Merrick rounded a corner and entered a dark alleyway. Up ahead, the shadowy outlines of three men huddled together around the post of a lamp-lit porch. As he approached, they straightened. Merrick continued walking. Sloane fell in step beside him while the other men followed.
"He's there, Cap'n."
Merrick nodded.
"Are ye sure ye be knowin' what yer doin'?" Sloane asked.
Merrick glanced at his friend.
Sloane scratched his thick beard. "I mean, the Dead Reckoning? Methinks Edward be havin' lots o' friends at that vermin-infested tavern."
"And enemies too, knowing him."
Merrick marched on, picking up the pace. They turned onto a wider road, lit at intervals by lanterns perched atop wooden postscasting eerie silhouettes over the closed shops lining the street. "Don't worry, I know Edward
