"She was not, but I assume she knows what's going on."
"Was Mr. Jay there?"
"Jay? Hell, no. I understand he will run for mayor, which will be a fine thing. But he has nothing to do with the council now."
"Parris, Jay has been in control of Tunneltown since the beginning. He's been running it wide open in an effort to put Vickers behind schedule."
Parris wouldn't believe it, and Tesno was in no mood to argue. Finally, he opened the door and said, "Stop talking for a while and think. Think about what I've said. Good night and thanks for the warning."
Parris snorted and walked out. Tesno had no more than blown the lamp and got into bed when he knocked on the door again.
"I got some siwash here who's been pestering the night clerk," he called. "Claims he's got business with you. Won't go away."
Tesno got the lamp going and opened the door.
"Hello, Charlie," he said. "You come in, too, Parris."
Charlie came in and looked around the room slowly and unblinking. Parris followed and closed the door. Charlie decided he would be comfortable on the bed, smoothed back the covers, and sat down.