Page 72 of Gates of Tartarus

“Well, you’ve proved her wrong there.”

I start. “I have, haven’t I? Do you know, I think I’m feeling rather pleased with myself. I mean, I’ve managed to bag myself not one, not two, butthreeboyfriends,” I declaim in my best Count Dracula voice.

Kavi shakes his head at me. “That’s enough of that! You’re not so adorable when you’re smug,priya.”

“Says you,” I pout. Then, curious, I ask, “What does ‘priya’ mean?”

“I’ll tell you on condition that when we’re alone together,I’myour only boyfriend. Now come on, I need to walk off about a pound of sugar.” He stands up, offering me his hand, and I take it, thrilled and a little excited by his show of possessiveness.

“OK,” I assent. “So, ‘priya’?”

He looks down, tucking me firmly into his side. “It means ‘darling’,” he mutters, almost as if embarrassed.

“Oh! Oh that’s nice,” I sigh and nestle up against him as we walk home arm in arm.

???

It’s as I’m changing for my training session with Seef the following afternoon that my phone pings with a text from Elizabeth. She’s managed to set up a video call with Tennireef this morning/afternoon and is inviting me to watch and listen, as it were. I grab the phone and run out to Seef, who looks pleased when I show him the text. I seem to have gotten over my mental block with Tennireef, but an extra viewing can’t hurt. I’m actually looking forward to seeing the conversation, and training glides by.

We make sure to get to Emlyn’s office early, where Seef fills him in as I go through my relaxation exercises. Linking with Elizabeth is surprisingly easy, my mental channels wide open. She’s in her office, where, I see, a large video screen hung on a wall has been turned on. She’s doing some paperwork while she waits; it’s a few minutes to the hour. At one point, she looks up and smiles, and I think maybe she knows I’m there. I wish I could materialize briefly to say hello. Instead, I look around the office. Elizabeth clearly likes the minimalist style, nothing to detract from the amazing view of the Seattle waterfront. I’m gawping at the beauty of it when there’s a soft chime to denote an incoming call. I turn to the screen, and Magda comes into view.

I gasp, while next to me Elizabeth frowns. “Good morning. I take it that you’re Senator Tennireef’s aide? Would you tell him that I’m ready for our meeting?”

Magda smiles. She seems to be in some sort of nondescript conference room, perhaps the business center at her hotel.

“Good morning, Ms. Cole. How nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you and your foundation.”

“All to the good, I’m sure,” Elizabeth says crisply. “Now, please do tell Senator Tennireef that I’m on the line. I have a very busy morning ahead of me and not much time.”

Magda shakes her head, glossy, caramel locks tumbling about her shoulders. “I’m afraid you’ve made a mistake. I’m not calling on behalf of the senator.”

“I’vemade a mistake?” Elizabeth retorts. “Just who are you and how did you get this number?” Her lips thin, and she stares icily at Magda.

“I have my means,” Magda smirks, amused, “and a proposition for you.”

“In that case, you can present it through the usual channels. Now, I’m afraid that I do have another call, as I said. Kindly don’t bother me again.” She lifts her hand to end the call, and Magda says softly, “I wouldn’t.”

Elizabeth stops, hand hovering over the “end call” button. “And why is that?”

“Because,” Magda sneers, “my friends could make life very unpleasant for you.”

Elizabeth throws back her head and laughs. “Melodrama doesn’t work on me, Ms…”

“Androphonos,” Magda interjects. “I represent a group which would be very interested in acquiring your latest developmental drug. We know it’s at phase-two clinical trials and soon to progress to phase three. And that the results are promising. Ninety-five percent efficacy and minimal adverse effects? Most impressive.”

Elizabeth stills: “Thatis proprietary information that’s only been shared with the regulators. Who have you been speaking to?”

Magda shrugs and smiles again. “As I said, we have our ways. It’s all about finding the right inducement. We’d pay handsomely for the formula.”

“Would you indeed?” Elizabeth rolls her eyes. “Our technology is not for sale, which you’d know had you done your due diligence. And even if it were, I don’t do business with people who traffic in bribery and theft. Now, fascinating as it’s been to make your acquaintance, I really must get on. Good-bye, Ms. Androphonos.”

“We’ll speak again soon, Ms. Cole. I’m sure you’ll reconsider once you’ve had a chance to think it over. Until then, do take care of yourself. Life is so unpredictable, isn’t it?”

Elizabeth’s mouth compresses to a razor-thin line. “Is that supposed to be a threat?”

“Merely friendly advice. We wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”

“How very touching. Don’t call again. I won’t change my mind.” This time, Elizabeth does press the “end call” button. For a moment, she sits immobile, eyes glittering. Then she picks up the phone.

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