His actions did attract attention

Brenan left the main boulevard wondering about how he could entice an experienced gunner to serve on a ship that carried only two six pounders, and might never add to that arsenal even if the funds and weapons became available. Each gun on a fighting ship had a crew of at least four men; two rope men, a swabber and the gun chief who aimed and fired the weapon. To carry two more guns and eight more crew would change the nature of his ship from a light trader/smuggler and exploring ship to something close to a pirate ship.

Brenan had done well his past few years serving on pirate ships, but the purpose of becoming his own master was so he never had to fight again unless he was the one who decided it was worth the horror and bloodshed. For close to twenty years of his life Brenan got by based on his ability to kill, maim and disable his opponents better than anyone else he knew.

He wanted no more of that life. The irony of someone with his background trying to change his ways was not lost on Brenan, neither was the contradiction inherent in trying to find the best gunner who ever sailed when he hoped that he'd never have to use him. Or her, he reminded himself - in a occupation dominated by males, he might do better finding a woman with superior skills but kept from advancement because of a sexist commander. He had a lead about Bart Simmons gun officer that had left the Siren's Call as well.

"Excuse me Sir." Suddenly Brenan found himself flanked by two armed gentlemen, the swordsman who had spoken on his right had a barely concealed anger in his eyes. He had gotten sloppy thinking about his hopes for a peaceful future, and there might very well be blood on the street soon. But the street was still crowded this time of day and not a likely spot for an **** attempt. Also, while both the men were fit enough, neither looked like the kind of cold blooded killer that might not care about the surrounding witnesses. Instead of immediately reaching for the heavy blade that hung from his hip, Brenan looked the two men over.

The large man to his right was a fighter, Brenan could see the thick wrists of a swordsman, covered with the inevitable cuts and scars of a well trained fighter. The man on his left was significantly slighter in build, his wrists were thin and his fingers long and delicate. He has the build of a thief, Brenan decided and was possibly the more dangerous of the pair.

"What can I do for you gentlemen?" Even though their clothing was not ostentatiously decorated with jewels or gold embroidery, Brenan could see the quality of the material and how well the pair's shirts sat on their shoulders. These two were indeed gentlemen, and Brenan was even more confident that he would not be knifed here in the street.

"Could we speak to you about a puzzling matter?" This time it was the smaller man on his left who spoke and before Brenan could say anything he pointed to a nearby inn and continued "Perhaps we can buy you a drink." Brenan considered his options, from the angry look on the swordsman's face he doubted he could decline the offer without causing a considerable commotion. The inn looked like a well run establishment, and perhaps he could get a better idea of why these strange men were intent on talking to him if he accepted their offer.

"If you insist." and he followed the slender man into the inn, very aware that the larger of the two had made sure that he would be the one to bring up the rear. Since Brenan had no intention of running, and was confident that the gentleman would not run him through the back, he accepted middle position without protest.

The inn was not crowded, it was well after breakfast time for most and there was still some time before the midday meal.

"What is this puzzling matter I can help you with?"