Katarina found Rizzi at the harbor master's station the next morning. Same clipboard, same chair, same look of general boredom.
"I have a proposal," Katarina said.
She sighed.
"I figured."
What she absolutely did not expect to hear next, however, was:
"I'll fix the cranes. All six. Montecardi resources, my own party's cultivation work, my expense. No cost to Coppara, no strings from Brevaine."
Rizzi's clipboard lowered about an inch.
"In exchange," Katarina continued, "the merchants agree to a six-month trial of the Brevaine warehouses, at reduced rates. Forty percent below standard lease pricing."
"And who manages the warehouses during the trial?"
"A local operator. Your pick."
Rizzi's clipboard lowered the rest of the way. She set it on the desk, folded her hands on top of it, and studied Katarina like a card player who'd just been shown a hand she didn't expect.
"What's your angle?"
