Page 109 of The Toymaker
“A bit much?” Riju wouldn’t have complained had things gone differently, but if asked, he’d rather wear a simple band. He didn’t need or expect fancy diamonds.
“Yeah. It’s not…you. What are you going to do with it?”
“It has to go with his stuff,” said Riju. “This was intended for me, and I could probably sell it with no harm, but Trig won’t be in prison forever. He won’t have proof of it, but he could start a fuss and try to accuse me of theft since he didn’t actually give it to me. I certainly don’t want it.” He paused. “I should probably get a signed note and ensure we’re covered just in case he has ideas for petty revenge when he gets out later.”
Kit made a face. “That means seeing him. He’d have to sign it.”
If a shirt or pair of boots went missing from Trig’s stuff in storage, there wasn’t much he could do. Everything would be itemized for the most part, and guards could get in big trouble for stealing, but it didn’t mean one never lifted a few things and altered the records.
Most folks wouldn’t start a huge fuss over a missing shirt or any other item that could be easily replaced. A ring with diamonds might be tempting, so the note would cover Riju’s ass. Trig could try to claim he’d never received it and blame Riju. It seemed like the sort of thing he might do, especially since his last letter hadn’t exactly been nice. He wrote that he was tired of being ignored.
Not that Riju cared how he felt.
“Returning the ring and ensuring it’s signed for is honest, and he can’t make up any shit in the future,” said Riju. “If I sold it, and Trig accused me later, Lord Levin would probably take my side since he never mentioned it before, and it must have been intended for me. I’d rather not take chances.”
“All right. When are you going to go?”
Riju fidgeted on the stool. He’d rather never go. If he put it off until the next day, it would make him anxious all night.
“I’ll go before dinner.”
It was Kit’s turn to cook. “I’ll have it ready by the time you get back.” He looped his arms around Riju. “Unless you want me to come with you.”
“No. I’ll get it over with. No point in both of us having to see him. Besides, he’ll probably accuse you of wanting to steal it.”
Kit squinted. “But…you’re bringing it in.”
“In his mind, it doesn’t mean you didn’t want to steal it. He never specifically mentioned the ring in his letters, but he must have been wanting to tell me where it was. I think he didn’t want you to read the note and try to steal the ring. I bet hethinks you’d run away with it if you’re still around with me. You couldn’t possibly love me, right?”
Kit’s brow furrowed. “If he thinks that, fuck him. I love you more than any ring.”
Riju kissed him. “And I love you, my pretty Kit.”
Kit grinned up at him. “You’re prettier.”
“Never. Kit, Kit, Kit.”
“Make me a squishy Kit.”
“Squishy Kit.” Riju squeezed him in a big hug.
They usually closed the shop around five or five-thirty, and since they kept up with the main area during the day, there wasn’t much to straighten out. Kit fixed a few shelves and went to their living quarters to get started on dinner. Riju counted the profits they’d made and did the ledger. With everything finished, he made sure the box was in his coat pocket and left.
The days weren’t quite as long, and the air was a little cooler since fall was coming. It was rather amazing how it no longer made him worry. Before, the air cooling meant winter was getting closer with each passing day. Winter is no friend to a homeless person, and he remembered many cold nights as a child, huddled in some nook or walking for hours in an attempt to keep warm. He hadn’t always been able to find a decent kip.
Dory, currently in the inner chest pocket of his coat, had been his only friend. He’d come a long way despite his sister’s death, his parents abandonment, years on the street, and Trig’s mistreatment dressed up as love and care.
He’d often stayed away from the prison while homeless, and even though he’d taken the risk to snatch a few things before, he’d never seen the inside of it. When he entered, a guard at the desk looked up from a book with a huff.
“Visiting hours are between noon and five.”
“I’m here to return something of Trig’s.” Riju avoided eye contact as he pulled out the box.
“Oh, I know who you’re talking about. What is it?”
“I found this ring, and I want it placed with the rest of his stuff so he can claim it when his sentence is up. I want a signed note too.”
The guard took the box to open it. “Let me write a note.”
