Diplomatic Relations by J. L. Langley

Author:J. L. Langley [Langley, J. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance
ISBN: 978-1-64080-692-4
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2019-02-19T06:00:00+00:00

DALTON STOOD beside the hackney, across the street from Southpaws, and decided it was like most seedy dockside bars he’d been to, and he’d been to quite a few while in the IN.

The building itself was small and unimpressive. An undistinguished wood structure once painted dark blue nestled among other buildings that looked much the same. A lot of gray weathered wood showed between slashes of faded paint. A quaint, iron and carved wood sign dangled from chains mounted on a perpendicular bracket above the door. The sign was shaped like a shield with elaborate scrollwork around the edges. In the middle, it featured a taped pugilist’s fist and the word Southpaws spelled out in red. The numerous voices from inside produced a ruckus outside, and if the smell of fish wasn’t testament to the fact that it was only a street away from one of the biggest ports in Regelence, the number of patrons would be.

People milled in and out in a constant stream. One here, two there. Mostly men, sailors and dockworkers, judging from the drab colors of their clothing and the lack of evening coats. Most wore heavy outer coats, shirtsleeves, and roughly tied cravats, but there were a few middle-class men as well. It seemed some things did not really change from planet to planet.

Blaise stepped down from the hackney and placed a hand on Dalton’s arm, interrupting his survey. “There were so many of them.”

Dalton didn’t have to ask what he was referring to. Blaise had been very quiet and withdrawn since they’d spotted Foundling Town. They all had.

“Where did they all come from?”

“I don’t know.”

“Why aren’t they in an orphanage where they’d be warm and safe?” The sadness in his voice was heart-wrenching and understandable. He’d probably never seen such poverty.

There was nothing quite like seeing someone suffering to point out how spoiled and pampered you were. Dalton had spent his entire military salary on the homeless the first time he’d come across them. It had been on Lerdra, and his fellow soldiers had thought him insane. It had taken a while, but he’d learned that his small contribution wasn’t enough to make a dint. He’d gotten used to the sight of poverty, but here on Regelence… his home…. Maybe he could make a difference. He needed to mention this to his uncles because he was certain they didn’t know about what appeared to be a huge orphan population. Back when Rexley had found Muffin five years ago, orphans had been a rarity.

Dalton shook his head. “I don’t know that either.” But there was no time now; they had a small window of operation before Blaise’s family returned from the ball, and Blaise had to be there when they got back. He touched Blaise’s arm. “We have to go.”

“What if the boy didn’t bring it here?” His voice was soft and unsure.

“Then we will find another lead and follow it until we find the snuffbox,” Dalton said with more confidence than he felt. He was good at finding out things, like troop positions and army tactics.

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