Nessa
The offer covered the amount she had claimed.
Nessa checked it twice because she had expected them to reduce it. Six months of contracted fees, the improper charges, the full eighty Silver Crowns. The money could be released as soon as she signed.
Across the cooperative table, Bela moved a cup away from the clean paper.
"It would pay the room," she said.
"Yes."
"And what you owe for materials."
"I can count, Bela."
Her colleague drew back a little.
Nessa rubbed her forehead. "Sorry."
Bela had held the corner of the map when Cedric offered private work. She had stayed at the table when staying made the room uncomfortable. She was not the person Nessa wanted to snap at.
The household representative waited on the other side. He had brought a second copy of the settlement and a receipt for the return of the disputed documents. His coat was damp at one shoulder from the rain.
"Nobody is questioning your arithmetic," he said.
Nessa turned the settlement toward him.
