The Bounty Hunter before her was clearly taken aback, and the imposing air around her vanished.
"I see. Looks like Sherman found himself a powerful backer. No wonder no one had dared touch him lately... In that case, let's talk properly. I can't claim the bounties from Intis and Feynapotter, but you can try. My price is 50 pounds in cash, plus half of his possessions."
"Only ordinary possessions. And you need to make sure he's that human trafficker Baelen, not someone else with the same name."
Sherman had mentioned these conditions in their earlier correspondence, so Angel quickly agreed.
"Of course it's him. A Southern Continent native, reddish-brown skin, missing teeth. The bounties from Feynapotter and Rissoux alone add up to a full 500 pounds. If Loen had already issued a warrant for him, why would I have waited for you to come knocking?"
Xio took another gulp of ale, a satisfied expression appearing on her face as she continued,
"But we need to move fast. He only changed residences last week, so he won't leave anytime soon, but who knows if we drag this out? If we lose our current lead, then forgive my bluntness, but you might search the East Borough until next year and find nothing."
"Then ten tonight. We'll meet here. You can pick through his belongings first, but leave the man to me."
Angel was also worried that delays would bring complications. The characteristics Xio had described did indeed match the information provided by the Hanged Man, and that made her resolve to capture Baelen today.
Besides, at this afternoon's Tarot Club gathering, she could provide the Hanged Man with this clue first and "strengthen" their cooperation. After all, the bounty for "finding Baelen" was 100 pounds, while "capturing Baelen" might command an entirely