Grace's Tavern.
One silver coin left.
It would be more than enough.
Kora had some credit and a few assets and many friends. Not in this district. Hell, not in this region. She'd have to do some traveling. Go back to her district: Barcelo. It was a few days travel from here. She'd use her credit for the train ride.
From the outside, the tavern looked pretty typical. It was at the front of a two-story building. The owners probably lived over the place, or they rented it out.
She stepped through the double-wide doors into the tavern—not too busy, was only lunchtime.
It was a dark interior, a large space. It took her eyes a few moments to adjust to the darkness. She chose a spot at the far end of the bar, very much away from anyone.
The bartender tracked with her.
"Good day to you, Ma'am."
"Good day to you," said Kora.
He waited for her to order.
There was a picture on the wall of a steak with eggs and a potato. She ordered that.
"And coffee and water," she added.
"Anything else?"
"Nope."
The food couldn't arrive fast enough.
When it did, she scarfed it down. Started with the steak, but interspersed pieces of the eggs. She chugged the cup of water, then moved onto the black coffee. The cold water nearly gave her brain freeze. The hot coffee felt weird against her teeth after drinking the water. She didn't care.
She was still nursing a headache.
Again, her mind went to Alex. She felt another pang of sadness, enjoying food and coffee while Alex was stuck in prison, stuck to face the wrath of Theresa and the angry women of the riot.
The food was already making her feel better, helping her think. She knew she had to do something to help Alex. Before she could think of anything, a woman, about her age, YOUNG, slid onto the barstool next to her. Kora paid no mind, but the young woman spoke:
"Hi, Kora."
Kora regarded the young woman, but couldn't remember if she'd met her before. The woman continued:
"My name is Scarlet. We got your case acquitted. We're with the Resistance, and we need your help."