They watched Renzler open his shop and then crossed the street and entered it. The shopkeeper looked at the door expectantly when he heard it open, but his jaw fell as he recognized the people who had entered. He tried to cover his surprise with a smile, but his eyes showed fear. “Ah,” greeted Renzler. “You have decided to reconsider my offer?” “Something like that,” Natia said cheerily as she crossed the room. “Would you care to see the gem again?” Renzler’s eyes brightened and his stiff posture relaxed. He nodded and smiled, so focused on Natia that he did not notice Tedi stealthily moving across the room so he could block the rear exit of the shop. Natia made a show of reaching under her tunic while the shopkeeper’s smile broadened. Instead of producing the diamond, Natia’s hand came out with a knife. She quickly brought it up in a threatening manner. “We don’t care much for people who try to kill us, Renzler,”
