Malachi nodded again to the constable. Part of him wished to tell the man not to worry, that it was unnecessary to go out of his way for them -- but he had a sneaking suspicion that doing such things helped Crane feel better about others helping him, so he let it be.

"Peace be with you, constable," offered Malachi as he watched Crane depart.

As soon as the man had stepped away, he turned back to his niece. Without registering that he even did so, Malachi mirrored the curious tilt of her head.

"Nothing I can share, I'm afraid," he informed, his tone kept light. Pivoting away from the stone building, he motioned for Nettie to follow and resumed their stroll. "Is there anything you need now that you have a room? We could still see if any of the shops look decent."