Fake Check!
Or, more precisely, the paper and ink used to make Fake Check!
Those two things were enough to tempt James!
Maltz guessed as much, then looked at Arthur and lowered his voice as he gave him the painter's apprentice's address.
"10 Clara Street, in the Harbor District-I already had men posted there last night."
Maltz's motive was simple: he was worried that something else might happen to the gold and silver jewelry at his partner's 44 Whitebird Street.
Arthur, who already knew about his partner's arrangements, smiled and nodded-having a partner was essential if he wanted enough time to spare.
Of course, he was still a long way from a life of leisure.
Maltz needed to keep growing!
He was only in his fifties. He should stop thinking about retirement-this was his time to shine!
Arthur's grandfather was seventy-two and still went out on "Spirit-exorcism" jobs!
As Arthur reflected on this, he searched his memories for information about that neighborhood.
Fortunately, his former self had been there.
And, in a sense, it had certainly left a lasting impression.
Unlike the shacks where most of the Harbor District's laborers lived, that neighborhood was close to the sea but far from the busy port. Most of its buildings were a story and a half tall, with all sorts of shops. Living conditions were much better than in Sisk Harbor, making it a favored choice among Harbor District residents with a little money.
Quite a few self-proclaimed painters, sculptors, writers, and the like lived there, too.
Perhaps the sea offered inspiration, mysteriously drawing such people to it.
His former self had gone there out of simple curiosity.
Then he had been sorely disappointed.
Most of the painters there painted strange things.
The sculptors made sculptures whose subjects were impossible to identify.