00a651]“Civil gets us inside. Names get us watched. Threats get us nowhere unless we’re ready to make a scene, and this is not Dom’s turf. Here, they hide knives behind invoices.”[/color] He looked over the party, then back to the doors. [color=00a651]“So we ask simple questions. About the wagon. About last night. About who leased it. We let them pretend this is respectable business.”[/color]

[b]Gears[/b] tilted her hat back. [color=f26522]“And if respectable business gets rude, then my part starts.”[/color]

[b]Piero[/b] sighed through his nose.
[color=00a651]
“Yes. We are all deeply aware of when your part starts.”[/color]