"Yes. Right." Gavin nodded and knocked.
Almost instantly, a pleasantly plump woman answered the door. "Yes? Oh, Mister Hawke. Finished in the markets, then?"
"Um, yes." He cleared his throat and stepped inside, giving her a quick smile and gently guiding her back so they were out of earshot. "Look, ah- Martha." That was her name, right? He thought so, but they'd only been introduced that morning. "It seems I've created a bit of a situation..."
He explained as best he could, Smoke clucking and shifting on his shoulder, keeping an eye on the slaver and the girl.
"So, if you think I could convince Master Jacobson to give me an advance-"
The housekeeper held up her hand. Marching to the door, she gave the two strangers a quick once over. Gavin trailed behind her, clasping his hands behind his back nervously. "I've afraid the master of the house is out at the moment," she said primly. "However, if you'll wait here for a few minutes, I will see to it you are paid in full."
Gavin's jaw almost dropped as she spun around again, muttering out of the corner of her mouth, "You owe me for this, falconer."