You offer her pistol back to her in one hand. and hold open your other. "Trade?" you ask.
"Yes, please," she eagerly accepts and hands you back your old decoy wallet.
She takes the gun and re-holsters it at her side. "That's um, a, interesting wallet you got there," she comments as you slide it back into your coat pocket.
You smile and cross your arms. "Oh yes, I've had this one a good while. It's been through a lot. Pretty useful trick, huh?"
"Yeah, might steal that actually," she says. "Th-the idea. Not the... your wallet... sorry."
"It's fine," you chuckle. "Well, not fine, you know. But I'll let it slide this once."
She sighs in relief and bows her head. "Thank you."
"Yeah, yeah, don't mention it. I get you're really new around here. Which brings me to the question, why are you here?"
"I'm with Captain Dagerman."
You're familiar with that name. Van Dagerman, he's a captain in Pirate Lord Windreave's fleet - which means you've never gotten along. You suddenly realize that if he's here, he's probably the one Vetica's upstairs negotiating with. Regardless, a frown crosses your face. He's certainly not the worst captain a young pirate could serve under, but you still don't approve of it. She'd be better off in our crew, you think, then rethink. No, she'd be better off in no crew at all. She's too young to be throwing herself away to this kind of life. Shouldn't let her fall like I did.
"What's your name, kid?" you ask.
"Kepper," she answers, "And you?"
"Anders. Nice to meet you," you say, extending you hand.
"Nice to meet you too," she replies, shaking your hand.
"So, Kepper, what are you really here for? What led you to Dagerman?"
She doesn't immediately answer, trying to figure how to answer. She stares at the ground, twirling one foot about in contemplation. "I was gambling," she says at last. "I was making pretty good money on him too. Then he, um. He caught me cheating. I told him I was just, I-I really need to make money for my family. That's all I was trying to do. So he offered me a job on his crew, said I could be of use. And here I am."
You nod, processing her story. It doesn't sound like she's particularly indebted, just needed a job. There's still time for her to get out scot-free. "You're not cut out for this job," you state.
"Well, maybe not, but I think I'll grow into it," she admits.
A heavy sigh escapes you. "I'm sure you could, kid," you assure her. "But that's not what I meant. It's not a challenge. I don't think you quite realize the gravity of the world you've stepped into. It's dangerous, ugly. Come on, you've got to have better options than this."
Kepper stands silent, dispirited. "I wish I did," she murmurs.
Before you can respond, a voice calls out her name from the top of the stairs. You both turn and look up to see Van Dagerman gazing down at you. With a curling finger, he beckons her to come. Kepper looks back to you for but a moment and gives a brief wave farewell before scurrying away to her captain. Your own leader appears next to him, and she waves you up as well. You tut at the untimely interruption, but go as you've been summoned. As you reach the top the the stairs, you see Dagerman, his men, and Kepper conferring across the hall. Lord Holiday and your old shipmates stand off to the side near the stairs, waiting. "Hey, Lucky Strike," Vetica greets you.
That nickname. She needs you to do something.
"Yeah Vetty?" you ask.
"We got a deal with Dagerman. Game of cards, whoever wins gets the hit. Two on two, you're with me."
You look over, scrutinizing the back of Kepper's scruffy head nodding as she listens to her captain. "He's taking that bet? Against me?" you puzzle aloud.
Dagerman knows your reputation. He must have a lot of faith in that kid.
"I was surprised as well. But it was too good a bet to pass up. I imagine he must have something dirty up his sleeve," Vetica remarks, side eyeing his back. "He can't afford to lose this hit. But neither can we."
You both watch as he turns and approaches with his posse. "We are ready if you are," he declares.
"Let's get this over with then," Vetica answers.
You follow as they all funnel into one of the tavern's private rooms, presumably where the negotiations were taking place before. It's not a particularly large room, but everyone fits with ample space. There is a square table with one chair at each side in the center. You make uneasy eye contact with Kepper as you all approach the table. She sits closest to the door, and you sit across from her, with Dagerman at your left and Vetica at your right. Kepper takes out a regular deck of cards from her baggy overcoat and begins shuffling. It's a fairly quiet and tense room, though you can still hear the ruckus of the lower tavern. "You want to let us know what the game is?" you inquire.
"Poker," Kepper responds, continuing to shuffle.
Your brows furrow. "Two on two poker? That's new," you comment.
Poker? Really? you mull. That's this kid's game? She hides absolutely nothing.
You've known her less than an hour but you're certain she wears her heart on her sleeve. This should be interesting.