Midnight Tides (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #5)

by Steven Erikson

‘Shurq Elalle.’ Listless, murky eyes fixed on him. ‘I give no pleasure,’ she said. ‘Alas, neither do I, these days. I am here to deliver to you an indefinite contract from my master.’ ‘And who would that be?’ ‘Not yet, I’m afraid. Thieving work, Shurq.’ ‘What need have I for riches?’ ‘Well, that would depend on their substance, I’d imagine.’ She stepped out from the shadowed alcove where she’d been standing. ‘And what does your master imagine I desire?’ ‘Negotiable.’ ‘Does he know I’m dead?’ ‘Of course. And sends his regrets.’ ‘Does he?’ ‘No, I made that up.’ ‘No-one hires me any more.’ ‘That is why he knew you would be available.’ ‘No-one likes my company.’ ‘Well, a bath wouldn’t hurt, but he’s prepared to make allowances.’ ‘I will speak to him.’ ‘Very good. He has anticipated your wishes. Midnight.’ ‘Where?’ ‘A rooftop. With a bed.’ ‘Him?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘In his bed?’ ‘Um, I’m not sure if that was in his mind—’ ‘Glad to hear it. I may be dead, but I’m not easy. I’ll be there. Midnight, until a quarter past. No more. If he can convince me in that time, all and well. If not, too bad.’ ‘A quarter should be more than enough, Shurq.’ ‘You are foolish to be so confident of that.’ Bugg smiled. ‘Am I?’