Jade War

Kromner was pleased with how smoothly everything had proceeded. Let the Kekonese have their area of Southtrap and their gambling halls, which were of little consequence; in the whole country of Espenia, only his Crew now had a supply of jade straight from the source. Already Kromner was thinking of the fortune he would make on the black market. Of course he would keep some of the jade to equip his own foremen and coats. The Southside Crew would become more powerful than any of the others; perhaps he would be making a move to take over Wormingwood sooner than he’d planned. After all, it wasn’t as if Sharp Ricky could do a good job running his business from prison. Kromner would give the Slatters’ territory to one of his foremen—Skinny Reams or Moth Duke, perhaps. Skinny was more competent, there was no question of that, but he was too independently minded; he might well take what Kromner gave him and break off his own Crew. Moth wasn’t smart enough to entertain any complex thoughts, so he was more trustworthy.

The Kekonese man, Kaul, was still looking between the Bosses and speaking. He really was surprisingly amiable and nonchalant, not like the serious Mr. Dauk or that killer, Rohn. Kromner was not one to take anything at face value, however. He suspected that Kaul was merely a front man, someone young and easy to deal with, sent by those dangerous men who held the real power on that mysterious island. Kromner had never been anywhere near Kekon, but his imaginings included a shadowy council of elders, elaborate rituals, jade swords.

Again, Dauk translated Kaul’s words. “Since you’re foreigners, I feel I should tell you: Jade isn’t like your drugs or guns, which can be easily used by weak men. In Kekon, we say that jade can make men into gods. Only the strong can wield it. You’re going to have to move a lot of jade safely and secretly, making sure that it doesn’t get into the hands of street hoodlums in your own territories, or spirited away by your own low-level people hoping to make extra money. Who’s going to be responsible for making sure that the jade is handled properly?”

Kromner did not like the whiff of condescension he sensed in the Kekonese man’s words and the way the visitor was now sitting, leaning back in his chair with a slightly hooded expression. Kromner said, “No street punk or coat in my Crew would dare skim from Southside. Not unless they wanted to take a river cruise with no boat.” Anga Slatter smiled, and Jo Gasson grimaced, but the Kekonese didn’t react. “I personally guarantee it,” Kromner said.

Kaul shook his head. “Your word as a Boss is important of course, but it’s obvious you’re too important to be doing the unpleasant work in the streets yourself.” He gestured toward Kromner as if indicating his fine clothes and hefty body. “In a Kekonese clan, the person who would handle the dangerous work is called the Horn. He has to be completely loyal, respected by the men he commands, and feared by the clan’s enemies. He would be the one trusted to lead should anything happen to his boss. I’m asking if you have someone like that in your Crew, because you’ll need to put that person in charge of the jade.”

Kromner jabbed a finger at the man. “Listen, I like doing business with you just fine, but I don’t need you kecks to give me advice on how to run my own Crew. Have you personally ever had to keep an organization of hundreds of people in line?” When the Kekonese man didn’t answer, Kromner said, “I didn’t think so. So let me tell you something: I didn’t get to be the Boss of Southside by having incompetent men under me. Willy Reams here is the man for the job.”

Kaul studied Willy with interest, then he turned toward Dauk. The two Kekonese men had an extended conversation in their own language. “What’s he saying?” Kromner demanded.

Dauk cleared his throat and said, “He’s concerned about jade getting out into the streets and hurting innocent people, especially women and children. It’s against their code of honor, you see. So he’s asking whether Mr. Reams really is the top foreman in Port Massy—how long he’s been with you, how well he can fight, how many men he’s killed in combat. I told him Mr. Reams has a reputation, but I wouldn’t know for sure.” Dauk spread his hands. “What can I say? My friend is from the old country—all they respect is personal strength and violence.”

Willy fiddled uncomfortably with the hat in hands, but Kromner snorted. “Well, tell him not to worry his little keck head. Jo, Anga—tell him that my word and my men are dependable.”

Jo Gasson said, “Everyone knows that Skinny Reams from Southside is as tough as they get and runs the tightest ship in town.” And Anga Slatter nodded and said, “That’s the truth.”