The Shadow is getting ahead of himself. "One step at a time," he says to Peter. "We get the book before they do. Maybe they simply accept that they missed out on the sale, maybe not. We go from there." Getting this manuscript could possibly prove a feat in itself. No need worrying about what the Hunters might think about it until the deed's been done.
"Well, Mr. Byrne," the Burned Man replies with a hard stare, "it's kind of difficult to say what kind of man this hunchback is. He has strange tastes. Occult tastes. Flattery is probably not an option. I don't think money will work either." Truth be told, Cross had left shortly after his first encounter with the man and his partner. But, he'd seen enough to know that this was no ordinary Breather. Besides, it's a lead. And better than anything the others have brought to the table.*
With that, he looks back to Stax, adding onto Byrne's negotiation, "A Minor Boon sounds about right to me as well." If their host is smart, he'll take the deal. Because if things get hairy with this business, Cross may come back with a more exacting toll.
*OOC