As the door to the bar closed behind them, the Senior threw on his jacket then led Kit along the familiar route towards the train, and Kit hurried to keep abreast of the older man's quick stride.
"How long have the Foreigners been back in town," the Senior asked as he dodged pedestrians.
"They came back, Sir, about two years after you left. Until about three months back, they weren't taking any contracts in the City." Kit moved ahead to hold open the door to the station.
"That's why Ilse was sent in, I take it?"
"She hadn't been allowed to take on any solo work for some time. She was teamed with Kathe for this run, as well as the preceding two"
"Confrontation was expected." The Senior boarded the first available train with Kit in tow.
"No, Sir, I did not."
The Senior stopped. And stared hard.
"Things have become less stable within the group, Sir," Kit said as he moved past the Senior to take the seat next to him. Eyes front.
"She was incapable of solo work, Sir, shortly after you left."
The Senior deflated into his seat.
"Took it very poorly, Sir. She hadn't been sober since."
"She was never sober, boy," the Senior said quietly, looking out into space. "She was a fish."
"Yes Sir, until she swam to the bottom more times than she could handle."
They sat in silence as the train departed, and the silence continued as the Senior gazed out the window at the tunnels and lights.
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