Adrian Hawthorne had already gone to the village chief's house last night to ask for time off. He brought two bottles of good wine and two packs of pastries. The chief's wife was incredibly gracious. Without even waiting for her husband to speak, she made the decision on the spot, telling him to just stay in Tristone for as long as he needed and come back whenever he pleased.
Besides, it wasn't the busy farming season, so Old Master Tate was more than enough to handle things on his own.
Goldie Thorne finished his tea in one gulp, slapped his thigh, and said, "I'll go get the permit right now."
Adrian Hawthorne went back to his room, grabbed two packs of Peony cigarettes, and stuffed them into Goldie Thorne's hands. "Give both packs to the village chief. Don't you dare embezzle any."
