"A ranker, too, by the braid," he said. "Well, they'll wonder where you got to." His tone changed. "Let's have the story," he said. "Why are you on the run?"
"Don't let the suit bother you," I said. "I borrowed it. But it seemed like the people up there disliked me on sight."
"Come on over here," the other man said. "Into the light."
I couldn't put it off forever. I moved forward, right up to the table. Just to be sure they got the idea, I picked up the candle and held it by my face.
Miche froze, knife point in his teeth. The girl started violently and crossed herself. The other man stared, fascinated. I'd gone over pretty big. I put the candle back on the table and sat down casually in the empty chair.
"Maybe you can tell me," I said, "why they didn't buy it."
The second man spoke. "You just walked in like that, sprung it on them?"
I nodded.
He and Miche looked at each other.
"You got a very valuable property here, my friend," the man said. "But you need a little help. Chica, bring wine for our new friend here."