27 - 27 - Rodin walked fast, with Ratch struggling to keep up. That was good. If the man was tired, he wouldn’t talk, and Rodin wouldn’t have to find answers. They needed to move fast. It was late afternoon, and they had a long way to go. Rodin would prefer to reach safety before full dark. He had told Ratch to follow. At first, the man had refused, saying he’d be fine where he was, probably thinking Rodin was going to kill him out on the streets somewhere. But Rodin had explained in terms Ratch would understand. Rodin had been sent to kill Ratch. He had decided to renege on his contract. But that did not save Ratch’s life. Once the old man or Mallos heard of Ratch’s continued existence, they would hire another mercenary. Rodin said he wanted to help. He was willing to show Ratch a s