Two well-dressed gentlemen

Moving away from the docks with the haughty walk of a rich man, too stupid to realize he was being mocked Brenan headed away from Davy's shipyard and into the hustle and bustle of Freeport. Wondering if that spontaneous act of chivalry had worked. Like as not, he thought glumly, the woman had not surfaced because she had no idea how to swim, not because Tyler and Kyle had whisked her away to safety. Bothered by the idea that he might have murdered the young woman he did not even notice the pair until it was too late.

"Excuse me Sir." Suddenly Brenan found himself flanked by two armed gentlemen, the swordsman on his right had a barely concealed anger in his eyes. He had gotten sloppy as he allowed himself to fret about the odd red-haired woman, 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." Brenan 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 the midday meal for most and there was still some time before the inn would fill with the evening crowd.

"What is this puzzling matter I can help you with?" Had they seen his act on the wharf with the girl, or was this some other matter that came with being the owner/captain of a ship that he had yet to encounter?