Rogues Gallery (29 page)

Muldor raised another cheer from the men when he announced they were sailing on the morrow for the glory of the Guild.

“And tonight,” Muldor said, “a little celebration, so your sleep is more restive.”

The last bit drew some genuine laughs from the crowd and a gaping Becket. Muldor didn’t have a sense of humor. Golems didn’t laugh or make jokes. Muldor proceeded to order some of the suppliers to break out whiskey to be doled out to each man, one shot apiece.

Even Lawson smiled. “I could use a drop or two myself. How ‘bout it, Becket? Feeling up to it?”

“Sure. I can’t imagine
not
drinking right now.”

Lawson chuckled, and his earlier nervousness disappeared, to be replaced by his natural charisma. He nodded to some of the men, and they smiled and drank. Soon the one shot apiece became many more.

Becket held his in a cold, dull hand, not drinking. Maybe it was because, as his mother would say, he was more sensitive than other men, but he felt an anxious. Worrisome apprehension crept into his mind as merriment broke out all around him. This was a huge mistake. All of it was wrong.

Lawson got drunk like everyone else, and soon they brought out casks of ale, and the sailors and workers gave toast after toast to Muldor. They even sang songs to him at one point, old bawdy tales of conquest and pillaging, maybe similar to what the pirates might have sang.

The younger Dock Master joined them, hanging out with a group of dirty sailors, laughing and drinking. They put their arms on their shoulders like old friends and kicked their legs and stumbled about the camp. Somehow, a group of whores showed up, and the men partook of their company, including Lawson.

‘Enjoy it while you can,’ Becket thought. ‘You’ll be dead in a month or sooner.’ The thought didn’t make him as sad as it should. He only felt numb.

-END

Begin book five,
Lair of Killers
, now!

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Other Books by Will Molinar

* * * MURDER HAVEN SERIES* * *

Den of Thieves

Gallows Pole

Death’s Reckoning

Rogues Gallery

Lair of Killers

About The Author

Will Molinar was born in Indiana. After graduating from Indiana University in 1999 with a B.A. in English, Will moved to Los Angeles to write screenplays. During this time, he wrote and published seven Gothic Fantasy novels. He also met his wife and after they married, moved to New York City to pursue other goals, including recording a voice over demo and having their first child. The Murder Haven series combines his love for both the macabre and criminal genres.

Will served in the United States Army Reserve as a combat engineer and medic. He has also competed in natural bodybuilding contests and has worked as a personal trainer since 2003.