The man closed the distance with lazy, predatory steps, the smirk on his face spreading like a stain.
He wore the same creased leather jerkin and scuffed boots as before, but now there was a short sword at his hip.
Wade exhaled, wondering if he should just burst into a run and act as if he hadn't seen the man at all.
Unfortunately, it would make him look weak. Which he was, but that was just a matter of time.
But more importantly, it was too late for that.
"You!" he said when he was within distance for normal conversation, voice rough as gravel.
"Who do you think you are? Showing up like that and meddling where you shouldn't. You're making my work difficult, kid. That's not polite."
Wade kept his pace, hands tucked casually into his pockets.
"Tom's shop?" he said, as if stating the obvious. "That's my favorite shop in the whole city. You had to pick on it?"
The man's smile grew strained. "You didn't have to interfere. You know how it is on these streets."
