Perched on the roof, Jiao-Jie seemed another part of the night. The guards came into view as her momentary companions vanished around a corner, slowing down as they saw the carnage on the ground before them. The guards moved slowly and carefully through, checking the bodies, and muttering low comments.<br/><br/>After a minute or two, one of the youngest was dispatched by the veteran who appeared to be in charge, with instructions to 'fetch back a cart for this rubbish.' The veteran and one of his other men drew somewhat away from the others, coincidentally placing them quite close to their unseen observer.<br/><br/>"What do you think?"<br/><br/>"Hard to say. Another gang ambushed them?"<br/><br/>"Ambushed the Yellow Tigers? That makes them either very brave or very stupid. You saw who was lying back there?"<br/><br/>"Number three son?"<br/><br/>"Yes. The old man will be beside himself when he learns of that."<br/><br/>"Think he'll call in the Flower Brotherhood?"<br/><br/>"Hmm. Hard to say. I suppose it depends on who did it, and where they're hiding."<br/><br/>"I wouldn't want them after me."<br/><br/>"Then just keep living the virtuous life you do, and I'm sure you'll be fine."<br/><br/>The two men shared a laugh and moved out to examine something that another of the guards had found, leaving Jiao-Jie alone again.<br/><br/>- - - - -<br/><br/>Meanwhile, at the inn ...<br/><br/>Shu Qiuyie looked around the table, answering each of the questions in turn.<br/><br/>"Yes, I have a place to stay, but I fear after tonight I may need to move. The others are there. Feng ... was unwell. He should be resting. I was actually out trying to get some medicines for him, but I stayed out later, and went further than I meant to. Jiao should be keeping an eye on him."<br/><br/>She smiled at Wu, and bowed to him. "My thanks to you. I am sure the journey will be much safer with you alongside us."<br/><br/>Lastly she turned to Shen. "I have little dealing with ghosts, but my father has a good income. If money is what you seek, I am sure he will reward you richly if you help see me safely home."